A taxonomic revision of Ichnocarpus (Apocynaceae) in Australia and Papuasia

Abstract

Circumscription of the genus Ichnocarpus R. Br. is discussed and Micrechites Miq. and Lamechites Markgraf are placed in synonymy. Ichnocarpus R. Br. is revised for Australia and Papuasia (Irian Jaya, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands). Three species are recognised in this region, namely I. archboldianus comb. nov. (Micrechites archboldiana Merr. & Perr.), I. frutescens (L.) W. T. Aiton and I. serpyllifolius comb. nov. (Ficus serpyllifolia Blume). Lumechites schlechteri Markgraf, Micrechites rhombifolia Markgraf, M. rhombifolia var. lanceolata Markgraf and Ichnocarpus salornonensis C. T. White are newly placed in the synonymy of Ichnocarpus serpyllifolius. The new combination I. polyanthus (Micrechites polyantha Miq.) is made for a Malesian species west of Papuasia. The names Ichnocarpus leptodictyus F. Muell. and Micrechites rhombifolia Markgraf are lectotypified. Generic and specific descriptions, a species key, notes on variation, distribution, habitat and conservation status are provided.