Multivariate morphometric analysis and species delimitation in the endemic New Caledonian genusStorthocalyx(Sapindaceae)

Abstract

Storthocalyx is one of four genera of Sapindaceae endemic to New Caledonia. The most recent taxonomic revision is > 60 years old and is based on material that represents < 10% of the collections available today. Four species are currently recognized: Storthocalyx chryseus, Storthocalyx leioneurus, Storthocalyx pancheri, and Storthocalyx sordidus, although a significant number of specimens cannot be assigned to any of them. One hundred and ninety‐eight herbarium specimens were examined for an ascendant hierarchical classification and a principal coordinates analysis based on 19 morphological characters regarded as diagnostic at the species level (including those used in the original revision). The analyses revealed five morphologically well delimited groups that potentially correspond to species‐level units. The resulting entities were then compared with nomenclatural types, which showed that four of them corresponded to the four currently recognized species and suggested that the fifth represents a well delimited, undescribed species. The analysis also showed that seven type specimens represent mixed gatherings comprising elements referable to two distinct species. The findings of the present study provide a basis for undertaking a taxonomic revision of Storthocalyx, including the description of the new species. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 176, 127–146.

Morphological and anatomical investigation of New Caledonian graminoid Dendrobium (Orchidaceae) with the description of two new species

“…Vieillard's numeration cannot be understood as true collection numbers (Morat 2010). Indeed, he often attributed the same number to different gatherings that he regarded as comprising a single species, however he confused many taxa, thereby generating some nomenclatural problems as many of his collections were chosen as types (see for example Pierre et al 2014). Comparison of the material deposited at W with a specimen at P that clearly represents the same collection indicates that an error occurred in transcribing the number on the former, which is probably a fragment removed from the original specimen.…”

Pycnandra longiflora (Sapotaceae) a species believed to be extinct, rediscovered in New Caledonia

“…This has caused much confusion for his successors, a problem scientists still struggle with. The worst case known was found in Sorthocalyx (Sapindaceae), where three different species of the same genus were mixed in a "single type collection" (Pierre et al 2014). In addition, Vieillard used only a few locality names, such as Canala, Gatope, Balade and Wagap, which were military posts and probably represent very vague areas and not the real villages having these names (MacKee & MacKee 1981).…”