Untitled

Abstract

Taxonomic opinions on Australian taxa of Salsola sensu stricto (Chenopodiaceae) are analyzed in a historical context. It is concluded, based on available evidence, that the genus is probably represented in Australia and adjacent regions of southeasternmost Asia by several (4-5 or more) native species, including the currently recognized S. australis R. Br. (also naturalized in southwestern North America and southern Africa) and supposedly related taxa (S. macrophylla R. Br., S. brachypteris Moq., S. australis var. strobilifera (Benth.) Domin, etc.); the presence of introduced Eurasian species cannot be excluded as well. The new name Salsola sabrinae Mosyakin is proposed for the native Australian taxon originally described as S. tragus L. subsp. grandiflora S. Rilke (non S. grandiflora Link ex Steud.) and reported mainly from northern tropical and subtropical regions of Australia (northern Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland). It is emphasized that further dedicated morphological, molecular phylogenetic, and phylogeographic studies are needed, in comparison with Eurasian species, for achieving a reliable taxonomic scheme for Australian/Australasian species of Salsola and for clarifying issues of their immigration to and diversification in Australia.