Reinstatement of Memecylon elegantulum (Melastomataceae) and recircumscription of Memecylon rostratum, two species endemic to Sri Lanka

By

Perera, Amila
Jayasinghe, Himesh
Gopallawa, Bhathiya
Madawala, Isuru
Gunatilleke, Nimal
Geekiyanage, Nalaka

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-6-19

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

259

Pages

67--80

Subjects

endemic , low land wet zone , Sri Lanka , typification

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.259.146534

 

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.