ARPHA Preprints, doi: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e148020
Reinstatement of Memecylon elegantulum (Melastomataceae) and recircumscription of Memecylon rostratum, two species endemic to Sri Lanka
expand article infoAmila Perera, Himesh Jayasinghe§, Bhathiya Gopallawa|, Isuru Madawala, Nimal Gunatilleke#, Nalaka Geekiyanage¤
‡ Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC, Colombo, Sri Lanka§ National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka| Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka¶ Agriculture Publication Unit, Department of Agriculture, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka# Department of Botany, Faulty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka¤ Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Open Access
Abstract
Memecylon elegantulum Thwaites, a heterotypic synonym of M. rostratum Thwaites, is re-instated based on recent collections and field observations. The two species differ mainly in their habit, inflorescence structure, floral morphology and lamina morphology. A lectotype and an epitype are designated for Memecylon elegantulum, and a lectotype designated for M. rostratum. Both species are confined to the mixed dipterocarp rainforests of Sri Lanka’s perhumid south-western ‘wet zone’. Memecylon elegantulum appears to be restricted to a relatively small range in Ratnapura district, while M. rostratum has a wider distribution in wet zone.
Keywords
endemic, low land wet zone, Sri Lanka, typification