Degeneriaceae is a family of plants that has an interesting story. They are endemic to New Caledonia, an island in the Pacific, and were first discovered by two brothers, Paul and Prosper Degener, in 1948. The brothers, who were both botanists, named the family after themselves.
What makes Degeneriaceae even more interesting is that it is believed to be one of the oldest plant families in the world, dating back nearly 140 million years. Because of their unique and ancient nature, many botanists have been fascinated by them and have worked hard to better understand and protect them from extinction. Despite this effort, Degeneriaceae face a high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
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Short Description
Degeneria is a genus of flowering plants endemic to Fiji. It is the only genus in the family Degeneriaceae. The APG IV system of 2016 (unchanged from the APG system of 1998, the APG II system of 2003 and the APG III system of 2009), recognizes this family, and assigns it to the order Magnoliales in the clade magnoliids.
Degeneria was named after Otto Degener, who first found D. vitiensis in 1942. Classical studies of native stands of Degeneria from Vanua Levu and Viti Levu islands were conducted more than 30 years ago.
A 45-cent stamp issued in 1988 depicted a flowering branch of Degeneria vitiensis. This species appears on Fiji’s five-dollar bill. A one-dollar 1988 philatelic commemorated the discovery of Degeneria roseiflora earlier in that same year.
The genus contains two species of trees, both native to Fiji:
Degeneria roseiflora John M.Mill. – Vanua Levu, Taveuni – karawa
Degeneria vitiensis L.W.Bailey & A.C.Sm. – Viti Levu – masiratu.
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