A taxonomic revision of Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) in Australia

Abstract

The taxonomy of the Australian representatives of Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) is revised in the first comprehensive treatment of the genus of the genus for Australian since the publication in 1868 of Bentha's 'Flora Australiensis' account. Eighty-one species are recognised for the area, of which 78 are regarded as indigenous (75 endemic) with the remaining three species believed to be of recent introduction. Of the 51 new names proposed, 50 are the result of the description of new species. The remaining new name is required due to a change in status. Biological aspects briefly mentioned include breeding system and myrmecochoty.