Neil Snow

New Chromosome Reports in Passiflora (Passifloraceae)

Diploid chromosome numbers are presented for 31 species of Passiflora in subg. Plec- tostemma (sect. Cieca, Pseudodysosmia, Xerogona, Decaloba), Passiflora, Distephana, Tacsonia, and a few species of uncertain alliance. All but one of the counts are of neotropical taxa and the majority are the first reported for each. We remove P. sanguinolenta from subg. Psilanthus and transfer it to subg. Plectostemma, sect. Xerogona, based on morphological and karyotypic evidence. There are two basic numbers that are widespread in Passiflora: the relatively symmetrical and large karyotype of x = 9, which is reported for subg. Passiflora, Distephana, and Tacsonia; and the more asymmetrical and smaller karyotype of x = 6, counted here for subg. Plectostemma.

Studies of Malagasy Eugenia (Myrtaceae) - I: Two New Species from the Masoala Peninsula and Generic Transfers from Monimiastrum

Abstract Two new species of Eugenia (Myrtaceae) are described from the Masoala Peninsula in Madagascar: Eugenia williamsiana and Eugenia ambanizanensis. Each has relatively large leaves among Malagasy taxa of the genus. Both species are presently known from only two collections, but since they occur in a well-protected area they are considered Least Concern under IUCN guidelines. Features of the inflorescence and floral morphology of E. ambanizanensis are atypical for Eugenia and are discussed in light of the putatively related genera Stereocaryum, Monimiastrum, and Plinia. A tentative key is provided for species of Eugenia from Madagascar in which some or all of the mature leaves are in excess of 15 cm in length. Based on published and unpublished DNA sequencing data, five species of Monimiastrum are transferred into Eugenia.

Studies of Malagasy Eugenia (Myrtaceae) - II: Four New Species, Including One Eaten by Black Lemurs on Nosy Be

Abstract Four species of Eugenia are newly proposed for Madagascar. Eugenia ardyceae and Eugenia louisae occur in the southeast region near Tolagnaro; Eugenia nosibensis is restricted to Nosy Be off of the northern coast; and E. lacerosepala occurs in the northeast. Eugeina ardyceae and E. nosibensis each are known from several gatherings, E. louisae is known from two collections, and E. lacerosepala is known only from the type collection. Eugenia nosibensis is relatively common in the Lokobe Réserve Intégrale, and its fruits are eaten by black lemurs (Eulemur macaco). The recommended conservation status for the species based on the IUCN criteria is Endangered for Eugenia lacerosepala and E. louisae, and Vulnerable for E. ardyceae and E. nosibensis. The importance of noting and reporting the local relative abundance of species when they are collected is discussed, particularly in remote, biodiversity-rich areas that are rarely visited. Such information helps later workers formulate conservation recommendations and aids in the prioritizing of later field trips that target rare taxa for further study.

Systematic Conspectus of Australasian Myrtinae (Myrtaceae)

A systematic overview is presented of the fleshy-fruited genera of Australasian Myrtaceae traditionally assigned to subtribe Myrtinae (= Pimentinae). Three flushes of research activity during the Twentieth Century regarding these genera are summarized; namely those of Burret, Scott, and Guymer and Snow. Two and probably three new genera are soon to be described, as well as approximately thirty new species from various genera. Emerging data support the observation by Landrum & Stevenson (1986) that Xanthomyrtus is aberrant in this group of genera and possibly related to Tristania. The monophyly of traditionally recognized subfamilies Leptospermoideae and Myrtoideae, and even some of the tribes and subtribes, is increasingly challenged by molecular data, although the molecular data also support some traditionally recognized groups or alliances of genera, such as those clustering around Eucalytpus, Melaleuca, Leptospermum, and Myrtus. Priorities for future research are suggested, the most prominent being the need for a reassessment of generic relationships between Rhodomyrtus, Archirhodomyrtus, and an undescribed genus from New Caledonia.

Kanakomyrtus (Myrtaceae): A New Endemic Genus from New Caledonia with Linear Stigma Lobes and Baccate Fruits

Abstract Kanakomyrtus (Myrtaceae) is a newly described genus endemic to New Caledonia. Kanakomyrtus myrtopsidoides, the generic type, is transferred from Eugenia. Five new species are described: K. mcphersonii, K. revoluta, K. dawsoniana, K. prominens, and K. longtpetiolata. The genus occurs in forests at elevations between 500–1,600 m on the relatively mesic windward side of the Grande Terre. It is distinct from other baccate genera of Myrtaceae by a combination of linear stylar lobes, densely glandular stamens and stigmas, and a short but densely hoary indumentum that is brownish when dry. The thinly membranous partitions that partially extend between the seeds of some species suggest a close relationship to Archirhodomyrtus and some species traditionally placed in Rhodomyrtus. and Octamyrtus. Four of the six species have unisexual flowers, but much additional field work is needed to assess the reproductive biology of the genus. Following IUCN guidelines, four species are proposed as either Endangered or Critically Endangered, whereas the remaining species are considered Vulnerable and of Low Concern. Species descriptions, illustrations, distribution maps, and keys to species of the genus and related taxa of baccate Myrtaceae from New Caledonia are included.

Systematics of Pilidiostigma (Myrtaceae)

Abstract A systematic treatment is presented for the six species of Pilidiostigma (Myrtaceae), one newly described. Pilidiostigma is distinguished from other fleshy-fruited genera of Myrtaceae by the combination of its elliptic anthers, capitate to peltate stigma, testa usually chartaceous-membranous and covered with numerous large yellow or white oil glands (except for P. tetramerum), 1–3 locular ovary, and globular embryo in which the cotyledons and hypocotyl often are not, or only slightly, differentiated. The genus occurs predominantly in eastern Australia in wet forests east of the Great Dividing Range from near sea level to 1300 meters, although P. papuanum also extends into New Guinea. The new species Pilidiostigma sessile is described from northeastern Queensland and is diagnosed by its sessile or nearly sessile, basally rounded to cordate leaves. Lectotypes are designated for P. rhytispermum and P. glabrum. Detailed descriptions are provided for each species, along with a key, and profiles of essential oils are reviewed for most species.

Syzygium dawsoniana (Myrtaceae): A New Species from New Caledonia with Bullate Leaves

Abstract The new species Syzygium dawsoniana is proposed for New Caledonia. It is characterized by its relatively large bullate leaves with a cuneate base and distinct petiole. It most closely resembles Syzygium guillauminii, which differs by its sessile to subsessile leaves having cordate or rounded bases. A preliminary conservation status of Endangered [EN] is suggested following IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Revision of Australian Species of Uromyrtus (Myrtaceae) and Two New Combinations for New Caledonia

Abstract Australian species of Uromyrtus are revised and separated on morphological differences under the general lineage species concept using the criterion of character fixation. Two new species are described. The first, Uromyrtus lamingtonensis, is endemic to southeastern Queensland and its mountainous southeastern boundary with New South Wales. It is distinguished from congeneric Australian species by dense oil glands on both surfaces of the relatively short, acute leaves. The second, Uromyrtus tenellus, occurs in northeastern Queensland. It differs from other Australian members of the genus by the combination of rounded leaf bases, cuspidate to apiculate leaf apices, absence of prominent oil glands on either laminar surface, and relatively long petals. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and distribution maps are presented for the four Australian taxa. Keys are provided to separate the Australian species of Uromyrtus and to separate Uromyrtus from the New World genus Ugni, which it resembles in several aspects of floral morphology. Transfers are made from Myrtus for two New Caledonian species, Uromyrtus baumannii and Uromyrtus sunshinensis. Communicating Editor: Matt Lavin

Rhodamnia longisepala lMyrtaceaerc An endangered species from Northeastern Queenslandc Australia

Rhodamnia longisepala N. Snow & A. J. Ford is described from the Windsor Tableland region of northeastern Queensland, Australia. All known collections occur in the Chowchilla Logging Area of State Forest Reserve 144. Since only nine plants are known over an area of 1 km2, the species is considered highly vulnerable. The new species is distinguished from others in Rhodamnia by the persistent and erect subulate sepal lobes of the fruit. The fruit droops at maturity, is covered by densely villous to hirsute hairs, and lacks a reddish stage en route to its purplish black mature color. Domatia are present on the abaxial leaf surface where the major lateral nerves join the midnerve near the petiole. Rhodamnia longisepala somewhat resembles R. rubescens in leaf morphology and pubescence, but the latter species is far more common and is distributed from southeastern Queensland to southeastern New South Wales.

An annotated checklist and key to Eugenia (Myrtaceae) from Congo (Brazzaville)

We present an annotated checklist of the eight known Eugenia species from Congo (Brazzaville) with information on their distribution, ecology and consulted specimens. Four lectotypes are designated here for species occurring in the country.