On the delimitation between Aristotelia l’Hér. and Sericolea Schltr. (Elaeocarpaceae)

The present investigation arose from a discussion between Dr van Steenis and Mr C. T. White in July 1950 concerning a plant from North Queensland, collected by Mr L. J. Brass. The specimen was pre-identified as an Aristotelia but also showed similarity with the Papuan genus Sericolea. The need was felt to investigate the distinction between the two genera. Mr White was very keen to investigate the problem himself but this was unfortunately prevented by his untimely death, only two weeks after this discussion. The problem has rested ever since, until in 1963 I had to verify the distinction between the two genera for my work on the Pacific flora, a work executed under a grant from the Netherlands Organisation for the Advancement of Pure Research (Z.W.O.).