Sedges in the mist: A new species of 'Lepidosperma' (Cyperaceae, Schoeneae) from the mountains of Tasmania

Abstract

The status of a putative new species of 'Lepidosperma' from the mountains of south-western Tasmania, Australia, was investigated. Phenetic analysis (Flexible UPGMA Agglomerative Hierarchical Fusion and semi-strong hybrid multidimensional scaling) was conducted on a database derived from morphological and anatomical characters scored from herbarium material, culm anatomy slides and scanning electron micrographs of fruit. The results of the analysis support the recognition of a new species, here described as 'Lepidosperma monticola' G.T.Plunkett & J.J.Bruhl. The distribution, habitat and conservation status are discussed.