Rediscovery and updated description of the enigmatic annual Hydrocotyle corynophora F.Muell. (Araliaceae)

Abstract

Hydrocotyle corynophora F.Muell. (Araliaceae), a rare species endemic to Western Australia, was recently rediscovered in the field and in the Western Australian herbarium (PERTH) collection. Prior to these rediscoveries, little was known about the extant nature of this species, since its description by Ferdinand von Mueller in 1890. In light of the availability of new voucher material held at PERTH, an updated description is provided, along with descriptions of habitat, phenology and a formal citation of Mueller’s holotype held at the National Herbarium of Victoria (MEL).