Circumscription of Tabernaemontana pandacaqui (Apocynaceae) in Australia

Abstract

The reduction of Tabernaemontana orientalis R. Br. to synonymy with T. pandacaqui Lam. is rejected. T. orientalis differs from T. pandacaqui in floral morphology, leaf venation and habitat preference. Only two species of Tabernaemontana, namely T. orientalis and T. pandacaqui, are considered to occur in Australia. Well known names such as Ervatamia pubescens (R. Br.) Domin and E angustisepala (Benth.) Domin are relegated to synonymy. T. orientalis and T. pandacaqui are described and illustrated, and their occurrence in Australia and adjacent regions is outlined.