Academic editor: P. de Lange
The genus
Lannuzel G, Gâteblé G, Bean AR, Wang J (2021)
The genus was apparently first recorded in a publication for New Caledonia by
This revision is based on morphological examination of
1 | Trichomes on scape patent, 0.2–0.5 mm long. Cypsela with beak 0.1–0.3 mm long; oval in cross section, longitudinal ribs on both surfaces, base with no trichome |
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– | Trichomes on scape appressed, c. 0.1 mm long. Cypsela with a beak 0.4–0.5 mm long; laterally flattened, smooth on both surfaces, base usually with 1–3 trichomes more or less caducous |
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Haute Tipindje, Contrefort Sud du massif Oua Tilou, 400 m, 28 Jun 1970,
Distribution of
Both flowers and fruits were recorded from February through November from herbarium specimens.
The specific epithet
The species is largely distributed on the mainland, though often neglected by collectors, perhaps because it is an inconspicuous herb and maybe considered as an “exotic” or weedy species. The number of localities where it occurs may then be underestimated through herbarium records. The ecology of the species being rainforests floors and maquis on both ultramafic and non-ultramafic substrates at low to medium altitudes tend to consider the invasive introduced
Generic placement of the new species is subject to debate, and consideration was given to making it a new monotypic genus. However, as pointed out by
Comparison of the diagnostic characters of
Taxon | Marginal florets | Disc florets | Cypselae | Pappus |
---|---|---|---|---|
|
1–2–seriate with ligule | 4–or 5–lobed, functionally male | ribbed, with glandular beak | absent |
2–5–seriate with ligule | 4– or 5–lobed, functionally male | smooth, with glandular beak | absent (except scales on disc florets of |
|
|
uniseriate with ligule | 4– or 5–lobed, fertile or sterile | ribbed or not, no glandular beak | present |
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2– or 3–seriate with ligule | 4–lobed, sterile | smooth, with glandular beak | absent |
|
2–5(–10) –seriate with ligule | 4– or 5–lobed, fertile or sterile | smooth, with glandular beak | absent |
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uniseriate with ligule | 5–lobed, sterile | ribbed, no glandular beak | present (barbellate) |
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3– or 4–seriate without ligule | 4–lobed, functionally male | smooth, no glandular beak | absent |
Some plants on
Distribution of
Flowers and fruits have been recorded almost all year round with a peak of specimens in March but this could be an artefact. In cultivation, the species seems to flower throughout the year.
The species is relatively common on mainland, though often neglected by collectors, perhaps because it is inconspicuous or considered to be an exotic or weedy species. Hence, the number of localities where it occurs, judging by herbarium records, may be underestimated. The ecology of the species is rainforest on non-ultramafic substrates at low to medium altitudes. The invasive-introduced
We acknowledge the curators of CANB, L, MEL, NOU, NSW and P for the loan of herbarium specimens and especially Marc Pignal (P) and David Bruy, the curator of NOU. Ranee Prakash (BM) provided high resolution images of Compton specimens. Jérôme Munzinger and the P herbarium team are also acknowledged for the transmission of the destroyed herbarium list. Christian Laudereau (