Commersonia

Abstract: A new genus, Androcalva C.F.Wilkins & Whitlock, is here described and includes 22 species previously described as Commersonia, four species formerly described as Rulingia and seven new species, including A. aphrix C.F.Wilkins, A. perlaria C.F.Wilkins, A. bivillosa C.F.Wilkins, A. adenothalia C.F.Wilkins, A. fragifolia C.F.Wilkins, A. incilis C.F.Wilkins and A. lachna C.F.Wilkins. Rulingia pauciflora Turcz. is here placed in synonymy with C. gaudichaudii J.Gay as A. gaudichaudii. Recognition of Androcalva is supported by the results of a previous molecular phylogenetic analysis demonstrating that neither Rulingia nor Commersonia as previously circumscribed is monophyletic. Species of Androcalva share characters of extrorse anther dehiscence and glabrous central staminodes. In contrast, species in the redefined Commersonia have anthers with sublatrorse dehiscence and hairy central staminodes. Taxonomic descriptions, a key, distribution maps, conservation status and illustrations are presented.

Abstract: Commersonia multiloba C.F.Wilkins & Whitlock is described as new and illustrated. It is restricted in distribution and apparently confined to two populations on the northern Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and regarded as a species with special conservation needs.

Abstract: Commersonia amystia C.F.Wilkins & L.M.Copel., and C. breviseta C.F.Wilkins & L.M.Copel., from south-eastern Australia, are described as new and illustrated. Notes are given on their ecology and conservation status, and the distribution of each species is mapped.

Abstract: A taxonomic revision and DNA sequence analysis of all species previously attributed to Rulingia R.Br. and Commersonia J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. resulted in two major groupings, referred to a redefined Commersonia and a new genus (Androcalva C.F.Wilkins & Whitlock 2011). In total, 25 species are now recognised within Commersonia, including the type species of Rulingia, and 14 species previously included in Rulingia and 10 in Commersonia. Three of these are described as new (C. apella C.F.Wilkins, C. erythrogyna C.F.Wilkins and C. gilva C.F.Wilkins). A new subspecies, C. magniflora subsp. oblongifolia C.F.Wilkins, is recognised and C. bartramia (L.) Merr. var. tahitensis Dorr is raised to species level as C. tahitensis (Dorr) C.F.Wilkins & Whitlock. Two new combinations are made, Rulingia platycalyx Benth. and R. parviflora Endl. as C. parviflora (Endl.) C.F.Wilkins & Whitlock; and R. cistifolia Steetz and R. rugosa Steetz as C. rugosa (Steetz) F.Muell. The redefined Commersonia is monophyletic and characterised by anthers with sublatrorse dehiscence and mainly hairy staminodes, compared with extrorse dehiscence and glabrous staminodes as seen in Androcalva.