Two narrowly endemic, endangered species of Melichrus (Ericaceae subfam. Epacridoideae) from north-eastern New South Wales currently bearing phrase names are formally named and described. Melichrus hirsutus J.B.Williams ex H.T.Kenn. & I.Telford is validly published more than 50 years after the first herbarium specimens were collected. Melichrus gibberagee J.B.Williams ex H.T.Kenn. & J.J.Bruhl is also described as new. Notes are provided on the distribution, habitat and conservation status of both species. An updated key to Melichrus species in New South Wales is provided.
Author Biography
Helen Therese Kennedy, University of New England
Helen Kennedy is a PhD candidate at the University of New England revising the taxonomy of the genus Melichrus. Helen combines analyses of morphology, anatomy and genetics to examine patterns of speciation and produce robust, descriptive and highly usable taxonomic classifications. Helen aims to contribute to the description and conservation of natural diversity.
The University of Sydney acknowledges that its campuses and facilities sit on the ancestral lands of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have for thousands of generations exchanged knowledge for the benefit of all.
Learn more