Anthelepis, a new genus for four mainly tropical species of Cyperaceae from Australia, New Caledonia and South-East Asia

Abstract

<p>A new genus, <i>Anthelepis</i> R.L.Barrett, K.L.Wilson & J.J.Bruhl, is described for four Cyperaceae species from mainly tropical areas of South-East Asia, New Caledonia and Australia. The relationships of the three previously described species have been much-debated. In recent decades, they have most commonly been placed in either <i>Schoenus</i> L. or <i>Tricostularia</i> Nees ex Lehm., but molecular phylogenetic data have demonstrated that they are not closely related to either genus and a new generic name is required. The following three new combinations are made: <i>Anthelepis guillauminii</i> (Kük.) R.L.Barrett, K.L.Wilson & J.J.Bruhl (based on <i>Schoenus guillauminii</i> Kük.), <i>A. paludosa</i> (R.Br.) R.L.Barrett, K.L.Wilson & J.J.Bruhl (based on <i>Chaetospora paludosa</i> R.Br.) and <i>A. undulata</i> (Thwaites) R.L.Barrett, K.L.Wilson & J.J.Bruhl (based on <i>Cladium undulatum</i> Thwaites). One new species, <i>Anthelepis clarksonii</i> R.L.Barrett, K.L.Wilson & J.J.Bruhl, is described from northern Queensland, Australia, as distinct from <i>A. undulata</i>. Full descriptions, illustrations and a key to species are provided. All species are confirmed as having C₃ anatomy.</p>