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Issue: Vol. 706 No. 2: 24 Jun. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-06-24
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1
Page range: 101-128
Abstract views: 433
PDF downloaded: 10

Taxonomic resolution of the Elaeocarpus hedyosmus Zmarzty (Elaeocarpaceae) species complex in Sri Lanka using an integrative approach

Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka; Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka; Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Department of Horticulture & Landscape Gardening, Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
Biodiversity Conservation Intraspecific taxa Sri Lankan flora Eudicots

Abstract

Elaeocarpus hedyosmus Zmarzty, an endemic species described on herbarium material, shows greater morphological diversity in nature than what is evident from specimens, suggesting it may represent a species complex. Recognizing this morphological diversity, supported by molecular data, the present study identifies and describes three subspecies within E. hedyosmus: Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subsp. hedyosmus, Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subsp. subobscurus and Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subsp. grandidomatiatus. The three subspecies are formally described and illustrated, and their conservation status evaluated according to the IUCN guidelines. Thus, this study highlights the essential role of taxonomy in conserving biodiversity and genetic diversity. In fact, without taxonomic recognition, below-species-level diversity may go unnoticed by policymakers and development initiatives, thereby hindering conservation efforts.

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How to Cite

Silva, N., Dasanayaka, S., Yakandawala, D. & Yakandawala, K. (2025) Taxonomic resolution of the Elaeocarpus hedyosmus Zmarzty (Elaeocarpaceae) species complex in Sri Lanka using an integrative approach. Phytotaxa 706 (2): 101–128. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1