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Present patterns of diversity in the Australian flora have been shaped by increasing seasonality since the Eocene, and by pronounced aridification in the past 3 million years. Arid-zone plants are commonly hypothesised to be the products of radiations of ancestrally temperate or coastal lineages, as in the case of the everlasting paper daisy tribe Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae). However, these inferences are often based on higher-level phylogenies, whereas evolutionary processes in the Australian Gnaphalieae have rarely been studied at the species level. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny and biogeographic history of the small, but ecologically diverse, paper daisy genus Leucochrysum, to examine recent habitat shifts and character changes, at the same time exploring the feasibility of using amplicon sequencing of low-copy nuclear gene regions to resolve phylogenetic relationships in Australian Gnaphalieae. On the balance of evidence, outgroup comparison and ancestral-area reconstruction support an ancestral range in the arid zone with subsequent diversification towards the south-east, demonstrating a complex evolutionary history with a re-colonisation of temperate areas. Low amplification success rates suggest that methods other than amplicon sequencing of currently available primers will be more promising for molecular phylogenetic work at a larger scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing taxonomic studies of Australian marine algae have led to the recognition of a new species of the green algal genus Rhipilia , here named R. psammophila Huisman & Verbruggen. The new species is unusual for this typically tropical genus in growing in the colder temperate waters of southern Australia and can be distinguished from its congeners by the morphology of its laterally adhering siphons, in addition to unique molecular sequences (rbc L and tuf A). In molecular analysis, the new species is sister to the southern Australian Chlorodesmis baculifera , which is here transferred to Rhipilia and represents the third species in the genus with laterally unattached, free siphons, a feature that previously would have excluded it from the genus. Lateral gametangia are described for R. psammophila and represent the first record of reproduction in Rhipilia. A species of green algae, Rhipilia psammophila, growing in south-western Australia. Taxonomic studies of Australian seaweeds are showing a wealth of undiscovered species. In this paper, a new species of green seaweed, Rhipilia psammophila , is described for specimens from south-western Australia, and a closely related species currently known as Chlorodesmis baculifera is transferred to Rhipilia. Morphological features are proving unreliable in distinguishing genera in this group and molecular analyses are essential. (Photograph by John Huisman.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, nomenclatural issues concerning nine Amaranthus taxa in the Australian flora are clarified. Lectotypes are designated for names of three currently accepted species (A. interruptus R.Br., A. rhombeus R.Br. and A. undulatus R.Br.) and two names now being considered to be taxonomic synonyms (A. lineatus R.Br. and A. macrocarpus var. pallidus Benth.). The earlier 'holotype' citations for the taxonomic synonym A. incurvatus Timeroy ex Gren. & Godr. and the currently accepted species A. quitensis Kunth are here considered effective lectotypifications. The holotype material for the nomenclatural synonym A. mitchellii var. grandiflorus J.M.Black is clarified. A neotype is designated for A. pallidiflorus var. viridiflorus Thell. (now considered to be a taxonomic synonym). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper completes a revision of the endemic Australian genus Cassinia R.Br. Cassinia subgenus Achromolaena comprises two sections, namely, section Achromolaena of seven species (C. laevis, C. arcuata, C. uncata, C. tenuifolia, C. collina, C. subtropica, and C. quinquefaria), and Cassinia section Siftonia, which contains two species (C. sifton and C. theodorii). Cassinia laevis is divided into western (C. laevis subsp. laevis) and eastern (C. laevis subsp. rosmarinifolia (A.Cunn.) Orchard, comb. et stat. nov.) taxa. Examination of the type of C. arcuata showed that this name is synonymous with C. paniculata, and applies to a relatively rare taxon with whitish capitula arranged in short erect compact panicles, and found in Western Australia, the midlands of South Australia, western Victoria and (formerly) south-western New South Wales. Furthermore, it belongs to section Achromolaena. The taxon with red to brown capitula, widespread throughout south-eastern Australia, which until now has been (incorrectly) known as C. arcuata (Sifton bush) is distinct, but lacks a published name. The name Cassinia sifton Orchard, sp. nov. is here proposed for this taxon. An unfortunate outcome of this discovery is that the sectional name Cassinia section Arcuatae, with C. arcuata as type, becomes synonymous with section Achromolaena. The new name Cassinia section Siftonia is proposed to accommodate Sifton bush (C. sifton) and its narrowly endemic sister species C. theodorii. A summary of the whole genus is provided, with keys to all taxa. Three former subspecies of C. macrocephala are raised to species rank (C. petrapendula (Orchard) Orchard, C. storyi (Orchard) Orchard, C. tenuis (Orchard) Orchard), and it is suggested that C. furtiva Orchard may be conspecific with C. straminea (Benth.) Orchard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leafless Bossiaea species are a unique group of plants endemic to Australia that present intriguing challenges in taxonomy and conservation because of their morphological simplicity and often small, disjunct populations. We employed whole genome reduced representation sequencing (DArTseq) to enhance our understanding of the population dynamics, diversity and taxonomy of leafless Bossiaea species. Our dataset comprised 52,539 single-nucleotide polymorphisms across 283 samples from 7 leafless Bossiaea species, including 6 listed threatened species. We examined population structure, phylogenetic relationships, kinship and gene flow within and among populations. On the basis of our population-genomic analyses, we propose recognition of the novel taxon Bossiaea vombata subsp. orientalis and a change in status from species (B. milesiae) to subspecies for B. fragrans subsp. milesiae. Additionally, we show extensive clonal reproduction across species and limited gene flow at distances of >1 km, shedding light on the challenges faced by these species. We advocate a coordinated approach to conservation, focusing on restoring self-sustaining populations and leveraging genetic rescue strategies. By addressing the population dynamics of multiple species simultaneously in taxonomically challenging lineages, we can make informed choices to safeguard biodiversity and evolutionary potential. This study investigates the population dynamics, diversity and taxonomy of leafless Bossiaea species, a distinctive group of Australian plants, by using whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism data. The findings suggest recognition of a new subspecies, Bossiaea vombata subsp. orientalis , and a change in status for B. milesiae to B. fragrans subsp. milesiae. We also highlight challenges in reproduction and gene flow among Bossiaea populations, emphasising the need for coordinated conservation efforts. (Image credit: Keith McDougall.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flora writing has traditionally been an important but sporadic part of the taxonomic process. The gap between the completion of Bentham's Flora australiensis and the commencement of the Flora of Australia project, for example, was 103 years. Floras are generally written by small teams (occasionally by single authors) based in single or coordinated networks of institutions, and function as authoritative, point-in-time syntheses of taxonomic activity during the years preceding their creation. Of course, since taxonomy is a dynamic and (potentially) open-ended science, it is often the case that as soon as a Flora treatment is published, it is rendered superseded by ongoing taxonomy. The traditional taxonomic process can, thus, be modelled as a cyclic alternation of open, unconstrained, more-or-less unmediated taxonomic activity (hypothesis generation) punctuated by short phases of synthesis, constraint and mediation (hypothesis consolidation). The opportunity to move from paper Flora publication to digital management and delivery of eFloras may substantially change this model. Although traditional Floras are understood to be unitary, authoritative, synthetic, sporadic and static, eFloras are expected to be unitary, authoritative, synthetic, continuous and dynamic. There is potential tension between the first three expectations of an eFlora (that it be unitary, authoritative and synthetic) and the last two (that it be continuous and dynamic). Resolving this tension may necessitate a change in the way taxonomy is conducted, mediated and managed; the implications of such change will need to be carefully considered, and the change will need to be carefully managed, to makethe most of the opportunities of eFloras, while retaining the values of an open, vigorous taxonomic science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines current gaps in the Flora of Australia in terms of family-level treatments, and next steps towards completing the Flora, including moving from hard-copy volumes to a more dynamic and collaborative online platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resolution of systematic associations and species boundaries is vital for developing conservation priorities for threatened taxa. A complex of Fontainea (Euphorbiaceae) populations, endemic to rainforest communities in central-eastern Australia, comprises several taxonomically challenging species. Fontainea oraria is Critically Endangered, with only one natural population of 10 mature individuals, with the closely related species F. australis being listed as Vulnerable. A recently discovered Fontainea population (currently nominated as F. sp. Coffs Harbour) with taxonomic similarities to F. oraria has been provisionally listed as Critically Endangered, with fewer than 40 individuals. This study employed an integrative approach, combining genetic data and morphometrics to determine species boundaries for three threatened Fontainea population groups as a model system for an integrative approach to delimiting cryptic species. Although our results suggest the potential subdivision of the population groups into three taxa, caution is warranted because this hypothesis remains inconclusive. Taxonomic challenges demand a careful approach, acknowledging the possibility of alternative interpretations. Contrary to supporting distinct species, our morphological and genetic data may also be interpreted as indicative of a single species with geographic variation, a phenomenon observed in genetically linked populations experiencing isolation by distance. Overall, we highlight the need for further research to establish species limits to guide conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Derris Lour. and Brachypterum (Wight & Arn.) Benth. (Leguminosae subfamily Papilionoideae) in Australia are revised on the basis of examination of fresh, dried and spirit-preserved specimens and phylogenetic analysis of plastid matK and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence data. Three species of Derris and four species of Brachypterum are recognised as occurring in Australia. Two new Brachypterum species, namely Brachypterum nitidum W.E.Cooper and Brachypterum opacum W.E.Cooper, are described and illustrated. Notes on habitat, distribution and an identification key are presented for all species of both genera that occur in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribe Anthemideae (Asteraceae) is represented in Australia by only nine indigenous species of Cotula and Leptinella. The generic placement of Cotula alpina (Hook.f.) Hook.f. is considered problematic, because it shares the stoloniferous and scapose habit of Leptinella, but lacks corollas in female florets, a trait traditionally considered defining of Cotula. A previous phylogenetic analysis of Leptinella using ITS and chloroplast data showed that the species nested in that genus, but some uncertainty remained because of incomplete sequence data and missing cytological information, and no taxonomic change was made. Here, we use target-capture data from three different sequencing initiatives to reconstruct a phylogeny of Australian native and introduced Anthemideae to resolve this outstanding question. We confirm previous results with a high degree of support and formally transfer Cotula alpina to the genus Leptinella. A lectotype is selected for the basionym, Ctenosperma alpinum Hook.f. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Vachellia Wight & Arn. has a pantropical distribution, with species being distributed through Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia. The relationships among the lineages from Africa and America are well understood, but the phylogenetic placement and evolutionary origins of the Australian species of Vachellia are not known. We, therefore, sequenced four plastid genes from representatives of each of the nine Australian species of Vachellia , and used Bayesian inference to assess the phylogenetic placement of these lineages, and a relaxed molecular clock to assess the timing of diversification. The Australian species of Vachellia form a well-supported monophyletic clade, with molecular-dating analysis suggesting a single dispersal into Australia 6.5 million years ago (95% range 13.9–2.7 million years ago). Diversification of the Australian clade commenced more recently, c. 3.1 million years ago (95% range 9.2–1.2 million years ago), perhaps driven by the increased aridification of Australia at this time. The closest relatives to the Australian Vachellia were not from the Malesian bioregion, suggesting either a long-distance dispersal from Africa, or two separate migrations through Asia. These results not only improve our understanding of the biogeography of Vachellia species, but also have significant implications for the biological control of invasive Vachellia species in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper presents molecular data from three chloroplast markers (atpBrbcL spacer, trnG G2 intron, trnLtrnF intron and spacer); morphological data, and geographic data to support the recognition of nine species belonging to Radula subg. Odontoradula in Australasia. R. ocellata, the subgeneric type from the Wet Tropics bioregion, is maintained as distinct from its sister species, R. pulchella, from south-eastern Australian rainforests; both species are Australian endemics. Reinstatement of R. allisonii from synonymy, under R. retroflexa, is supported by molecular data and morphological characters, including the absence of triradiate trigones on leaf-lobe cell walls, the apex of lobules on primary shoots not being turned outwards, the oblong-elliptic female bracts, and the perianths having a pronounced wing. Reinstatement of R. weymouthiana, from synonymy under R. retroflexa, is also supported by molecular data and morphological characters, including the presence of a single low dome-shaped papilla over each leaf-lobe cell, and the large imbricate lobules on primary shoots. R. weymouthiana occurs in Tasmania and New Zealand, whereas R. allisonii is a New Zealand endemic. Australian R. retroflexa exhibits differentiation into epiphytic and rheophytic morphs, interpreted as ecotypes. Australian individuals, comprising both epiphytic and rheophytic morphs, are monophyletic and nested within a clade containing individuals from other regions. R. novae-hollandiae is newly reported for the New Zealand Botanical Region, from Raoul Island in the Kermadecs. R. novae-hollandiae exhibits decoupling of morphological and molecular divergence, with Australian individuals forming two clades reflecting geography (a Wet Tropics bioregion clade and a south-eastern Rainforest clade). These clades exhibit equivalent levels of molecular divergence, as observed in R. pulchella and R. ocellata, but no morphological differences. Similar levels of molecular divergence were observed in trans-Tasman populations of R. tasmanica. The New Zealand endemic, R. plicata, is excluded from the Australian flora, and R. cuspidata replaces R. dentifolia for the New Zealand endemic species formerly known by both names. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of Australia's sclerophyllous Rutaceae belong to a clade informally known as the 'Eriostemon group' (including 16 genera, ~209 species). We investigated generic relationships in this group using analyses of complete plastome sequence data for 60 species and analyses of a supermatrix including sequences of four plastome spacer regions for 22 additional species. Maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference, and shortcut coalescent phylogenetic analyses produced congruent phylogenies that were highly supported, except for a series of short unsupported branches in the backbone of the Eriostemon group. We found high support for four major clades branching from this polytomy and discuss evolutionary inferences of generic relationships in each lineage. In an effort to resolve the polytomy, we analysed gene tree topologies in tree space, phylogenetic informativeness with likelihood mapping, and conducted topology tests to assess support for all possible topological resolutions of the polytomy. These approaches did not clarify the polytomy, which may be caused by insufficient data, features of plastome evolution, or rapid radiation. Results from analyses of the combined supermatrix dataset suggest that Philotheca section Philotheca is paraphyletic with regards to Drummondita and Geleznowia. In all phylogenies, Philotheca sections Corynonema and Cyanochlamys were not placed with other members of Philotheca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphologically complex and charismatic genus Geleznowia (Rutaceae) is endemic to south-western Australia and faces existing and potential conservation issues associated with land clearing, climate change and commercial harvesting. Two species are currently recognised in the genus, but horticulturally recognised forms and phrase-named taxa reflect additional suspected species diversity. The genus exhibits complicated and subtle patterns of morphological variation that have historically inhibited delimitation of taxonomic entities and, as a result, precluded effective conservation assessments. Here we used ddRAD data from 25 populations across the range of Geleznowia to elucidate genomic diversity in the group in conjunction with morphological re-assessment so as to delimit species and revise the taxonomy. Our analyses consistently identified seven entities that maintain genomic distinctiveness even in sympatry with other entities, supporting the inference of reproductive barriers and lineage divergence. Morphological assessment of more than 300 specimens corroborated these seven taxa. Consequently, we recognise seven species of Geleznowia in Western Australia, retaining G. amabilis K.A.Sheph. & A.D.Crawford, recircumscribing G. verrucosa Turcz., reinstating G. calycina (J.Drumm. ex Harv.) Benth., and naming four new species as G. eximia K.A.Sheph. & A.D.Crawford, G. narcissoides K.A.Sheph. & A.D.Crawford, G. occulta K.A.Sheph. & A.D.Crawford, and G. uberiflora K.A.Sheph. & A.D.Crawford. Geleznowia species are charismatic yellow-flowered shrubs found only in south-western Australia, where their habitats are under threat from human activity. To support their conservation, we sought to clarify how many species there are by using thousands of sequences from their genomes. We uncovered unrecognised diversity and increased the number of species in the genus from two to seven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-preserved leaf fossils from the Middle Eocene Anglesea site in Victoria are assigned to a new species of Megahertzia (M. paleoamplexicaulis R.J.Carp. & Rozefelds), a genus of Proteaceae now represented by a single species, M. amplexicaulis A.S.George & B.Hyland, in the Wet Tropics rainforests of Queensland. Megahertzia -like cuticular remains also occur in the Eocene Mount Hotham assemblage of Victoria, and pollen closely conforming to Megahertzia (i.e. Proteacidites latrobensis W.K.Harris) occurs widely in Cenozoic sediments of Australia and in New Zealand. All these records add to other fossil evidence that many species of Australian rainforest Proteaceae are the last vestiges of formerly much more widespread lineages. The fossil leaves are near-identical in architecture and cuticular features to lobed leaves of M. amplexicaulis , including that they have small teeth, stomata in well-defined areoles, and fine cuticular striations. Moreover, where preserved, the leaf fossils show amplexicaul bases, a unique (apomorphic) trait of the extant species. The apparent absence at Anglesea of simple (unlobed) leaves in Megahertzia and two other taxa of fossil Proteaceae is discussed; this leaf type could have evolved convergently in response to forest canopy heat increase as Australia drifted towards the Equator. The World Heritage Queensland Wet Tropics support an amazing 15 endemic genera of the Gondwanan Proteaceae family, including Megahertzia from the Daintree rainforest. Megahertzia -like fossil leaves were first collected from the Anglesea coal mine (Victoria, 3000 km away!) over 30 years ago, but have never been described. New fossil studies show the sole living species of Megahertzia as the last vestige of a formerly much more widespread lineage, and underscore the imperative need for conserving Australia's unique rainforest biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study of Northern Territory charophytes deals with the tribe Nitelleae in family Characeae. We recognise 16 species of Nitella for the Territory. The list includes seven previously described species (Nitella belangeri , N. biformis , N. congesta , N. heterophylla , N. micklei , N. myriotricha and N. tumulosa , of which N. belangeri and N. tumulosa are newly recorded for the Australian flora), and nine newly described species (N. acanthospora , N. boreali-australis , N. crocodylus , N. limosa , N. martinii, N. nitida , N. oollooensis , N. silicea and N. townsendii). Of the five previously reported Nitella species in the Northern Territory (N. hyalina , N. myriotricha , N. penicillata , N. pseudoflabellata and N. subtilissima), only N. myriotricha is recorded in this study, because the other records were based on erroneous identifications or localities. All Nitella species described here can be distinguished on the basis of their morphology and reproductive arrangement. Keys, illustrations and descriptions of all the species are provided. Macroalgae in family Characeae occur in inland waters throughout Australia. Species of Nitella (Tribe Nitelleae) that occur in Australia's Northern Territory have been reviewed, revised and described here, resulting in 16 species for the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phylogeny of Boronia (Rutaceae) is presented on the basis of maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses of plastid (psbA–trnH, trnL–trnF, rbcL) and nuclear (ITS, ETS) markers. Analyses of either plastid or nuclear sequences recovered the same major clades, although with conflicts in resolution among them. The existing classification of Boronia is largely confirmed; sections Boronella, Pedunculatae and Valvatae are supported, and the monotypic sections Alatae and Imbricatae are isolated. Boronia corynophylla Paul G.Wilson is removed from section Algidae to the new section Corynophyllae. Boronia coriacea Paul G.Wilson is removed from section Boronia and placed, with B. inornata Turcz., in the new section Inornatae. Boronia humifusa Paul G.Wilson, B. ovata Lindl. and B. scabra Lindl. are placed in the new section Ovatae. Boronia koniambiensis is retained in section Boronella but placed in a new monotypic series. Section Boronia resolves into two clades that are confined to either south-eastern or south-western Australia, the latter containing three strongly to robustly supported subclades. An identified problem within section Boronia is the lack of morphological apomorphies to assist with formal classification. Despite this, a classification of four series, justified on the basis of the results of the molecular analysis, is proposed. Relationships among the 10 sections of Boronia remain poorly resolved apart from the sister relationships of sections Imbricatae with Pedunculatae, and, Alatae with Corynophyllae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reviewed 9350 Australian species-level records and confirmed 64 species of the marine planktonic dinoflagellate genera Dinophysis Ehrenb. (17 species), Phalacroma F.Stein (12), Metaphalacroma L.S.Tai (1), Pseudophalacroma Jörg. (1), Ornithocercus F.Stein (7), Histioneis F.Stein (11 spp.), Parahistioneis Kof. & Skogsb. (4), Histiophysis (Kof. & Mich.) Kof. & Skogsb. (1), Citharistes F.Stein (2) and Amphisolenia F.Stein (8), from the period 1938–2019. The widespread D. acuminata Clap. & J.Lachm., D. acuta Ehrenb., D. caudata Kent, D. fortii Pavill., and D. tripos Gourret have attracted attention as causative organisms of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning in temperate Australian waters. We discriminate between Dinophysis and Phalacroma. We newly report from Australian waters O. assimilis Jörg., Metaphalacroma skogsbergii L.S.Tai, Parahistioneis pieltainii Osorio-Taffal, Amphisolenia extensa Kof., A. inflata G.Murr. & Whitt. and A. rectangulata Kof. We rediscovered Histiophysis rugosa (Kof. & Mich.) Kof. & Skogsb. here illustrated with two cells from the Coral Sea. The ornate tropical genera Ornithocercu s and Histioneis are excellent warm-water indicators, reflecting the southward reach of the East Australian and Leeuwin currents, whereas D. truncata Cleve is a cold-water Subantarctic species. A comprehensive review of 60 years of distribution data and taxonomic samples of marine dinophysoid dinoflagellates in Australian waters resolved 64 Ornithocercus taxa, which are illustrated by light and electron microscopy. Selected bloom-forming Dinophysis species are the cause of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, while tropical genera such as Ornithocercus and Histioneis deserve careful attention in monitoring for southward range expansions. We rediscovered rare tropical species such as Histiophysis rugosa (Kof. & Mich.) Kof. & Skogsb., previously described on the basis of a single specimen only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bush Blitz is an innovative and ambitious partnership between the Australian Biological Resources Study, BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities and the Earthwatch Institute (Australia) that aims to fill critical gaps in the knowledge of the biodiversity of Australia (http://www.bushblitz.org.au). Since its inception in 2009, over 900 putative new species of animals and plants have been discovered in Australian conservation reserves. As a unique approach to surveys in often-remote areas of the Australian outback, the Bush Blitz program has been highly successful and highlights the need for ongoing exploration and research to adequately document the biodiversity of Australia. This special issue of Australian Systematic Botany describes some of the newly discovered species and showcases the botanical results of the Bush Blitz program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current tribal classification of Myrtaceae was based on analysis of the plastid mat K coding region within the trn K intron. The phylogenetic position of the genera Cloezia and Xanthomyrtus was poorly supported, and the original sequence for Kania , the type genus of the tribe Kanieae, was rather poor. To clarify relationships, we sequenced plastid psb A– trn H and an extended portion of the trn K intron, including the spacer regions flanking mat K, and nuclear ribosomal ITS and ETS regions for representative species across the tribes, including denser sampling of the three genera of interest. Analyses of these extended datasets show a strong relationship between Kania and the tribe Metrosidereae but not with other genera presently assigned to the Kanieae. The relationship between Kania and the tribe Metrosidereae is strongly correlated with morphological features recently documented in Metrosideros fossils. Consequently, a new tribe, Tristaniopsideae PeterG.Wilson, is described to accommodate most genera presently assigned to Kanieae. Furthermore, the morphological divergence and genetic distance shown by Cloezia and Xanthomyrtus are here considered as justifying their recognition as the tribes Cloezieae Peter G.Wilson and Xanthomyrteae Peter G.Wilson. Recognition of these tribes brings to four the number of tribes absent from present-day mainland Australia. Prior to this study, Metrosidereae was the only tribe in subfamily Myrtoideae that was absent from mainland Australia. Some genera in Myrtaceae have been grouped with taxa without apparent shared features with common evolutionary origins. To address this, we analysed an expanded DNA dataset in combination with data from morphology, and reassessed relationships of the genera Kania , Xanthomyrtus and Cloezia. As a result, the tribe Kanieae was redefined as monogeneric, the genera formerly grouped with it were assigned to the new tribe Tristaniopsideae, and the morphological divergence and genetic distance shown by Cloezia and Xanthomyrtus justify placement of them in separate tribes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper presents new morphological and developmental data on the sole Indian species of Hydatellaceae, T. konkanensisYadav & Janarthanam, and explores its morphological differences from Australian members of the family. On the basis of morphology and ecology, T. konkanensisappears to be closely related to T. lanterna, a species from tropical northern Australia that resembles T. konkanensismore closely than does any other Australian taxon. However, fruits are dehiscent in T. lanternaand indehiscent in T. konkanensis. Developmental data on T. konkanensisare significant for interpreting the reproductive units in Hydatellaceae. In T. konkanensis, each reproductive unit consists of two bract-like phyllomes, several carpels and a single central stamen that is initiated before the carpels. The earliest-formed carpels are those closest to the stamen; the latest-formed carpels are closest to the phyllomes. Despite their apparently whorled arrangement, the phyllomes are initiated sequentially. The spatial arrangement of the earliest-initiated carpels makes it unlikely that the phyllomes subtend any axillary structures. So far, there is no robust direct evidence in favour of a multiaxial (pseudanthial) morphological interpretation of bisexual reproductive units of Hydatellaceae. No evidence for dichogamy is present in bisexual reproductive units of either Indian or Australian Hydatellaceae, a feature that contrasts with the common presence of protogyny in flowers of other early divergent extant angiosperms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper completes a taxonomic revision of Cassiniasubg. Cassinia, a group of 35 species separated from subg. Achromolaenaby the structure of its inflorescence (capitula arrangement approximately dichasial, giving rise to flat- or round-topped compound inflorescences, as opposed to the irregular or alternate arrangement of capitula in subg. Achromolaena, where the overall shape of the inflorescence is conical or elongate). The seven species of Cassiniasect. Cassinia(C. aculeata, C. thinicola, C. wilsoniae, C. longifolia, C. aureonitens, C. trinervaand C. cinerea) are keyed, described and illustrated, with discussion of ecology, distribution and variation. Cassinia aculeatasubsp. nova-anglicaOrchard, C. thinicolaOrchard, C. wilsoniaeOrchard and C. cinereaOrchard are described as new. Cassinia aculeatais a variable and widespread species. Four morphological variants are described and discussed, although not formally named. Previously suggested hybridisation between C. aculeataand Ozothamnus obcordatusis discussed, and dismissed. A new subspecies, narrowly endemic to the New England region of New South Wales (NSW), and separated by 350km from subsp. aculeata, is described. Cassinia longifoliais similarly widespread and variable, particularly in indumentum and leaf shape. Again, four more or less distinct local morphological variants are described, but they are not formally named because of problems with satisfactory circumscription. Cassinia thinicolais newly segregated from C. aculeata. It is a strikingly distinct species, confined to coastal habitats north and south of Newcastle, distinguished by its (usually) lack of hairs on the upper leaf surface, ochre-coloured inflorescences and compact habit. Cassinia wilsoniae, confined to Wyperfeld National Park in western Victoria, has hitherto been largely overlooked, with specimens assigned to a broadly circumscribed ‘C. uncata'', or C. aculeataor C. longifolia. It is geographically widely separated from all of these taxa. It is unusual in the genus, in being confined largely to the summits of consolidated sand dunes. It has rather small inflorescences with few capitula, and these are ochre-coloured. The leaf margins are strongly revolute, almost completely covering the midrib below, unlike related taxa where the midrib remains uncovered. Cassinia cinereais a rare species confined to south-eastern Queensland, and hitherto confused with C. laevisand C. collina, both in subg. Achromolaena(and thus with conical inflorescences). It also differs from both in a range of indumentum and leaf characters. The remaining, previously recognised, species are redescribed in detail, and their nomenclature, variation, ecology and distribution are discussed as required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spotted gums (genus Corymbia, section Politaria) occur as a species replacement series along the eastern seaboard of Australia, their distributions marked by regions of disjunction and sympatry. Their taxonomy remains controversial, with species assignment often challenging and reliant on knowledge of geographic origin as well as subtle morphological or leaf-oil variation. In the present paper, we explore a classification for spotted gums, without assuming predefined geographic or taxonomic groups but instead using genetic structure at microsatellite marker loci (n=9) and a Bayesian model-based clustering approach implemented in Structure software. The C. torelliana outgroup (n=21; section Cadagaria) formed a well resolved cluster (minimum pairwise Fst=0.19). Four populations were evident within the spotted gums (n=93) but structure was weak (pairwise Fst range 0.13?0.05). Geographic distance, topography and distribution disjunction were major determinants of structure, with migration among populations approximating a linear stepping-stone model. Corymbia maculata was resolved as a taxon and had the greatest genetic distance from any other population (minimum pairwise Fst 0.08). Three clusters were evident within the northern taxa but alignment with taxonomic groupings was poor. C. citriodora material from north of a major disjunction in central Queensland formed a Northern population. C. citriodora, C. variegata and C. henryi material south of this disjunction but north of the Border Range, formed a Central population, whereas a Southern population comprised C. variegata and C. henryi from predominately south of the Border Range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eriocaulon carsonii F.Muell. species complex consists of rare perennial mat-forming forbs endemic to mound springs of central and north-eastern Australia. Even though the complex occurs across a range of more than 1500km, the springs on which it occurs are naturally rare and highly disjunct, with groupings of springs (?super-groups') 200?500km apart. The present paper investigated the taxonomy of the complex by analysing morphometric characters and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) genetic markers. Morphological measurements were made of 126 samples collected from 23 spring-subpopulations representing 15 spring-groups spread across all nine super-groups on which the complex occurs. Ordination and univariate analysis of data relating to 30 morphological characters revealed five morphologically distinct groups. These groupings were supported by an analysis of 613 AFLP loci markers derived from a subset of samples from all of the same springs. Ordination analysis of the genetic data matrix revealed that the morphological groups were also genetically distinct. It is proposed that the complex consists of five distinct taxa. Two new subspecies (E. carsonii F.Muell. subsp. euloense R.J.Davies and E. carsonii F.Muell. subsp. orientale R.J.Davies) are described, along with two new species (E. aloefolium R.J.Davies and E. giganticum R.J.Davies). All taxa are nationally endangered or critically endangered according to IUCN criteria, except for E. carsonii subsp. orientale which is vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An examination of Floras and related literature from various countries of the world has revealed a wide range of interpretations and concepts for indigenous plants. Nevertheless, an indigenous plant species has been universally defined as one that was not deliberately or accidentally introduced by man. An important recent addendum to the ?indigenous'' definition is that it must disperse from an area where it is considered native. Particularly problematic are the so-called ?pantropical'' or ?cosmopolitan'' plants. These species are usually invasive and abundant, but most could not have crossed major barriers without the assistance of humans, and hence should be regarded as non-native species throughout much of their range. The accurate assessment of the alien or indigenous status of these and other taxa has been hampered by a lack of knowledge about their geographic origins and dispersal ability. Australian botanists have frequently adhered to a concept of indigenous plants being any that were thought to be present before European settlement in their region of interest ? 1788 for the Sydney area, and as late as the 1850s for northern Australia. This definition is unrealistic and unworkable, especially when considering the ?pantropical'' species. The transport of plants by maritime traders and explorers into the Indonesian and west Pacific areas has occurred for at least the past 3000 years. European colonisation in those areas from the 16th century accelerated plant introductions. Some of those plant species undoubtedly made their way to Australia before European settlement. This paper presents explicit definitions for indigenous (native) or alien (exotic, introduced, non-indigenous) plant species in Australia. A system of assessment using a combination of ecological, phytogeographical and historical criteria (the EPH system) allows the determination of ?origin status'' for individual species. As a case study, data are presented for 40 plant species of disputed origin status. These species are assessed against the criteria, and a recommended origin status given for Australian occurrences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus, Simonachne E.J.Thomps. is described and Ancistrachne maidenii (A.A.Ham.) Vickery is transferred to it as Simonachne maidenii (A.A.Ham.) E.J.Thomps. The new subtribe Cleistochloinae E.J.Thomps. is described and is composed of four genera, Calyptochloa, Cleistochloa, Dimorphochloa and Simonachne, united by distinctive morphology that is associated with reproductive dimorphism. Phenetic analyses were used to examine the similarities of taxa and to test the consistency of results with variation in analysis inputs. Input variations included the dataset in terms of composition of the samples and morphological characters, and the cluster analysis algorithms, viz. classification, ordination and association measure. A baseline dataset was used for comparison of results and comprised 24 samples and 161 characters relating to anatomy, micro- and macromorphology of spikelets, leaves and fertile culms. Three major clusters were resolved, Cleistochloinae (‘the cleistogamy group’), Neurachninae in its original sense, and a cluster referred to as the ‘paniculate inflorescence group’ composed of Ancistrachne s.s., Entolasia and Panicum s.s. The results were congruent with a recent phylogenetic study that showed that Ancistrachne s.l., Cleistochloa s.l. and Dimorphochloa s.l. were not monophyletic. The process provided an array of morphological characters for descriptions of species and for distinguishing taxa at multiple ranks in natural groups, components of alpha and beta taxonomy respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent molecular phylogeny of Amanita recognises three subgenera and 11 sections. Members of subgenus Amanitina are characterised by amyloid spores and a mycorrhizal habit. Section Arenariae falls within this subgenus. Members of this section are known only from southern Australia; they are either sequestrate (secotioid) or agaricoid and lack clamp connections. We describe the following three additional secotioid species: Amanita arenarioides Bougher, E.M.Davison & Giustiniano, A. compacta Bougher, E.M.Davison & Giustiniano and A. pseudoarenaria E.M.Davison, Giustiniano & Bougher, which are separated on macroscopic appearance, spore shape and genetic sequences. We also describe two agaricoid species, namely, A. pupatuju E.M.Davison, Giustiniano, McGurk & E.L.J.Watkin, and A sabulosa E.M.Davison & Giustiniano, which are separated on bulb shape and genetic sequences. We provide expanded descriptions of A. arenaria (O.K.Mill. & E.Horak) Justo and A. griselloides D.A.Reid; we also synonymise A. dumosorum D.A.Reid with A. peltigera D.A.Reid. A revised diagnosis and description of section Arenariae is provided, together with a key to currently recognised member of this section. Mushrooms are shy denizens of the bush, appearing singly or in small group after rain. We describe five new species and clarify three additional species, all from the economically and ecologically important genus Amanita. All are members of section Arenariae , which is currently known only from Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we tested the chronological and geographic origins of the mostly arid Australian Ptilotus (Amaranthaceae) and its close relatives (i.e. the 'aervoids') by reconstructing a dated phylogeny with near-comprehensive sampling for Ptilotus and estimating ancestral geographic ranges. We investigated climatic niche evolution within Ptilotus and identified likely climatic origins and subsequent niche shifts by reconstructing ancestral states of climatic variables on the phylogeny, which was visualised using a phyloecospace approach. Geospatial analyses were employed to identify probable diversification hotspots within Australia. We inferred that the aervoids originated in Oligocene Africa–Asia and that Ptilotus arrived in northern Australia by dispersal in the Early Miocene. Subsequent diversification of Ptilotus was rapid, giving rise to all major clades in the western Eremaean by the time of an aridification pulse in the Middle Miocene. Climatic niche shifts from the arid Eremaean into monsoonal northern and temperate southern Australia are apparent for multiple independent species groups. Our analyses support the hypothesis that a pre-adaptation to aridity and early arrival in an aridifying Australia were integral to the success of Ptilotus , and that the Eremaean has been a source of biodiversity in the genus and for independent radiations into neighbouring climatic zones. The Australian genus Ptilotus (mulla mulla) is one of the most diverse genera in the amaranth family. Its closest relative occurs in Africa and Asia and is species-poor. Ptilotus was found to derive from an ancestor that arrived in Australia and diversified rapidly during an era of intense aridification events in Australia. Wet tropical and temperate Ptilotus species appear to be the product of more recent independent radiations from the drier regions, which are the origin of much of the current diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotiana is found predominantly in the Americas and Australia, but also has representatives in Africa and the Pacific Islands. All native Australian Nicotiana species belong to section Suaveolentes. The number of species in this section is uncertain and subject to revision. An example of this uncertainty is the taxonomic status of a South Australian Nicotiana accession colloquially termed 'Corunna'. Here, we report sequences for nuclear and plastid markers for N. sp. Corunna (D.E.Symon 17088) and accessions of two other Australian species, N. burbidgeae and N. benthamiana. Phylogenetic comparison of these sequences with those of other members of Nicotiana places all three taxa in N. section Suaveolentes and shows that 'Corunna' represents a distinct phylogenetic lineage in a well supported clade along with N. goodspeedii , N. maritima , N. amplexicaulis and N. suaveolentes. Phenetic analysis of floral characters also supports recognition of N. sp. Corunna (D.E.Symon 17088) as a distinct species, which we describe here as Nicotiana paulineana Newbigin & P.M.Waterh., sp. nov. The enlarged molecular dataset described here contributes to a better understanding of taxonomic relationships within the section. We have used sequence and morphological characteristics to identify a new species of plant, exclusive to Australia, that was collected by the late David Symon from a region around Port Augusta, South Australia. It is named Nicotiana paulineana in honour of Prof. Pauline Ladiges (retired), a highly respected botanist at The University of Melbourne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnostic characteristics and distinctiveness of plant taxa have traditionally been based on a combination of geographic and morphological discontinuity. Implicit within these concepts is the notion that morphological variation is fixed and that gene flow among taxa is limited. However, species complexes that comprise a range of more-or-less continuous morphotypes often confound such assumptions and resist formal taxonomic treatment. A range of independent data sources, namely, nucleotide sequences, volatile oils and traditional morphology, were used in an integrative approach to resolve the taxonomic structure within the geographically widespread species complex of Prostanthera lasianthos Labill. We concluded that no dataset has primacy in defining segregate taxa, and that a combination of morphological and molecular data was required to determine the taxa within. As a result, we amended the description of P. lasianthos sens. strict. and recognise the following five new segregate species: Prostanthera largiflorens B.J.Conn & K.Proft, P. lasiangustata J.Carrick ex B.J.Conn & K.Proft, P. rupicola B.J.Conn & K.Proft, P. subalpina B.J.Conn & K.Proft, and P. williamsii B.J.Conn & K.Proft. The Victorian Christmas bush (Prostanthera lasianthos) is currently regarded as a variable, geographically widespread species of eastern Australia. The independent characteristics of nucleotide sequences, volatile oils and traditional morphology were used to resolve the taxonomy of this species. Although no dataset had primacy in defining segregate taxa, a combination of molecular and morphological data resulted in the recognition of five new segregate species, suggesting that an integrative taxonomic approach is an important methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pandanus grayorum Callm., Buerki & Gallaher (Pandanaceae) is newly described from the Wet Tropics of north-eastern Queensland in Australia. It is the second Australian species other than P. gemmifer H.St.John known to reproduce by axillary plantlets on aerial branches. It can be distinguished from P. gemmifer and P. solms-laubachii F.Muell. by the dimensions of its leaves, shape and dimensions of its syncarps, and by the morphology of its phalanges. The placement of P. grayorum in a molecular phylogeny confirmed morphological evidence and showed that the new species clusters with P. gemmifer and P. solms-laubachii in a clade closely related to the P. tectorius Parkinson complex. Pandanus grayorum is known from near the banks of the lower reaches of Mulgrave, Russell, Johnstone and Moresby rivers and associated subcoastal flood plains. Most collection records are from areas outside national parks and a preliminary conservation assessment of Vulnerable is suggested using the IUCN Red List. Finally, a key to north-eastern Queensland Pandanus species is also provided. A new species of screw pine (Pandanaceae) is described from north-eastern Queensland in Australia: Pandanus grayorum Callm., Buerki & Gallaher. The new species occurs mainly in lowland rainforest, along large river banks and associated small creeks and is named in honour of Joy and Bruce Gray. It is the second Australian Pandanus species other than P. gemmifer H.St.John, also occurring in north-eastern Queensland, to show active vegetative propagation producing axillary plantlets on branches. An identification key to the eight species of Pandanus known from north-eastern Queensland is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the prevalence of sclerophyllous vegetation in Australia, there are few phylogeographic studies with continent-wide sampling addressing questions about the expansion of this vegetation post-aridification, and what physical barriers are associated with breaks in distribution or patterns of genetic structure. We used amplicon sequencing of plastid and nuclear DNA to investigate phylogeography of Xanthorrhoea. Despite extremely low genetic variation and widespread sharing of identical DNA sequence among multiple species and across significant geographic distance, haplotype analyses showed phylogeographic structure. Network analysis of six plastid loci and 137 samples identified 54 haplotypes (two common, 35 unique to single samples) in three geographic groups, south west and central Australia, northern–eastern Australia, and southern–eastern Australia, indicating restricted gene flow among regions. A nrDNA haplotype network of 152 samples showed less variation, with one haplotype being widespread, found in all three plastid geographic groups and 70% of species. nrDNA indicated four groups in a pattern, suggestive of at least two east–west divergences. A geographic area of a high haplotype diversity and divergence was identified in southern New South Wales, near the Southern Transition Zone. Our results showed the value of targeted amplicon sequencing and using multiple samples per species to identify both broad-scale and fine-scale biogeographic patterns. Amplicon sequencing of plastid and nuclear DNA showed phylogeographic structure in Xanthorrhoea , despite extremely low genetic variation and widespread sharing of identical DNA sequence among multiple species (sometimes across significant geographic distance). Plastid loci identified three geographic groups, South West + Central Australia, North East Australia, and South East Australia, indicating restricted gene flow among regions. nrDNA sequence showed less variation, with one haplotype being widespread, found in all three plastid geographic groups and 70% of species, and a pattern suggesting at least two east–west divergences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three main aims of this study were to circumscribe the Myosotis australis R.Br. group, determine the taxonomic utility of pollen characters, and delimit species and revise their taxonomy using macro-morphological and palynological data. The M. australis group is here recircumscribed to comprise two species, M. saxatilis Petrie (Marlborough and Otago, New Zealand) and M. australis. Myosotis australis is a widespread, morphologically variable species with two subspecies. M. australis subsp. australis comprises all Australian and most New Zealand specimens, including M. mooreana Lehnebach, M. lytteltonensis (Laing & A.Wall) de Lange, and several white- or yellow-flowered tag-named taxa from New Zealand, whereas M. australis subsp. saruwagedica (Schltr. ex Brand) Meudt, Thorsen & Prebble, comb. et stat. nov. is endemic to New Guinea. The M. australis group can be distinguished from all other ebracteate-erect Myosotis plants sampled to date, including the Australian endemic, M. exarrhena F.Muell., by a suite of characters, i.e. included anthers, calyx with both retrorse and hooked trichomes, rosette leaf trichomes retrorse abaxially and oblique to the midrib adaxially, and leaf length : width ratio of >2 : 1. Other characters can distinguish the group from M. discolor Pers., M. arvensis (L.) Hill, and M. umbrosa Meudt, Prebble & Thorsen respectively. Pollen characters were not useful for species delimitation within the M. australis group, but they can help distinguish several species outside it, including natural hybrids of M. australis and M. exarrhena in Australia. Myosotis australis , M. saxatilis and M. exarrhena are included in the taxonomic treatment, whereas introduced species M. discolor and M. arvensis are included in the key only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a phylogeny based on four DNA molecular markers (rps 16 –trn K spacer, rps 16 intron, rpl 32 –trn L spacer and ITS) concentrating on species of Eragrostis Wolf in Australia. Two Australian radiations are shown within Eragrostis , one being centred in the arid zone and one in the monsoon tropics. The genus is paraphyletic, with species of Cladoraphis Franch., Ectrosia R.Br., Harpachne Hochst. ex A.Rich., Heterachne Benth., Neeragrostis Bush, Planichloa B.K.Simon, Psammagrostis C.A.Gardner & C.E.Hubb. and Stiburus Stapf together forming a well supported clade mixed with Eragrostis species. The molecular results are consistent with recognition of an expanded Eragrostis and we make the following new combinations for Australian taxa: Eragrostis agrostoides (Benth.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. anomala (C.E.Hubb.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. appressa (S.T.Blake) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. baileyi (C.E.Hubb.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. blakei (C.E.Hubb.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. confusa (C.E.Hubb.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. danesii (Domin) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. gulliveri (F.Muell.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. leporina (R.Br.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. nervilemma (B.K.Simon) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. ovata (Night.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. scabrida (C.E.Hubb.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. wiseana (C.A.Gardner & C.E.Hubb.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson and Sporobolus ramigerus (F.Muell.) P.M.Peterson, Romasch. & R.L.Barrett, and propose the following new names: E. divergens R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. lilliputiana R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson and E. nightingaleae R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson. Lectotypes are designated for Ectrosia agrostoides Benth., E. anomala C.E.Hubb., E. appressa S.T.Blake, E. baileyi C.E.Hubb., E. blakei C.E.Hubb., E. confusa C.E.Hubb., E. gulliveri F.Muell., E laxa S.T.Blake, E. leporina R.Br, E. leporina var. longiglumis C.E.Hubb., E. schultzii Benth., E. schultzii var. annua C.E.Hubb., E. spadicea R.Br., Glyceria australasica Steud., Heterachne gulliveri Benth., Heterachne gulliveri var. major C.E.Hubb. Poa ramigera F.Muell. and Psammagrostis wiseana C.A.Gardner & C.E.Hubb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim to solve long-standing problems of taxonomic delimitation within the E. obovatus species complex (E. obovatus G.Don, E. arnhemicus F.Muell., E. sp. Mt Bellenden Ker (L.J.Brass 18336) Qld Herbarium and E. coorangooloo J.F.Bailey & C.T.White), diversity and relatedness were assessed using a combined population genetics and morphometric approach among 181 and 102 individuals respectively. Simple sequence-repeat (SSR) markers were analysed with clustering methods, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and STRUCTURE. The morphometric data were analysed using cluster and classification and regression tree (CART) methods. The morphometric and genetic analyses together resolve discrete groups corresponding to E. arnhemicus , E. coorangooloo , E. obovatus and E. sp. Mt Bellenden Ker. Elaeocarpus arnhemicus is clearly distinct from all other entities on most of the morphometric and genetic analyses. By contrast, E. sp. Mt Bellenden Ker and E. obovatus were not clearly separated from each other in many morphometric analyses, but can be distinguished clearly by the strongly curved pedicels in early bud and hairy ovary, and, to a lesser extent, by the frequent occurrence of two racemes per axil and cuneate leaf bases, and on the results of the genetic analyses. Elaeocarpus coorangooloo exhibits considerable genetic admixture with the other entities, but it is morphologically distinct. SSR profiles suggested that E. arnhemicus and E. obovatus may be tetraploid, whereas the other entities are diploid. This study has clarified the taxonomic limits of the currently recognised species E. arnhemicus , E. obovatus and E. coorangooloo and supports recognition of E. sp. Mt Bellenden Ker at subspecies rank, described herein as E. obovatus subsp. umbratilis Y.Baba & Crayn. A key to all taxa and revised accounts of E. arnhemicus , E. obovatus subsp. obovatus and E. coorangooloo are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asplenium flabellifolium Cav. is a cytologically variable Australian and New Zealand fern. Here, we sequence chloroplast trn L- trn F and rps 4- trn S from samples throughout its range to provide the first phylogeographic investigation of a fern common in both countries. Twenty-three haplotypes were detected, which formed six haplogroups in a network. Australian specimens were placed in all haplogroups. The placement of New Zealand haplotypes in five of the haplogroups suggests that this species has dispersed across the Tasman Sea at least five times. Sexually reproducing plants of lower ploidy, detected only in south-eastern Australia, contained haplotypes from the two haplogroups that are successive sisters to the remaining diversity in the phylogeny. This likely suggests that A. flabellifolium was originally a sexually reproducing species in south-eastern Australia and spread to the rest of its distribution where apomictic plants dominate. More than one haplogroup was detected in several areas across its distribution, suggesting that these areas were colonised several times. Other areas harboured several haplotypes from a single haplogroup or haplogroups not recovered elsewhere, indicating possible long-term persistence in these areas. Haplotypes and morphological features were not found to be exclusive to either breeding system or ploidy and no taxonomic revision is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Jania J.V.Lamour. (Corallinaceae, Corallinophycidae, Rhodophyta) is represented by five species (one with two varieties) in south-eastern Australia. Descriptions and detailed morphoanatomical accounts of these taxa are provided, along with keys, information on distribution, nomenclature and habitat, and brief biogeographic comparisons within Australia. Relevant type material is illustrated in detail. A list of 79 morphoanatomical characters and character states used by previous authors (since 1928) to delimit or identify species of Jania was compiled. Of these, nine were useful for delimiting species occurring in south-eastern Australia. Most can be delimited using a single diagnostic character, but Jania pedunculata J.V.Lamour. is highly variable and is distinguished from J. crassa J.V.Lamour. by using several overlapping characters. Twelve additional names have been recorded for south-eastern Australia. The types of seven of these were examined during the present study or in recent publications. Types of five entities could not be examined, because type material had not been designated or was not available for examination or the name was not validly published. Information on misidentified specimens, heterotypic synonyms, rejected names and unverified records for the region is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new classification of Myrtaceae tribe Chamelaucieae DC., derived from a molecular phylogenetic analysis based on nr ETS and cp trn K and atp B– rbc L spacer sequences, is presented. Eleven subtribes are recognised, eight of which are new. The currently accepted circumscriptions of subtribes Calytricinae Benth. and 'Euchamelaucieae Benth.' (nom. inval.) are retained, with the latter being formally published here as Chamelauciinae Rye & Peter G.Wilson. Subtribe Thryptomeninae Benth. is reduced in size by the creation of the new subtribes Alutinae Rye & Peter G.Wilson and Micromyrtinae Rye & Peter G.Wilson. Subtribe Baeckeinae Schauer is reduced to a single genus, with the excluded genera distributed in the new subtribes Astarteinae Rye & Peter G.Wilson, Hysterobaeckeinae Rye & Peter G.Wilson, Ochrospermatinae Rye & Peter G.Wilson, Rinziinae Rye & Peter G.Wilson and Stenostegiinae Rye & Peter G.Wilson. The history of recognition of the genera and subtribes of Chamelaucieae is outlined and supporting morphological evidence for the new classification discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classification and typification of all Australian ferns and lycophytes is updated to reflect the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group I classification and the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants , presenting 8 new nomenclatural combinations as well as 85 lectotypifications. The Australian fern and lycophyte flora comprises 2 classes, 14 orders, 32 families, 134 genera and 528 species and subspecies with the addition of 8 newly recorded and 6 newly recognised species since the publication of the Flora of Australia fern volume in 1998. Overall, 208 species are endemic to Australia, with Queensland having the highest species diversity and endemism by state or territory, and Lord Howe Island having the highest concentration of species and endemics per unit area. The Australian fern and lycophyte flora shows diverse links with Africa, Asia and Oceania, with the largest overlaps being shared with Asia and Oceania. More species are endemic to Australia+Oceania than to Australia+Asia. Contrasting with the classification presented in the Flora of Australia , no genera of ferns and lycophytes are now considered to be wholly endemic to Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-five species of the liverwort genus Bazzania are recognised from Australia, including eleven endemics. The greatest diversity is in the Australian Wet Tropics bioregion in northern Queensland, where 28 species are known to exist. Keys to northern and southern Australian species are provided, and each species is described and illustrated. Bazzania uncigera (Reinw., Blume & Nees) Trevis. is newly reported for Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of Austrocallerya J.Compton & Schrire and Pongamia Adans. (Leguminosae subfamily Papilionoideae) in Australia, and the description of a new monotypic genus, Ibatiria W.E.Cooper, is presented with the support of fresh, dried, spirit-preserved specimens, molecular phylogenetic analysis of plastid and nuclear data, and illustrations. Three Austrocallerya species are confirmed, described and distinguished for Australia. Two varieties of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre are recognised; P. pinnata var. minor (Benth.) Domin is reinstated and is distinguished from var. pinnata by habitat, leaflet number and width, floral bract length and bracteole length. The new genus, Ibatiria , includes a single species, Ibatiria furfuracea W.E.Cooper, from Queensland's Wet Tropics Bioregion. A second-step lectotype is designated for Pterocarpus australis Endl., and lectotypes are designated for Wisteria megasperma F.Muell. and Pongamia glabra var. minor Benth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The artesian springs of inland Australia are a unique habitat in what is otherwise an arid environment. They support a rich collection of endemic flora and fauna. Here, morphological and molecular data are employed to describe a new species, Chloris circumfontinalis Fahey & Fensham, endemic to artesian spring systems in central Queensland. A morphological ordination failed to distinguish this species from other Australian native flora, but the shape of the florets distinguishes it from the species with which it co-occurs. Phylogenies estimated from molecular data showed that the species represents a distinct lineage that may be sister to species of Chloris from outside Australia. Chloris circumfontinalis occurs only in the saline scalds that form around the springs, and population surveys at the two sites where it occurs indicated a threat status of Endangered under the IUCN Red List criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new fossil flora from central Queensland, of late Eocene or early Oligocene age, has yielded a diverse assemblage of flowering plants and ferns, including the first evidence of horsetails (Equisetum L.) from the Cenozoic of Australia. The fossils assigned to Equisetum are based on a stem fragment, 2–3 mm in diameter, and spreading leaf sheath and diaphragm. The leaf sheath is interpreted to consist of ~24–30 leaves. The spatial arrangement of regularly arranged depressions in a section of the outer cortex is interpreted as evidence of the leaf vascular traces, and indicates a similar number of vascular traces. This specimen provides the youngest evidence of the genus from Australia and indicates that Equisetum survived for at least another 50 million years after it was thought to be extinct in Australia. Whereas molecular data for extant species of Equisetum collectively suggest a comparatively recent origin and radiation, the fossil record of the genus indicates a significantly longer and more complex history. Fossils, such as the new specimen from Makowata, Queensland, will, therefore, play a key role in understanding the history and past distribution of Equisetum in Australia. A key challenge is to assemble and characterise the morphological traits of these living and fossil plants to better understand the origins, history and radiation of this remarkable group of euphyllophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Styphelia geniculata Crayn and S. piliflora Crayn are described, phylogenetically placed and compared with related species. Their relationships within Ericaceae tribe Styphelieae, resolved by phylogenetic analysis of plastid and nuclear DNA sequences, support their description in the expanded genus Styphelia. Illustrations, pollen scanning electron micrographs, distribution maps and a key to the species and related northern Queensland taxa are provided, along with notes on the ecology and conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new species of Lindernia All. is described (L. yarun Wannan) from south-eastern Queensland. The following three species of Lindernia are newly recognised for Queensland: L. clausa (F.Muell.) F.Muell., L. procumbens (Krock.) Philcox and L. rotundifolia (L.) Alston. Illustrations of flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves, stem anatomy, and specimens are provided. Notes on habitat, distribution and conservation status are also provided. A key to eastern Australian species of Lindernia , Bonnaya Link & Otto and Yamazakia W.R.Barker, Y.S.Liang & Wannan is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoheterotrophs, i.e. plants that acquire carbon from root-associated soil fungi, often have highly degraded plastomes, reflecting relaxed selective constraints on plastid genes following the loss of photosynthesis. Geosiris Baill. is the only mycoheterotrophic genus in Iridaceae and comprises two species in Madagascar and nearby islands, and a third recently discovered species in north-eastern Australia. Here, we characterise the plastomes of the Australian and one Madagascan species to compare patterns of plastome degradation in relation to autotrophic and other mycoheterotrophic taxa and investigate the evolutionary and biogeographical history of the genus in Iridaceae. Both examined species have lost approximately half their plastid-encoded genes and a small but significant reduction in purifying selection in retained non-photosynthetic genes was observed. Geosiris is confirmed as monophyletic, with initial divergence of the genus occurring c. 53 million years ago, and subsequent diversification occurring c. 30 million years ago. Africa (including Madagascar) is reconstructed as the most likely ancestral area of the genus, implying a major range-expansion event of one lineage to Australia after its divergence in the Oligocene. Our study has highlighted the dynamic evolutionary history of Geosiris , contributed to the characterisation of mycoheterotrophic plastomes, and furthered our understanding of plastome structure and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Australian monsoon tropics are currently dominated by savanna and tropical woodland biomes that have arisen in response to a cooling and drying trend within the past ~3 million years. It is expected that organisms well adapted to these conditions have expanded into available habitats, leading to the differentiation of populations and species across this landscape, a process that could be magnified by the presence of several biogeographic barriers. The broad-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca leucadendra (L.) L.) complex is one such group of plants, with 14 poorly morphologically differentiated species occupying large overlapping distributions across the region, and across several recognised biogeographic barriers. Using phylogenetic and network analyses of nuclear and plastid sequences, we tested species limits among currently described species within the complex and for phylogeographic structure within species across seven of these barriers. Overall, our data suggested patterns of differentiation among species consistent with the early to middle stages of incomplete lineage sorting, and evidence for an idiosyncratic cryptic response of species to biogeographic barriers. Unexpectedly, we found a deep molecular split across all species, broadly coinciding with the northern part of the Great Dividing Range, a feature not typically considered to be a barrier to dispersal. Our study has offered one of the first insights into the dynamics within and among widespread species across the north of Australia, suggesting considerably more geographic structure than was previously recognised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rainforest genus Gossia N.Snow & Guymer (Myrtaceae) occurs in Australia, Melanesia and Malesia, and is capable of hyperaccumulating the heavy metal manganese (Mn). Here, we used nuclear ribosomal and plastid spacer DNA-sequence data to reconstruct the phylogeny of 19 Australian species of Gossia and eight New Caledonian taxa. Our results indicated that the relationship between Gossia and Austromyrtus (Nied.) Burret is not fully resolved, and most Australian species were supported as monophyletic. Non-monophyly might be related to incomplete lineage sorting or inaccurate taxonomic classification. Bark type appears to be a morphological synapomorphy separating two groups of species, with more recently derived lineages having smooth and mottled 'python' bark. New Caledonian species were well resolved in a single clade, but were not the first diverging Gossia lineage, calling into doubt the results of a recent study that found Zealandia as the ancestral area of tribe Myrteae. Within Australia, the evolution of multiple clades has probably been driven by well-known biogeographic barriers. Some species with more widespread distributions have been able to cross these barriers by having a wide range of soil-substrate tolerances. Novel Mn-hyperaccumulating species were identified, and, although Mn hyperaccumulation was not strongly correlated with phylogenetic position, there appeared to be some difference in accumulation levels among clades. Our study is the first detailed phylogenetic investigation of Gossia and will serve as a reference for future studies seeking to understand the origin and extent of hyperaccumulation within the Myrteae and Myrtaceae more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Elaeocarpus is the largest genus in the family Elaeocarpaceae, comprising more than 350 species of trees and shrubs with a mainly Indo-Pacific distribution. Approximately 28 species in the genus, including nine species from Australia, are known to possess ruminate endosperm. To provide a basis for understanding fruit development and endosperm rumination in the genus and, therefore, its taxonomic and evolutionary significance, we studied the fruit anatomy of Elaeocarpus ruminatus F.Muell. at different developmental phases (petal-fall to maturity). We found lignin in pericarp and ovary wall tissues in the earliest stages of development. In contrast, endosperm rumination occurs only after fruits have fully expanded, and becomes more pronounced as fruits ripen. Its phylogenetic distribution suggests that ruminate endosperm is a derived, albeit homoplasious character in Elaeocarpus. Comparative studies on related species will be instructive in determining the utility of ruminate endosperm for informing infra-generic taxonomy of the genus, and gaining insight into its adaptive significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red algal genus Mychodea Hook.f.&Harv. is not only Australia's largest wholly endemic macroalgal genus, it and the family Mychodeaceae (of which it is the sole member) appear to be the largest completely endemic algal genus and family from any continental landmass in the world. Kraft's 1978 morpho-taxonomic monograph credited Mychodea with 11 species varyingly distributed between Geraldton, Western Australia, south and eastward across the coasts of South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, and northwards into southern New South Wales. Dismissed or discounted was every former extra- Australian attribution of the genus. In the over 40 years since completion of the research, further explorations of marine habitats in Australia have uncovered additional species, and the application of molecular-assisted taxonomic and phylogenetic methodologies has now allowed a substantial refinement of Mychodea systematics. We here document 19 Mychodea species, for 16 of whichwehave molecular data that support inferences of probable species relationships. Tothe 11 species treated by Kraft we now add 4 that are recently discovered, resurrect 2 that were synonymised with a third species in his 1978 work, and treat 2 species-level Western Australian entities that remain unnamed for lack of sufficient reproductive material. Mychodea is characterised by elaborate vegetative structures and some of the most complex fertilisation, diploidisation and embryogenesis processes of any red alga, which we detail and illustrate. Distinguishing features of the individual species are highlighted, some of which are particularly unusual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]