Work

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

Year: 2025

Type: article

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.

Source: PhytoKeys

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.259.146534

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

Institutions: Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, University of Peradeniya

Language: English

Topic: Plant and Fungal Species Descriptions

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $754

Funder: Rajarata University of Sri Lanka