Abstract:
Viewed in terms of species diversity, the Southern Hemisphere conifer family Podocarpaceae is equivalent to its northern sister the Pinaceae. However, despite their similar age and common heritage these two families diverge strongly in morphology, physiology, and ecology. Both Pinaceae and Podocarpaceae are successful families of vascular plants, and in both cases this success has been built upon contrasting and rather canalized adaptive differentiation. Pinaceae thrive in virtually all Northern Hemisphere forest environments where freezing limits the success of evergreen angiosperm competitors. In contrast, the Podocarpaceae are most successful in the tropics, where they compete
directly with broad-leaved angiosperms, usually in montane rainforest. This chapter discusses some of the key adaptations that have enabled tropical Podocarpaceae to remain competitive during the rise of angiosperms. I also examine the hydraulic “Achilles heel” that limits all members of the Podocarpaceae to a mesic rainfall envelope.
