Special Issue 2013
Vol 142(3): 51-55
A New Species of Diplycosia: D. coii Argent (Ericaceae) is Described in Honour of Leonardo Co
George Argent
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, U.K.
ABSTRACT
A new species Diplycosia coii (Ericaceae) is described from Mt Halcon, Mindoro, in the Philippines. A brief history of the genus in the Philippines is presented together with notes on the particular difficulties in studying this genus. A key to identify the accepted Philippine species is given.
INTRODUCTION
Diplycosia was established as a genus in the Ericaceae by Blume in 1826 with just three species (two as presently accepted) from Java and D. heterophylla Blume was established by Sleumer (1957) as the type species overruling Copelands (1932) implied selection of D. pilosa Blume. Bentham & Hooker (1876) had divided the genus into two subgenera, but this was not followed by either Copeland (1932) or Sleumer (1957) in their monographic or revision studies and there is presently no meaningfully way to subdivide the genus. Powell & Kron (2001) in their molecular analysis demonstrated that Diplycosia was monophyletic, but nested within Gaultheria. This study, however, was based on only five species and none from the Philippines. Merrill in his Enumeration of Philippine Flowering Plants (1923) listed 12 species of Diplycosia. Copeland (1932) in his revision of Philippine Ericaceae recognised 8 species from the Philippines in Diplycosia which he clearly distinguished from Gaultheria with characters used in the concept of the genus followed by Sleumer. Sleumer (1967) reduced this number further to 6, although recognising D. calelanensis Elmer and D. merrittii Merr. as varieties of D. luzonica (A.Gray) Merr., an indication that he was not entirely sure of the status of these taxa. . . . . . read more
