Corynocarpus J. R. & G. Forst.– an isolated genus

The very varied relationships that have been proposed are reviewed. Floral morphology and floral vasculature are described and the interpretations of some floral structures, particularly staminodes, disk and gynoecium are discussed. It is concluded that the petaloid scales are equivalent to petals rather than staminodes, that the nectaries do not represent a disk and that the gynoecium is monocarpellary. Evidence from several other characters confirms that none of the relationships which have been suggested are valid. Corynocarpus thus appears to be a truly isolated genus.