On the Distribution of the Formosan Conifers

抄録

In the course of my study of the Formosan flora, I found that there is a very peculiar similarity between the Japanese and Formosan. This rendered me to wonder if there had not existed a land mass between Japan and Formosa; because the similarity of flora is much more affected by the continuation of land than any other physical condition. I have chosen here the Coniferæ as an example, as conifers are a comparatively old type and are restricted in each locality, and therefore, very convenient for the observation of the relation of flora.
Studying the Conifers in the Asiatic flora, I found that the Chino-Japanese flora is naturally divided into two florules i.e.-1) Border Florule, 2) Central Florule. The two originate in North China, one developing in the central part, and forming the Central Florule, and the other developing in the border region and forming the Border Florule.2)
I found also that the conifers of Formosa are much more similar to those of Japan than those of Central China, and I have come to the conclusion, from the botanical point of view, that there must have been in existence a land mass between Japan and Formosa. Geologists are also inclined to have the same opinion.
Lastly I made a few remarks about the origin of the Chino-Japanese Flora to which the Formosan belong. Taking into account the relation of the fossils to living plants, and that of the distribution, I was led to think that their origin is some polar regions or North America.