Three newly recognised species of Hypericum (Clusiaceae) from New Zealand.

Phylogenetic analysis of nrDNa ITS sequence data infers that New Zealand plants previously assigned to Hypericum japonicum are incorrectly placed in that species. Morphological and DNa sequence data support the recognition of two endemic and one indigenous species of Hypericum. Hypericum rubicundulum and H. minutiflorum are newly described species endemic to New Zealand, and the DNa data infer they are sister species. These two species are distinguished from H. pusillum by a rhizomatous growth habit and leaves that are grey-green to olive-green and usually ruddy. In comparison to H. rubicundulum, H. minutiflorum has a more compact growth habit, much smaller leaves and flowers, and is restricted to the central North Island. Hypericum rubicundulum occurs in inland parts of the South Island, and is known from one collection in the North Island. Hypericum pusillum Choisy is a reinstated name, based on a Tasmanian type, that is applied to prostrate or decumbent, green and sinuate-leaved plants from Tasmania and New Zealand. This is the most common species in New Zealand, occurring on North, South, and Stewart Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]