Novitates Neocaledonicae. II. Acropogon moratianus Callm., Munzinger & Lowry, sp. nov. (Malvaceae, Sterculieae): a rare and threatened new species from New Caledonia

Abstract

A new species of Acropogon Schltr. (Malvaceae, Sterculieae) is described from New Caledonia. Acropogon moratianus Callm., Munzinger & Lowry, sp. nov. is endemic to three ultramafic massifs, Boulinda, Kopéto and Paéoua, along the north-western coast of Grande Terre. This rare, endangered species differs from other members of the genus by its large 5-lobed leaves whose abaxial surface is covered by erect to divergent stellate trichomes and the subspherical shape of its follicles, which bear a pointed apex. Line drawings and color photos are provided, along with a discussion of its morphological affinities and a preliminary risk of extinction assessment.