Unknown New Zealand angiosperm assigned to Cunoniaceae using sequence of the chloroplast rbcL gene

We report the first example of identification of an unknown flowering plant to family level using comparison of DNA sequences. The newly-discovered New Zealand plant had not been identified by traditional methods, but has been placed in the Gondwanic family Cunoniaceae on the basis of the sequence of its chloroplast rbcL gene. It has not flowered, but its vegetative characters are typical of the family. However, it is clearly unusual in several morphological and anatomical features and appears to match no known genus. We consider that, although it probably represents an unnamed new genus, it could possibly be a mutant dwarf form of Weinmannia racemosa, so it is not prudent to name it at this time.