NUYTSIA Volume 4 Number 3 1983 ISSN 0085-4417 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HERBARIUM— DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Cover A representation of Nuytsia florihunda (Labill.) R.Br. ex Fenzl — the Western Australian Christmas T ree. The journal is named after the plant, which in turn commemorates Pieter Nuijts, an ambassador of the Dutch East India Company, who in 1 627 accompanied the “Guide Zeepard” on one of the first explorations along the south coast of Australia. NUYTSIA VOLUME 4 NUMBERS 1983 23972 — ( 1 ) WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HERBARIUM, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, SOUTH PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA CONTENTS Taxonomic studies on Ptilotus R.Br. (Amaranthaceae) in Western Australia. By G. Beni. 263 A new species of Billardiera (Pittosporaceae) from south-west Western Aus- tralia. By E. M. Bennett 275 Eucalyptus petraea sp. nov. and E. lucasii (Myrtaceae): two Western Aus- tralian boxes. By D. J. and S. G. M. Carr 279 A new species of Pilostyles (Rafflesiaceae) from Western Australia. By B. Dell 293 Malleostemon, a new genus of Myrtaceae (subfamily Leptospermoideae, tribe Chamelaucieae) from, south-western Australia. By J. W. Green 295 Taxonomy of Micromyrtus ciliata (Myrtaceae) and allied species including three new species of Micromyrtus from eastern Australia and lectotypification of M. minutiflora. By J. W. Green 317 The Drummond collection of Western Australian fungi at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. By Roger N. Hilton 333 The genus Ondinea (Nymphaeaceae) including a new subspecies from the Kimberley region, Western Australia. By Kevin F. Kenneally and Edward L. Schneider 359 Studies in the genus Acacia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) — 13. Four new species from north-western Australia. By B. R. Maslin 367 Studies in the genus Acacia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) — 14. New taxa from north-west Western Australia. By B. R. Maslin 383 A morphometric and anatomical study of the Darwinia diosmoides complex (Myrtaceae) in south-western Australia. By B. L. Rye 411 Darwinia capitellata (Myrtaceae), a new species from south-western Australia. By B. L. Rye 423 A new Western Australian species of Pandanus subgenus Pandanus section Semikeura (Pandanaceae). By Benjamin C. Stone 427 Angasomyrtus, a new genus of Myrtaceae (Leptosperminae) from Western Australia. By M. E. Trudgen and G. J. Keighery 435 Publication date of Nuytsia Volume 4 Number 2 439 Editorial Board B. R. Maslin (Editor) J. W. Green P. G. Wilson Editorial Assistant J. W. Lee-Frampton Western Australian Herbarium, George St, South Perth, Western Australia 6151. Nuytsia 4(3): 263-274 (1983) 263 Taxonomic studies on Ptilotus R.Br. (Amaranthaceae) in Western Australia G. Beni Botanische Staatssammlung Munchen, Menzinger Strasse 67, D-8000 Munchen 19, West Germany Abstract Beni, G. Taxonomic studie.s on Ptilotus R. Br. (Amaranthaceae) in Western Australia. Nuytsia 4 (3): 263-274 (1983). One new species and tw'o new varieties of Western Australian Ptilotus are described and discussed: P. prncumhens, P appendiculatus var. minor and P. astrolasius var. luteolus. The new species, only known from near Boulder in the Coolgardie Botanical District, is illustrated by analytical drawings of the flower; a photograph of the type specimen is provided. The P. polystachyus complex is dis- cussed and clarified with the aid of figures and a key; P. pultenii Beni is reduced in rank to P. polystachyus var. pullenii (Beni) Beni and P. polystachyus var. hmgistachyus (W. V. Fitzg.) Beni is reinstated. 1. Ptilotus procumbens Beni, sp. nov. (Figures 1 and 2) Planta annua humilis caulibus numerosis caespitosis, 3-10 (18) cm longis, mox pro- cumbentibus, parce ramosis; primo leviter birsuta denique plus minusve glabrescens. Folia caulina alterna (lineari-)lanceolata vel anguste obovata, ad c. 3 x 0.6 cm (basalia longe alati-petiolata maiora marcescentia), cuspidata. Inflorescentiae maturae (elongati-)conicae, ad 1.8 x 1 cm; flores 15-45, conferti, subcampanulati, primo purpurei dein viriduli, apicibus albidis glabris dentatis recurvatis tepalorum pilosorum (praesertim exteriorum) insignes; bracteae fuscae. Quatuor stamina fertilia; filamenta brevia in tubum staminalem longum transeuntia. Ovarium glabrum; stylus brevis crassiusculus. Taxon novum a speciebus adhuc descriptis praecipue ob babitum procumbentem, ob inflorescentias conicas, structuram conspicuam tepalorum atque androecei recedit. Typus: Kambalda Road, Boulder, Western Australia. “Low spreading (radially) herb, 10 cm. Flower spike pink-white.” 19 Nov. 1978, R. J. Cranheld s.n. (holo: PERTH; iso: AD, CANB, K, M, MEL, NSW, PERTH). The available specimens do not give evidence of a perennial habit. Shoots up to 50 (or more) arising from a central tap-root of up to 5 mm in diam., thick, at first erect, then spreading and soon becoming prostrate. Stems slender, weak, wiry, greyish- green with (slightly) angular reddish ribs which turn brownish red with age, clothed with curved to crumpled jointed hairs 1.2 mm long, indumentum ultimately restric- ted to apices and leaf axils; floriferous stems in large specimens (Figure lA) ranging in length from 3 cm to about 10-18 cm towards the border of the rosette; longer stems weakly branched from upper leaf axils 1-3.5 cm apart, with flexuose to ascend- ent branchlets to 2.5 cm long whose apices always becomes peduncles and rachises of spikes. Radical leaves (10-20) elongate-spathulate, to 7 cm long and 0.7 cm broad, forming a rosette of up to 14 cm diameter, soon withering; petiole winged, about as long as the lamina. Cauline leaves c. 3-8 per stem, (08)1.3-2.5(3.2) cm long and about 264 Nuytsia Vol. 4, No. 3 (1983) Drt, rev isr.NL. Muiivlien 1981 prucu-ie^iJi}^ 5W»<1 Isotyfms ss>su»,\ ft i lot, us ACStK.'U l I t'ra lit Aire!.:iiia Low Bpreadimj (ra(Jia.lly) herb, 10 cm.. flower spihe pinJc-whito. Wash away in deep rod t-lay. 1,^ K.imbaldd head, Moulder. Figure 1. Ptilotus procumbens Beni. A — Holotype specimen (R. Cranfield s.n., PERTH). B — Part of an isotype sheet (M). (Photograph K. Liedl). G. Beni, Ptilotus 265 2.5-6 mm broad, (linear-) lanceolate to narrow-obovate, slightly coriaceous, deep green on both surfaces, with a light brown excurrent point c. 1 mm long, midrib on lower surface prominent and dark coloured; petiole variable in length, flattened and somewhat winged especially in lower leaves, often undulate on margins when dry, villous only in young state with hairs as for stems. Spikes c. 10-50 per plant, always solitary, compact, terminal on stems and branchlets (Figure 1), lateral and subsessile in upper leaf axils when very young; initially upright then upturned at apices of pro- cumbent stems and branchlets, at first ovoid-conical, 0. 8-1.0 cm long, 0. 7-0.8 cm wide (Figure 2A), at length oblong-conical, attaining fully 1.8 cm long and 1 cm wide. Rachis slightly zigzag, 0.3-0. 5 mm diameter, densely tomentose, the hairs white and denticulate-nodose, shorter hairs crisp, longer hairs almost straight and 0.8-2 mm long, obscuring pedicels and basal part of flowers. Flowers 15-45 per spike; lowest flower on longer spikes sometimes up to 2 mm from base. Flower-axis articulate above bracteoles. Bracts and bracteoles concave, appressed to and 3/4 to more than 4/5 as long as perianth, ovate-lanceolate, tapering into acuminate points up to 0.5 mm long, shining inside, pilose outside with denticulate-nodose hairs 0.5- 1.5 mm long, margins entire or weakly and irregularly dentate towards the apex. Bracts (2.6) 3-3.6 (4.2) mm long, 1.3-1. 7 mm wide, semirigid, keeled, brown except basal portion, moderately pilose nearly throughout with the stiff hairs projecting to or somewhat beyond the tip (Figure 2B), brown bract colour finally giving the whole spike a dull greenish to greyish aspect. Bracteoles (2.4) 2. 8-3. 3 (3.8) mm long, 1.4-1 .8 mm wide, thin and transparent, usually lustrous except for light brown and acuminate apical region, midvein inconspicuous, few hairs borne in central portion (Figure 2C), never surpassing tip, more or less evanescent with age. Perianth rigid, at first strictly erect but later subcampanulate through a curving outwards of exposed firm apices of tepals (primarily of the outer ones), reaching c. 5 mm long, forming with thickened bases of its segments (especially of the inner ones) a turbinate tube about 0. 7-0.8 mm long, densely surrounded by a ring of 0.5-1. 3 mm long hairlets; dorsal vestiture be- coming sparser upwards but masking colour of tepals where not concealed by bracts. Tepals linear-lanceolate to narrow-elliptic, broadest above middle, limbate mainly in upper halves, membranous margins usually united towards the appendage-like apex (Figure 2D) and more or less incurved; three veins developed outside as bold ribs, midvein forming a 1.7-2 mm long faint keel above the tube, marginal ones bordering a coriaceous area, convergent higher up. Tepals not uniformly coloured: broad me- dian area tinged purple fading to^ pink then viridescent, neighbouring scarious tissue keeping pink tinge longest then turning whitish, apical portion (of 0.5-0. 8 mm) ivory- white throughout. Dorsal pubescence of tepals comprising straight subverticillate-no- dose spreading hairs up to 1.7 mm long, indumentum covering the surface except the apex. Outer tepals (Figure 2D) 4.2-4. 6 (4.9) mm long and up to 0.8-1. 0 (1.1) mm wide when fully grown, involute and more or less abruptly narrowed on one or both sides c. 1 mm below obliquely truncate, dentate to denticulate and/or minutely serrate apex, projecting beyond pubescence and conspicuously bent outward (Figure 2A), completely glabrous within. Inner tepals (Figure 2E) narrower, 3.7-4. 1 (4.3) mm long and (0.5) 0.6-0. 7 mm broad, acute apex bent outward less than in outer tepals, some- what obscured on outer surface but not exceeded by hairs inserted beneath; internally woolly at about middle, the hairs crisped faintly nodose c. 1 mm long and arising on one or both margins above the tube. Androecium and gynoeciuni markedly shorter than perianth. Four stamens consistently perfect; free part of filaments (0.4) 0.6 (0.7) mm long, c. 0.05 mm wide at middle, subulate above, basally dilated to about 0.2 mm; staminode equalling filaments of fertile stamens in length and shape, or somewhat thinner, often with a small appendix to 0.3 mm long or occasionally with a very rudimentary anther. Filaments and staminodes united with broad sinuses to a membranaceous glabrous tube (Figure 2F, G) to 1. 2-1.4 mm long and 23972 — ( 2 ) 266 Nuytsia Vol. 4, No. 3 (1983) Figure 2. Ptilotus procumbens Beni. A — Spike. B — Bract, outer face. C — Bracteole, outer face. D — Outer tepal, inner view. E — inner tepal, inner view. F — Androecium. G — Staminal tube opened. H — Gynoecium. (Drawn from holotype by A. BBhm). G. Beni, Ptilotus 267 0.5-0.6 mm in diameter, contracted and intimately adnate to perianth tube in lower 0. 6-0.7 mm; pseudostaminodes absent. Anthers reddish when very young, golden to pale yellow at maturity, broadly elliptic, 0.4-0.45 mm long and 0.3-0.35 mm broad at anthesis. Pistil (Figure 2H) entirely glabrous, distinctly stalked when young. Ovary turbinate to subclavate, up to 1.6 mm long (including stipe of 0.6-0.7 mm) and 0.7- 0.8 mm in diameter. Style subcentral, much shorter than ovary and relatively thick, 0.6 mm long by 0.1-0.12 mm diameter widening to 0.15 mm at base; stigma com- pletely inconspicuous. Ripe fruits and seeds unknown. Distribution. Known only from the type locality where it was collected on a “wash away in deep red clay”. Its prostrate habit and unattractive spikes are perhaps reasons for it being overlooked by former collectors in this region. Discussion. The newly described Ptilotus is sharply defined by its prostrate stems in addition to conical spikes, recurved appendage-like tepal tips and a markedly long staminal tube. An association of these characters clearly differentiates the novelty from all other forms and warrants specific recognition. A staminal tube reaching more than twice the length of the perianth tube has been observed until now only in P. auriculifolius (A. Cunn. ex Moq.) F. Muell., Diels’ ‘‘Trichinium siphonandrum”. However, this species is an erect perennial with ‘ear- shaped’ leaves up to 16 x 6 cm. Constantly four perfect stamens also occur in P. tetrandrus Beni, but in this species the sterile stamen is aborted to a minute lacinia, furthermore the spikes are interrupted and the stems upright. No closer affinities to any other Ptilotus can be established. Ptilotus procumbens may be inserted in my key to Ptilotus species, in Mitt. Bot. Munchen 9: 135-176 (1971), on p. 155 as follows: 45+ Inner tepals internally woolly 46 46 Bracts haired, brown a Stems erect, cauline leaves up to 10 x 4 cm. Tepals in lower part with an unusual ridge crested by isolated hairs. Androecium with a minute free ring; ovary villous at top P. carinatus Beni a+ Stems prostrate, cauline leaves up to 3 x 0.6 cm. Tepals without a crested ridge. Androecium with a long staminal tube; gynoecium glabrous P. procumbens Beni 46 + Bracts smooth and shining, almost uncoloured etc. P. leucocoma (Moq.) F. Muell. 2. Ptilotus appendiculatus Beni. var. minor Beni, var. nov. (Figure 3) Differt a varietate typica praecipue habitu ramoso humiliore, inflorescentiis et omni- bus partibus florum minoribus. Typus: Boodardee, about 15 miles (24 km) W of Port Hedland, Western Australia. 9 Sept. 1969, S. L. Everist 9195 (holo: BRI 205778). Diverging from the type variety of P. appendiculatus in its much-branched bushy growth and especially in smaller spikes with narrower flowers and less conspicuous appendages of the outer tepals. 268 Nuytsia Vol. 4, No. 3 (1983) Herb or subshrub with numerous branched prostrate stems forming close mats on ground surface. More or less bushy plant with a persistent indumentum. Stem c. 18 cm long, branches and floriferous branchlets growing sympodially more or less at right angles (thus somewhat resembling P. obovatus (Gaudich) F. MuelL). Spikes hemispherical or depressed-ovoid to 1.6 x 2.2 cm (hemispherical to elongate-ovoid and up to 4 X 2.6 cm in var. appendiculatus). Bract 4. 2-5. 5 mm long, bracteoles 5- H « of Poet r»i saM on old Hood pSaifs dtstf Of 'njrnor or »!ibshfw>; -fith mweroos bronche<1 fomind elofl^ «afes oa surface, r^eaves arey ortsenj flowers whit*, to ivory coloutftd. ttwil PttloiMS append Icaistus »eni l^iotypus v.rist.'stts Dei rev DBbKL ?dum;rwn 79 Figure 3. Ptilotus appendiculatus Beni var. minor Beni. Holotype specimen (S.L. Everist 9195, BRI). (Photograph K. Liedl). G. Beni. Ptilotus 269 5.8 mm long (4-7.5 mm and 6.5-8.2 mm respectively in var. appendicu]atus). Perianth tube 0. 9-1.3 mm long, (1.6-2.5mm in var. appendiculatus). Outer tepals 10-10.9 mm long and 0.6-0.9 mm broad, with rhombic-obovate to -spathulate appendages of 2- 2.3 mm long and 0.7-1. 2 mm broad (in var. appendiculatus 11-13.2 mm long and 1- 1.3 mm wide, appendages to 3.2 mm long and 2.5 mm wide; see Muelleria 1: 103, fig. 1, 1959). Inner tepals 8.8-10 mm long and 0.4-0.6 mm broad with an apex to 1.5 mm long by 0.8 mm broad (in var. appendiculatus 9.8-12.5 mm long and to 0.9 mm wide with a tip up to 1.5 mm long and 1 mm wide). Stamens unequal, mostly two adjacent ones fertile. Filaments 3. 9-4.9 mm long (5-5.2 mm in var. appendiculatus). Ovary in- cluding stipe 3-3.3 mm long, almost entirely glabrous, the eccentric style 3-3.6 mm long (ovary including stipe in var. appendiculatus 4 mm long, sparsely pilose at sum- mit, style 4 mm long). Distribution. Known only from the type locality which is c. 350 km northeast of the most northerly known occurrence of the type variety. Discussion. There is no reason to assume that the new taxon is merely a dwarf vari- ant of the typical form of the species (up to 1 m across when trailing) grown on a more barren ground: according to the scanty records P. appendiculatus var. ap- pendiculatus favours “spinifex hills”, whereas var. minor was collected “in red brown alluvial sand on old flood plain between distributaries of Turner River.” Everist observed the “flowers white to pale ivory coloured”. In collections of var. appendiculatus dating earlier (e.g. W. H. Butler, 9 Aug. 1963) the pink tinge of the tepals has been preserved up to the present; in more recent gatherings (e.g. R. Pratt 2/0119, 15 Aug. 1979) the collector described the flower colour as “purple, white and yellow”. Thus a difference in colour may be an additional point of distinction be- tween the two taxa. The new plant diverges markedly enough in its habit from the type material of var. appendiculatus (Morrison 15098 in BM, E, K) to justify a subspecific rank. However, there are other collections of the typical form (e.g. W. H. Butler s.n., R. Pratt 2/0119), in which the branching resembles that of var. minor. Hence a varietal rank for the latter seems to be most appropriate. 3. Ptilotus astrolasius F. Muell. var. luteolus Beni & H. Eichler, var. nov. A varietate typica imprimis colore plus minusve uniform! luteolo, floribus mani- festo maioribus, bracteis bracteolisque (atro)fuscis, perianthio minus piloso distinguitur. Typus: 8 miles (13 km) S of Meekatharra on Gabanantha Road, Eremaean Province, Western Australia, 22 Sept. 1957, N. H. Speck 884 (holo: CANB; iso: PERTH). Diverging from the type variety of P. astrolasius especially in an almost uniform yellow colour, in having larger flowers, larger dark brown bracts, and a less hairy perianth. Subshrub with young shoots and foliage densely yellow-villous, the hairs dendroid and up to 0.8 mm long. Fully developed spikes 12-17 mm long and 14-15.5 mm broad, conspicuous by glabrous shining apical portions of perianth, contrast between dull dark bracts and protruding lustrous yellow tepals particularly noticeable in a young inflorescence. Bracts usually 5 mm long, bracteoles up to 6 mm long, some- 270 Nuytsia Vol. 4, No. 3 (1983) times of the same colour. Outer tepals becoming 7.8 mm long and 2.5 mm wide; inner tepals (woolly bearded inside) averaging 7 mm long and 1.8 mm broad, length of claw very variable; stiff hairs from initially purplish claw of bipartite tepals comparatively short, thus leaving major part of tepal limb uncovered, hairs never arising on limb. Filaments and style to 3.2 mm long. Other specimen examined. WESTERN AUSTRALIA: 6.4 km N of Mt Alice, Eremaean Province, “Basalt hill”, N. H. Speck 1185 (CANB, PERTH). Distribution. Speck’s two collections both came from the southern region of the Ashburton Botanical District, Western Australia. These localities are about 400 km from the Hamersley Range, the nearest area known for the type variety. Thus there is no known overlap of ranges of the two varieties. Discussion. At first glance the geographic separation and the significant differences (especially concerning colour of stems, leaves and bracts, size of floral organs as given in Table 1) between the two infraspecific taxa seem to justify their recognition as two subspecies. However, there is some variation in the colour of perianth and bracts and in the pubescence of tepals among the material of the type form (e.g. Parker 298, in AD, M, MEL, NT; Ashby 4166, in AD), which tend towards the corresponding fea- tures of var. luteolus. Therefore it seems more appropriate to give the new plant only the rank of varietas. Table 1. Distinguishing morphological features between Ptilotus astrolasius var. astrolasius and var. luteolus. Character var. astrolasius var. luteolus Colour of shoots Greyish or yellowish turning to light brown Yellow Colour of foliage Hoary to greyish green turning to mid- and pale green Yellow Indumentum of young shoots and leaves Mealy tomentose with a close layer of stel- lately branched hairs and fewer dendroid ones Dense villous pubescence of dendroid hairs Colour of spikes Greenish- to greyish-white with fading reddish marks Bicolorous with dark bract and yellow distal parts of the tepals Bracts and bracteoles Usually inconspicuous, bracts almost colour- less, rarely brownish to deep brown, to 3 mm long; bracteoles to 3.3 mm long Markedly conspicuous by their dull dark colour; bract to 5 mm long; bracteoles to 6 mm long Outer tepals To 4.9 mm long, to 1.6 mm wide To 7.8 mm long, to 2.5 mm wide Inner tepals Mean = 4.2 mm long, 1.1 mm wide Mean = 7 mm long, 1.8 mm wide Claw Somewhat longer than limb Very variable in length Length of filaments and style To 2.3 mm To 3.2 mm 4. Ptilotus polystachyus (Gaudich) F. MuelL, Fragm. Phytogr. Austral. 6: 230 (1868), emend. Beni, Mitt. Bot. MUnchen 3: 517 (1960) — Figure 4. From the very beginning there has been some confusion regarding taxonomy and nomenclature of P. polystachyus. Gaudichaud’s short diagnosis of Trichinium polystacbyum from Shark Bay (in Freyc., Voy. Uranie: 445, 1826) did not clearly characterize the species. Mueller’s description of Ptilotus polystachyus included T. stirlingii Lindley and T. roseum Moq., both having been described in the meantime (see Bentham, FI. Austral. 5: 225, 1870). Specimens of P. stirlingii at MEL were de- G. Beni, Ptilotus 271 termined by Mueller as P. polystacbyus. Therefore, Mueller’s concept of P. polystachyus had to be “emended” (Beni, l.c.) by excluding P. roseus (Moq.) F. Muell. and P. stirlingii (Bindley) F. Muell. In 1838 Bindley (in T. Mitchell, Three Exped. Australia 2: 12) described Trichinium alopecuroideum which was separated by Bentham (l.c.: 218) from T. pplystachyum, the latter being placed by him (l.c.: 225) into the affinity of T. nobile Bindley. Ptilotus alopecuwideus (Bindley) F. Muell. became the name for one of the most common mainland Australian species of Ptilotus, often appearing as a weed along roadsides in Western Australia. However, after comparing the type specimens of Tricbinium polystacbyum (holo: BM; iso: G,P) with the type material of T. alopecuroideum (holo: K) I stated in 1960 (Beni, l.c.) that the two taxa must be re- garded as identical; thus the long-applied name Ptilotus alopecuroideus unfortu- nately had to be synonymized under P. polystacbyus. In 1918 W. V. Fitzgerald (in J. Proc. Roy. Soc. W. Austral. 3: 138) described a new species of Ptilotus from the Kimberley, Western Australia, naming it P. longistacbyus. As there are intermediates between P. polystacbyus and P. longistacbyus, especially as regards shape and pubescence of the bracts, size of the bracteoles, development of the staminal cup and length of its hairs, the form of the ovary, insertion and hairiness of the style (Figure 4), P. longistacbyus had to be reduced to the rank of variety (see Beni, Mitt. Bot. MUnchen 2: 403, 1958 and op. cit. 3: 518, 1960). Specimens showing intergradation in some floral details betweep the two taxa are: 14 miles (22.4 km) NE Dalmore Dowms N.T., G. Chippendale NT 7340 (M, NT); Maxvale near Charleville Qld., 6 Dec. 1935, E.H. East s.n. (BRI); near Broome W.A., July 1911, E. Mjoberg s.n. (NSW). Finally P. polystacbyus var. longistacbyus (W. V. Fitzg.) Beni cannot be treated any longer as identical with the red-flowered form of var. polystacbyus, as has been done incorrectly since 1962 (see Beni, Mitt. Bot. Munchen 4: 282). The name is therefore now reinstated. In 1979 I described Ptilotus pullenii. Having now been able to carry out a thorough revision of authentic material of P. polystacbyus var. longistacbyus (E, NSW, PERTH) it is clear that with regard to flower morphology P. pullenii must be re- garded as closely allied to this variety. Therefore, P. pullenii is here reduced in rank to a variety of P. polystacbyus. Ptilotus polystachyus var. pullenii (Beni) Beni stat. et comb. nov. (Basionym P, pullenii Beni, Mitt. Bot. Munchen 15: 169, 1979) — see 4f below. The differences between var. longistacbyus and var. pullenii are not confined to the colour of tepal tips (which are tinged red in the former variety but not in the lat- ter). In addition there are other distinguishing features concerning the diameter of the spikes and especially the shape of their apices, the form, hairiness and midrib of the bracts. These differences are indicated in the key below and are clearly illus- trated by a critical comparison of the specimens A. S. George 12813 (var. longistacbyus) with D. Symon 5271 (var. pullenii) cited under 4e and 4f below. Specimens examined. 4a.Ptilotus polystachyus (Gaudich) F. Muell. emend. Beni, var. polystachyus f. polystachyus. WESTERN AUSTRABIA: Mt Anderson Stn., S of Fitzroy River, R. D. Royce 6916 (PERTH). 272 Nuytsia Vol. 4, No. 3 (1983) Figure 4. Ptilotus polystachyus (Lindley) F. Muell. emend. Beni. A — var. polystachyus: a — staminal cup spread open, inner view; b — ovary. B — var. longistachyus (W. Fitzg.) Beni: a — staminal cup spread open, inner view; b — ovary. (Drawn from Hj. Eichler 18880 (A), Beauglehole 54017 (B) by A. Bbhm). NORTHERN TERRITORY: Simpson Desert (24°18'S, 136°37'E), P. K. Latz 4613 (AD, CANB, NT). SOUTH AUSTRALIA; Western edge of Pernatty Lagoon (31°27'S, 137°11'E), Hj. Eichler 18880 (AD, CANB, M). 4b. Ptilotus polystachyus var. polystachyus f. ruhriflorus (J. M. Black) Beni, Mitt. Bot, Munchen 4; 282 (1962). NORTHERN TERRITORY: 40 miles (64 km) N of Wauchope Township, M. Lazarides 5843 (AD, CANB, M, NT, PERTH). SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Oodnadatta (27°33'S, 135°27'E), Nov. 1914, Miss Staer s.n. (AD). G. Beni, Ptilotus 273 4c. Ptilotus polystachyus var. arthrotrichus f. arthrotrichus Beni, Mitt. Bot. Munchen 7: 317 (1970). NORTHERN TERRITORY: c. 80 km towards Borroloola from Daly Waters, R. Pullen 9323 (CANB). 4d. Ptilotus polystachyus var. arthrotrichus. f. ruber Beni, Mitt. Bot. Munchen 15: 169 (1979). WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Anketell Ridge (20°24'S, 122°07'E), A. S. Mitchell 1123A (NT, PERTH). 4e. Ptilotus polystachyus var. longistachyus (W. V. Fitzg.) Beni, Mitt. Bot. Munchen 3: 518 (1960). WESTERN AUSTRALIA: The Grotto, 2 km W of Great Northern Highway c. 30 km SSE of Wyndham, A. C. Beauglehole 54017 (CANB, M, PERTH); Montague Sound, A. Cunningham 201 (K); Usborne Harbour, Sept. 1839, A. Cunningham s.n. (K); Between Station Creek and Isdell River, W. V. Fitzgerald 1080 (E, NSW, PERTH); The Bastian, Wyndham, C. A. Gardner 7256 (PERTH); Near Gariyeli Creek, Prince Regent River Reserve, A. S. George 12813 (AD, CANB, K, MEL, PERTH); Boomerang Bay, Biggs Is., N. G. Marchant 72/25 (M, PERTH); Champagny Is., Bonaparte Archipelago, 27 May 1972, P. G. Wilson s.n. (PERTH); Osborne Is. (south west island), Bonaparte Archipelago, P. G. Wilson 11146 (PERTH); Cambridge Gulf near Wyndham, 1887, H. S. Wright s.n. (MEL). 4f. Ptilotus polystachyus var. pullenii (Beni) Beni, see above. WESTERN AUSTRALIA; Dead Horse Springs, near Lake Argyle, G. W. Carr 3150 & A. C. Beauglehole 46908 (PERTH); Dead Horse Springs, Lake Argyle area. Ora River, R. Pullen 10669 (CANB, M, WIR); 3 miles (4.8 km) S of Ord River Crossing (64 miles (102.4 km) N of Halls Creek), D. Symon 5271 (ADW, CANB, M, PERTH); Kimberlite Pipe Gap, at head of Smoke Creek, SW of Lake Argyle, A. S. Weston 12314 (CANB, PERTH). NORTHERN TERRITORY: Lat 12°40'S, Long. 133°15'E, L. A. Craven 2476 (BRI, CANB, M). Key to taxa of the Ptilotus polystachyus complex The situation regarding the P. polystachyus complex may be summarized in the following key: la. Staminal cup oblique, cleft, dilate with few short hairs (Figure 4Aa); ovary subcompressed, gibbous (Figure 4Ab), hairs restricted to base of style which is provided in lower half with unilateral hairs to c. 4 mm long. Spike 1-4 cm in diameter; bracts soon glabrous, bracteoles to 6 X 4 mm. Leaves linear or lanceolate 2 b. Staminal cup low, (sub)symmetrical, with copious silky hairlets (Figure 4Ba) to 3 mm long, sometimes enveloping the ovoid ovary like a veil and joining with its pubescence which mainly arises from upper portion of the ovary (Figure 4Bb); bracts hirsute. Leaves (elongate-) spathulate. In Western Australia found north of 18° lat. only 3 2a. Stems and foliage sprinkled with crisped hairs, at length glabrescent var. polystachyus (a) Fully developed spikes greenish turning brownish 4a. f. polystachyus (b) Fully developed spikes dull purple fading to brownish .... 4b. f. ruhriflorus 274 Nuytsia Vol. 4, No. 3 (1983) b. Stems and foliage remaining completely tomentose-pubescent. Re- corded from Western Australia between 17° and 22° lat var. arthrotrichus (a) Fully developed spikes greenish turning brownish 4c. f. arthrotrichus (b) Fully developed spikes red fading to brownish 4d. f. ruber 3a. Spikes 1.6-2. 3 cm across, with obviously narrowed apices unless fully grown; bracts mostly acuminate, with (broad-) dark midrib, bracteoles to 5 x 3.5 mm. Perianth pink tipped, becoming creamy to brown 4e. var. longistachyus b. Spikes 2.1-3 cm across, with roundish apices subconical when imma- ture; bracts ovate-acute, usually with narrow rufous midribs, bracteoles to 4.5 x 3.5 mm. Perianth pale green becoming brownish 4f. var. pulienii Note. Undoubtedly var. arthrotrichus is more closely related to var. polystachyus than are var. longistachyus and var. pulienii. However, intermediates in floral characters between the latter taxa and the type variety, even within the same collection (e.g. A. C. Beauglehole 54017, R. Pullen 10669), forbid application of dif- ferent taxonomic ranks. Acknowledgments Mr A. Bbhm, Munchen, prepared Figures 2 and 4, Mr K. Liedl, Munchen, pro- duced the photographs. Dr Hj. Eichler, Canberra, kindly read through taxa 2 and 3. Mr B. R. Maslin, Perth, and Dr A. Kanis, Canberra, gave useful suggestions to improve the text. Dr J. W. Green, Western Australian Herbarium, and Dr R. W. Johnson, Queensland Herbarium, made available the specimens necessary to the studies. The author wishes to express his deepest thanks to all these gentlemen. Nuytsia 4(3):275-277 (1983) 275 A new species of Billardiera (Pittosporaceae) from south-west Western Australia E. M. Bennett 21 Currawong Drive, Gooseberry Hill, Western Australia 6076 Abstract Bennett, E. M. A new species of Billardiera (Pittosporaceae) from south-west Western Australia. Nuytsia 4(3):275-277 (1983). Billardiera mollis, a new species allied to B. villosa and confined to the Ravensthorpe region is described and illustrated. Billardiera mollis E. Bennett, sp. nov. (Figure 1) Frutex effusus humilis. Folia alterna, ovato-lanceolata vel ovata, 10-20 x 7-11 mm hirsuta. Flores solitarii (raro 2), axillares. Petals caerulea, 12-15 x 3-6 mm, apice recurva. Antherae albae; filamenta 6-8 (10) mm longa, basi latiora, apicibus antrorsis. Ovarium hirsutum, 2. 5-3. 5 mm longum. Capsula longe hirsuta; semina 1.5-2 mm longa, atro-brunnea, laevia, nitida. Typus: Nortb-east slope of the southern ridge of the Ravensthorpe Range, Western Australia, 16 Sept. 1979, E. M. Bennett 16979 (holo: PERTH; iso: CANB, K, MEL). Low, spreading shrub to 50 cm tall; young stems reddish-brown, white hirsute, be- coming grey-brown with age and hairs rubbing off. Leaves alternate, ovate to lanceolate-ovate, mucronate, 10-20 x 7-11 mm, both surfaces of young leaves long white hirsute, becoming glabrous with age, hairs semi -persistent along margin and midvein, margins flat, petiole 0.75-1 mm long. Flowers solitary (rarely 2), axillary; flowering peduncles slender, 15-25 mm long, deep blue with scattered long and short white hairs; fruiting peduncles 15-25 mm long, green or greenish-brown, hirsute. Bracts at base of peduncle lanceolate-linear, 0.75-1.25 mm, dark-blue covered in long and short white hairs. Sepals free, narrow-lanceolate, dark blue, hirsute. Petals dark hlue or blue with 3 or 4 fine distinct purple lines on outer surface, pale blue or nearly white in throat, 12-15 x 3-6 mm, recurved 3-5 mm from tip. Anthers 0.75-1 mm long, white, filaments 6-8 (10) mm long, whitish green, dilated at base, tip curved for- wards. Ovary hirsute, 2.5-3.5 mm long; style 1.5-2 mm long, glabrous. Capsules covered with long white hairs, 7-14 x 5-7 mm long; seeds 1.5-2 mm, dark brown, smooth, shiny. Other specimens examined. North-east slope of the southern ridge of the Ravensthorpe Range, E. M. Bennett 51179 (PERTH); Carlingup Road, Rabbit Proof Fence No. 1, 4.4 km south of this intersection, November 1981, J. Lewis s.n. (PERTH). Distribution. South-west of Western Australia. Occurring in the Ravensthorpe Range from near Mount Desmond south of Kundip. It has also been collected 35 km east of the Range from the vicinity of the Rabbit Proof Fence No. 1. 276 Nuytsia Vol. 4, No. 3 (1983) Figure 1. Billardiera mollis. A — Flowers and young fruits (nat. size). B — Leaf (x2). C — Young capsule (x3). D — Mature fruit (xl.5). E — Seed (xlO). F — Recurved petal (x3). G — Stamen (x3). H — Stamens all turning the same way (x3). 1 — Hirsute ovary (x3). All drawn from E. M. Bennett 16979 (the type). E. M. Bennett, Billardiera 277 Habitat Seems to be confined to lateritic soils. Associated vegetation include Casua- rina acutivalvis, Dryandra quercifoUa, Hakea obtusa, Acacia sp. nov., Beaufortia schaueri, Eucalyptus incrassata, E. tetragona, Melaleuca glaberrima, Leucopogon sprengelioides. Flowering and fruiting period. Flowers from August to September. Mature seeds have been collected from late November to mid -December. Discussion. This species differs from the other Billardiera species which have a cap- sule as the fruit in that it has a pubescent capsule, all the other species have a glabrous capsule. The species it most closely resembles is B. villosa, but B. mollis dif- fers in its habit, being straggly not compact, the margins of the leaves being flat not recurved, the anthers being white not blue and the ovary and capsule being pu- bescent not glabrous. The foliage of the new species may be readily confused with Daviesia mollis which grows in the vicinity, but not sympatrically. Conservation status. Using the criteria adopted by Leigh et al. (1981) the new species is placed in the category 2K. References Bennett, E. M. (1972). New taxa and new combinations in Western Australian Pittosporaceae. Nuytsia 1: 266-269. Bennett, E. M. (1978). New taxa and new combinations in Australian Pittosporaceae. Nuytsia 2: 184-199. Leigh, J., Briggs, .1. and Hartley, W. (1981). ‘Rare or Threatened Australian plants.’ Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Special Publication No. 7, pp. 178 (Canberra.) -5 Nuytsia 4(3): 279-292 (1983) 279 Eucalyptus petraea sp. nov. and E. lucasii (Myrtaceae) : two Western Australian boxes D. J. and S. G. M. Carr Department of Environmental Biology, Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National Uni- versity, P.O. Box 475, Canberra City, A.C.T. 2601 Abstract Carr, D. J. and S. G. M. Eucalyptus petraea sp. nov. and E. lucasii (Myrtaceae): two Western Australian boxes. Nuytsia 4(3): 279-292 (1983). A new species. Eucalyptus petraea, of tbe taxonomic group (section Adnataria) which includes the boxes and ironbarks, is described. Its morphology and that of E. lucasii, another of that group, is discussed in detail. Both are from the south-west of Western Australia. The new species is highly disjunct in distribution in a narrow latitudinal belt. It occurs around the base of, or on, some of the granite holders which outcrop in the Eastern Goldfields. The ecological basis of its habitat preference is discussed. Eucalyptus lucasii has a more continuous distribution within the Austin Botanical District with a few more easterly outliers. The two species differ in a number of floral, fruit and leaf characters. The cuticular pattern of the adult leaves is characteristic of each species and is species-con- stant. Eucalyptus petraea is characterised by a marked tendency to androdioecism, the possible adaptive value of which is discussed. Introduction Until mid-century it was believed that the eucalypts commonly known as boxes and ironbarks (section Adnataria, Pryor and Johnson 1971) were restricted to the Eastern States of Australia (excluding Tasmania) and the tropics and were absent from extra-tropical Western Australia. It is true that Blakely (1934) had included a new species from that area, E. lucasii, in his section Porantheroideae, but doubts were expressed, particularly by Gardner, concerning the authenticity of the materials on which the new species was based (Johnston and Marryat 1965). The fact that E. intertexta R. T. Baker, now regarded as a box, had been collected by Helms in 1891 in the Cavenagh Range was not taken into account by Gardner (1953) because Blakely had placed it in another section (Paniculatae) of the genus. Specimens col- lected over the last thirty years have established that E. lucasii is a reasonably abun- dant and authentic species, and that E. intertexta occurs elsewhere in W.A. than in the Cavenagh Range. There is also a third species which we propose now to describe. Eucalyptus petraea D. J. Carr et S. G. M. Carr, sp. nov. Ad ‘boxes’ et ‘ironbarks’ affinis, a qua coniunctione sequente characterorum differt: operculum exterius mox ante anthesin abscissum; cicatrix operculina sulcum circu- larem ad orificium fructus faciens; staminodia numerosa, filamenta staminum brevia; medulla caulis sine glandibus oleosis; cortex tenuis, in caule inferiore asper et fibrosus, ex et caule superiore et ramis a taeniis longis exfoliatus. Typus: Gnarlbine Rock, 31°09'S 120‘^57'E, Western Australia, 29 Nov. 1980, D. J. Carr et S. G. M. Carr 2373 (holo: CANB). A species allied to the ‘boxes’ and ‘ironbarks’ but distinguished by the following combination of characters: outer operculum abscising shortly before anthesis; opercular scar forming an annular groove at the orifice of the fruit; staminodes 280 Nuytsia Vol. 4, No. 3 (1983) numerous with long filaments; stamens with short filaments; pith of stem lacking oil glands; bark rough and fibrous but relatively thin on lower trunk, deciduous in long ribbons on the upper trunk and branches. Lignotuherous tree to 14 m tall or a mallee (Figure 2A-D), with a finely-fissured, dark-grey, rough, fibrous bark (Figure 2D) which is persistent on the lower trunk to 3-10 m but deciduous in long ribbons from the upper trunk and branches. Adult leaves alternate, pendulous, concolorous, coarse-textured, dark-green and glossy when fresh, yellowish when dry, lanceolate, 7-12 cm long, 2-2.5 cm broad. Midrib dis- tinct, lateral veins at an angle of + 30°, intramarginal vein irregular, distant from the margin, with conspicuous minor venation between it and the margin. Cuticle of adult leaves thick, smooth and invariably without ornament on both surfaces (Figure 6 [1-6]) and quite different from that of E. lucasii (Figure 6 [7-12]). Synflorescences acrotonic, unit inflorescences (3-)7-flowered, the proximal ones in the axils of leaves, the distal ones paniculate. Flowers sometimes functionally male. Peduncles 1.3- 1.8 cm long, angular in cross-section. Pedicels somewhat angular, 3-7 mm long. Flower buds with tw'o opercula, the outer of which is shed only a few days before an- thesis, leaving a wide, very obvious opercular scar. Petaline operculum shorter than broad and much shorter than the hypanthium plus pedicel, usually bluntly conical. Stamens very numerous in as many as eight rows; filaments very slender, all indexed in bud, inserted on an annular staminophore which projects beyond the orifice of the flower; outer stamens anantherous (Figure 3C), their filaments very long, spreading at anthesis; fertile stamens with short, more or less erect filaments; anthers basifixed, not versatile, broader than long, dehiscing by pores (Figure 3A, B, D). Nectary lining the tube of the dower. Style shorter than the stamens but projecting beyond the ori- fice of the dower. Ovary with 4-6 loculi; ovular structures in 4 longitudinal rows on the placenta, ovules situated on the margins of the lower part of the placenta. Cap- sule deeply included in the hypanthium, dehiscing by loss of a stylar stub or a lobed, circumscissile lid, valves of fertile fruits absent or incomplete. (The modes of de- hiscence are as described by Brooker 1975, and by Carr and Carr 1980). Hypanthium thick-walled, coarsely wrinkled in the dry fruit, orifice not contracted, rim broad, marked by a circular groove in which the opercular scars are situated. Seeds hemitropous, dorsiventrally compressed, testa dark brown, surface netted. Coty- ledons oval. Seedling leaves petiolate, relatively thin, early ones ovate, later ones lanceolate, acuminate (Figure 5), the intramarginal vein close to the margin of the leaf, especially near the base of the lamina. Lignotubers are formed at the cotyledon- ary node and nodes of the first 4-5 leaf pairs. Seedling stem above the 4th pair of leaves square in cross section and pink. Oil glands conspicuous on stem and petioles but not protuberant. Intermediate leaves and leaves on reversion shoots (Figure 5A) broadly ovate, sub-glaucous, intramarginal vein distant from the margin. Selected specimens examined. 4.1 km N of Karonie on track to Cardunia Rocks, D. Blaxeli 1746 (FRl); Chiddarcooping Rock, M. I. H. Brooker 6486 (FRl); Near Horse Rocks, Carr & Carr 1250 (CANB); Woolgangie, 30.8 mi. (49.3 km) from Bullabulling on rock, Carr & Carr 1254 (CANB); Boorabbin, on rock to N of road, Carr & Carr 1258, 1259 (CANB); Yellowdine Rock, Carr & Carr 1263 (CANB); Moorine Rock, Carr & Carr 1265 (CANB); Queen Victoria Rock, Carr & Carr 2367, 2368, 2369, 2375, 2376 (CANB); Baladjie rock, Carr & Carr 2377 (CANB); Yellowdine Rock. S. G. M. Carr & P. G. Wilson 4042 (PERTH); 1 mi. (1.6 km) E of Karonie, (as ‘E. lucasib R. D. Royce 5245, 5247, 5248 (PERTH); 1 mi. (1.6 km) W of Warrachuppin, 25 Aug. 1981, B. H. Smith s.n.; Dulyalbin Rock, 10 Oct. 1981, B. H. Smith, s.n. D. J. and S. G. M. Carr, Eucalyptus petraea and E lucasii 281 Figure 1. Map of distribution of E. lucasii (black circles) and E. petraea (large open triangles). Small black triangles represent localities (granite boulders) searched for, but lacking, E. petraea. Distribution and habitat. The species occurs (Figure 1) as isolated populations in the vicinity of granitic boulders or “rocks” in an area bounded by latitudes 30° 54' and 31° 17', and longitudes 118°40' and 122°32', i.e. in parts of the wheat belt and transitional woodland, as defined by Erickson et al. (1973). Information on sites of its occurrence and on potential sites where it does not occur, together with additional 23972 — ( 3 ) 282 Nuytsia Vol. 4, No. 3 (1983) information of the same kind provided by Mr and Mrs Basil Smith of Manmanning appears to define all except the eastern boundary of its distribution. It is not known whether the species occurs east of the Karonie district. A general account of the vegetation of the area in which E. petraea occurs has been published by Beard (1969) but he does not deal with the marked zonation of trees or tall mallees at the foot of the granitic ‘domes’ or boulders. The relatively bare rock surfaces form excellent catchments and the soil around the base of the dome receives a copious flow of rainwater. It is surprising that E. petraea was not collected or rec- ognised long ago, for many of its localities (e.g. Moorine) were known a century or more ago to settlers and miners as places at which reliable supplies of water were available, either in gnamma holes or by sinking wells. The now disused but historic well or ‘soak’ at Gnarlbine is surrounded by tall trees of E. petraea. They, or their predecessors, were almost certainly present when the surveyor, H. Maxwell Lefroy, first camped there in 1863 (Harris 1942). The vegetation peculiar to the granite rocks of South Western Australia has been described by Smith (1962) and by N. G. Marchant, in Erickson et al. (1973: 191-194). Notes with Brooker’s Karonie specimen (2458 FRI), refer to its occurrence “in clefts of and near the top of granite rocks”. At Yellowdine Rock a large tree of E. petraea has colonised such a crevice, but it is an unusual habitat for the species. It is evident from Figure 1 that E. petraea is restricted to only a few of the granitic boulders of the area, of which there are perhaps as many as a hundred. The east-west distri- bution of the sites of its occurrence bears no relationship to the geology of the dis- trict or to the size of the boulders. Some very large boulders such as those at Mt Hampton, Mt Stirling, Merredin and Hyden (the latter lying south of the area shown on the map) tack E. petraea, while it is present on some relatively small ones as at Horse Rocks, Gnarlbine and Boorabbin. Tbe soils in which E. petraea grows are gravelly sands, evidently derived in part, as described in Erickson et al (1973), from exfoliation and ablation of the granite. We suggest that the conformational relationship of the base of the rock to the sur- rounding soil is a main determining factor in the present distribution of E. petraea, which appears to require a considerable depth of soil at the immediate foot of the rock. At Mt Hampton, for instance, the soil is shallow for some distance away from the foot of the rock, as evidenced by the fact that the well has been dug some 200 m further out. In such shallow soils, trees of Acacia lasiocalyx C. Andrews, Casuarina huegeliana Miq., Eucalyptus loxophleba Benth. and E. salmonophloia F. Muell. occupy successive zones at the foot of the rock. Where it occurs in quantity, E. petraea displaces Acacia lasiocalyx. Similarly, small outcrops of rock, near which the soil is shallow, do not appear to provide suitable sites for E. petraea. The present distribution of E. petraea may well have resulted from breakdown of a former wider distribution, as Erickson et al. suggest for other granite boulder species. If the rainfall and consequently the soil moisture storage were higher than at pres- ent, it is possible that E. petraea could successfully compete for sites away from deep soils at the base of granite rocks. Indeed, at Horse Rocks and at Karonie, the species occurs at some distance from the outcropping rocks themselves; at Horse Rocks, E. petraea grows in moist gravelly sand, at Karonie, according to notes with Blaxell’s specimen 1746, it is a “locally abundant mallee to 6 m in scrub of this species, E. kruseana and E. brachyphylla in sandy loam over granite on a low rise”. D. J. and S. G. M. Carr, Eucalyptus petraea and E lucasii 283 Figure 2. E. petraea (A) At Queen Victoria Rock. (B) At Baladjie, near the base of the rock. (C) The zone of E. petraea around the base of the granite boulder at Baladjie. (D) Lignotuber of tree at Queen Victoria Rock. Note also the fibr