Adventitious roots in Kunzea triregensis (Myrtaceae)

Peter J. de Lange^1,*, Theo J. P de Lange²

¹ Applied Molecular Solutions Research Centre, School of Environmental and Animal Sciences, Unitec, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
² 16 Jesmond Terrace, Mt Albert, Auckland 1025, New Zealand.
^* pdelange@unitec.ac.nz

Received: 07 January 2025 | Accepted: 17 March 2025 | Published: 15 May 2025
Senior Editor: Marleen Baling
https://doi.org/10.34074/pibdiv.003103

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Abstract
Adventitious roots are reported for Kunzea triregensis de Lange, an apparent first for this species and the Aotearoa | New Zealand indigenous representatives of Kunzea Rchb. It is noted that the roots were observed in a cultivated tree of this Manawatawhi | the Three Kings Islands endemic that had been raised from a cutting. The role of adventitious roots in Myrtaceae is briefly summarised and it is concluded that their production in K. triregensis is potentially a response to enable the tree to obtain water collected in the branch axils. As adventitious roots are known to be produced more frequently by cutting grown Myrtaceae, it is possible that the roots reflect the cutting origin of the planted tree rather than the natural state for this species. Investigation of adventitious root production in natural populations of this species on Manawatāwhi / Three Kings Islands is advocated.