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| Myrsine cirrhosa Lorence & K.R.Wood, in Lorence, Wood, Appelhans et Wagner, 2024. |
Abstract
Myrsine cirrhosa Lorence & K.R.Wood (Primulaceae), a new single-island endemic shrub species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands, is described and illustrated. Notes on its distribution, ecology and conservation status are included. The new species is known from an area with ca. 45 individuals, where it is restricted to the remote central windward region of Kaua‘i in open bogs and along open windy ridges. Suggested IUCN Red List status is CR (Critically Endangered). It differs from its Kaua‘i congeners by its longer petals and narrowly elliptic leaves with strongly undulate margins and tendril-like apex. Phylogenetic analysis using RADseq data supports the recognition of this new species.
Key words: Conservation, Hawaiian Islands, Kaua‘i endemism, Myrsine, Primulaceae
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| Myrsine cirrhosa Lorence & K.R.Wood A habit, fruiting branch B leaf showing cirrhose apex and detail of intramarginal venation C inflorescence in bud D inflorescence, flowers at anthesis E flower at anthesis, view from apex F flower at anthesis, view from base G pistil H mature drupe. A, B drawn from Wood et al. 835 (PTBG), C drawn from Wood & Query 12824 (PTBG), D–G drawn from Wood et al.18139 (PTBG), H drawn from Perlman & Wood 12747 (PTBG). Illustration by Robin Jess. |
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| Myrsine cirrhosa Lorence & K.R.Wood A habit showing leaves with characteristic undulate margins and cirrhose apex (from Kamo‘oloa headwater below Kapalaoa Kaua‘i, Wood & Query 12824) B twig with leaves and flowers (from Wai‘ahi, Kaua‘i Wood 18139) C open exposed wind-swept summit ridges of Wai‘ale‘ale, Kaua‘i representing the habitat for Myrsine cirrhosa. All photos by K.R. Wood. |
Myrsine cirrhosa Lorence & K.R.Wood, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Myrsine cirrhosa is most similar morphologically to both M. helleri and M. fosbergii, from which it differs by its longer petals and leaves with a combination of strongly undulate margins and tendril-like, cirrhose apex.
Etymology: Specific epithet refers to the curved or hooked, tendril-like leaf apices. However, the plant is shrubby and non-climbing.
David H. Lorence, Kenneth R. Wood, Marc S. Appelhans and Warren L. Wagner. 2024. Myrsine cirrhosa (Primulaceae), A distinctive New shrub Species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands. PhytoKeys. 243: 47-61. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.243.123694
