Ackama A. Cunn.

The genus Ackama includes four species, two in Australia and two in New Zealand (de Lange et al. 2002). Ackama was placed in synonymy with Caldcluvia D. Don by Hoogland (1979). Later studies of the seeds and fruits suggested that its continued recognition as a separate genus was warranted (Godley 1983, Webb & Simpson 1991), but modern DNA-based studies have confirmed the close relationship with Caldcluvia. Both genera provide domatia (refuges) for ants in tufts of hair along the leaf midvein. However, Ackama is easily identified by its lack of floral pedicels and its round seeds with long hairs (Bradford & Barnes 2001). Ackama species are evergreen trees or shrubs with imparipinnate, stipulate leaves. The inflorescences are compound panicles with unisexual (or hermaphrodite), 5-merous flowers. The fruits are dehiscent, leathery capsules and are red, pink or cream at maturity (Allan 1961, de Lange et al. 2002).