Toronia
L.A.S.Johnson & B.G.Briggs
Torus
Species Guides
2Toronia is a of evergreen tree in the Proteaceae, containing the single Toronia toru, which is to New Zealand. The genus was established in 1975 by Lawrie Johnson and Barbara G. Briggs, separating this species from the related genus Persoonia, though phylogenetic studies now indicate Toronia is nested within Persoonia.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Toronia: /tɔˈroʊniə/
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Identification
Toronia toru can be distinguished from Persoonia by its tree habit (versus shrub habit in most Persoonia), long slender green leaves, small yellow flowers, and red to dark purple-blue fleshy fruits. It reaches 7–11 metres in height.
Habitat
Found in the northern half of the North Island of New Zealand.
Distribution
to New Zealand; restricted to the northern half of the North Island.
Similar Taxa
- PersooniaToronia was long classified within Persoonia and remains phylogenetically nested within it; differs in growth form (tree vs. shrub) and geographic restriction to New Zealand
More Details
Taxonomic history
Toronia toru was originally described as a Persoonia before Johnson and Briggs established the separate in 1975. Molecular phylogenetic studies have since challenged this separation, indicating Toronia should be returned to Persoonia.