The comparative study on the cuticle micro-morphology of Pilgerodendron uviferum (Cupressaceae) and its relatives

The taxonomic position of the monotypic conifer Pilgerodendron uviferum , an endemic species in southern South America, has been disputed on the basis of phylogenetic analysis using molecular data. These results suggest that P. uviferum is a species of Libocedrus. Phylogenetic analysis using morphological data appears to uphold its separate status. Characters of leaf cuticles are investigated and compared between four related genera including Pilgerodendron and further distinctions between these are reported. The merits of these conflicting data sets for the taxonomy of the genus Libocedrus s.l. are discussed. It is concluded that the evidence for a merger of Pilgerodendron with Libocedrus is weak and that both morphology and biogeography support the separation of the two genera.