A revision of Commersonia including Rulingia (Malvaceae s.l. or Byttneriaceae)

Abstract

A taxonomic revision and DNA sequence analysis of all species previously attributed to Rulingia R.Br. and Commersonia J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. resulted in two major groupings, referred to a redefined Commersonia and a new genus (Androcalva C.F.Wilkins & Whitlock 2011). In total, 25 species are now recognised within Commersonia, including the type species of Rulingia, and 14 species previously included in Rulingia and 10 in Commersonia. Three of these are described as new (C. apella C.F.Wilkins, C. erythrogyna C.F.Wilkins and C. gilva C.F.Wilkins). A new subspecies, C. magniflora subsp. oblongifolia C.F.Wilkins, is recognised and C. bartramia (L.) Merr. var. tahitensis Dorr is raised to species level as C. tahitensis (Dorr) C.F.Wilkins & Whitlock. Two new combinations are made, Rulingia platycalyx Benth. and R. parviflora Endl. as C. parviflora (Endl.) C.F.Wilkins & Whitlock; and R. cistifolia Steetz and R. rugosa Steetz as C. rugosa (Steetz) F.Muell. The redefined Commersonia is monophyletic and characterised by anthers with sublatrorse dehiscence and mainly hairy staminodes, compared with extrorse dehiscence and glabrous staminodes as seen in Androcalva.

Analysis of Anticancer Activity and Chemical Sensitization Effects of Dendropanax morbifera and Commersonia bartramia Extracts

“…In a previous study, it was found to reduce the lipid profiles in mice serum in a dosedependent manner (17), and also showed antioxidant and anticancer activities (18). Commersonia bartramia (CB) belongs to the Malvaceae family and is usually found in Australia and Southeast Asia (19). In a previous study, it was found to have a cytotoxic effect on leukemia cell lines (20).…”

A revision of the Lasiopetalum floribundum group (Malvaceae), including recognition of four new species

“…This species is named in honour of Dr Carolyn (Carol) Wilkins (1945-), friend and colleague of the first author, in recognition of her indefatigable energy and enthusiasm, which has been particularly valued during many long days shared in the field. Carol has also made a significant contribution to Australian plant taxonomy in the last 20 years having named or revised more than 90 taxa in the Lasiopetaleae (Malvaceae) (Meissner et al 2014;Shepherd et al 2006;Shepherd & Wilkins 2015;Whitlock et al 2011;Wilkins 1999Wilkins , 2005Wilkins & Chappill 2001a, 2001b, 2002a, 2002b, 2003Wilkins et al 2008;Wilkins & Whitlock 2005, 2011a, 2011b and various Fabaceae genera (Chappill et al 2007(Chappill et al , 2008Wilkins & Chappill 2007a, 2007b, 2007cWilkins, Ladd et al 2009;Wilkins et al 2010;Wilkins & Trudgen 2012). Affinities.…”

Commersonia corniculata (Malvaceae), a new name for C. cygnorum

“…Our interpretation of the type is largely based on our observation that its flowers have narrowly-ovate calyx lobes with an acute apex, and petals with linear ligules that equal or exceed the apex of the calyx (see description in Wilkins & Whitlock 2011). Commersonia borealis (E.Pritz.)…”