Hiding in plain sight, Ficus desertorum (Moraceae), a new species of rock fig for Central Australia

Abstract

A new species of lithophytic fig, Ficus desertorum B.C.Wilde & R.L.Barrett, endemic to arid Central Australia, is described and illustrated. It is distinguished from other species in Ficus section Malvanthera Corner by having stiff lanceolate, dark green, discolorous leaves; many parallel, often obscure lateral veins; petioles that are continuous with the midrib; with minute, usually white hairs and non- or slightly sunken intercostal regions on the lower surface. Previously included under broad concepts of either Ficus platypoda (Miq.) Miq. or Ficus brachypoda (Miq.) Miq., this species has a scattered distribution throughout Central Australia on rocky outcrops, jump-ups (mesas) and around waterholes. This culturally significant plant, colloquially referred to as the desert fig, grows on elevated landscapes in central Australia, including Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), three of Central Australia’s best-known natural landmarks. Evidence is provided to show these plants are geographically and morphologically distinct from Ficus brachypoda, justifying the recognition of F. desertorum as a new species. Taxonomic issues with F. brachypoda and F. atricha D.J.Dixon are also discussed. Lectotypes are selected for Urostigma platypodum forma glabrior Miq. and Ficus platypoda var. minor Benth.

Population genetic structure and range limits ofProstanthera cineolifera(Lamiaceae), a vulnerable shrub with a patchy distribution

“…In addition to characterizing genetic diversity and connectivity, population genetics can be used to clarify the boundaries between species and test the identity of questionable populations (Ottewell et al 2016) Disjunct species distributions raise many questions about the biology and conservation of species (Llorens et al 2015;Ottewell et al 2016;Millar and Byrne 2020), stimulating research on the cause of the disjunction and potential for local adaptation. However, disjunct populations may have simply been misidentified, possibly as a result of unsuccessful identification keys or a lack of robust taxonomic work on the group (examples in Williams et al 2006;Sassone et al 2021;Wilde and Barrett 2021). The question of the taxonomic identity of the disjunct populations must be asked: are they the same species or different?…”

“…2006; Sassone et al . 2021; Wilde and Barrett 2021). The question of the taxonomic identity of the disjunct populations must be asked: are they the same species or different?…”