Polyosma alipensis B.J.Conn & O.K.Paul, 2024

Paul, O. K., Conn, B. J. & Henwood, M. J., 2024, Taxonomic review of Polyosma (Escalloniaceae) in Papuasia, Blumea 69, pp. 54-88 : 65

2. Polyosma alipensis B.J.Conn & O.K.Paul , sp. nov. — Fig. 5

Etymology. The specific epithet ( ‘ alipensis ’) refers to the village Alipe, in the Western Highlands, where this species was collected. It is only known from this location.

Polyosma alipensis is morphologically similar to P. globosa , but differs from the latter by having larger leaves (petiole 2.5–4 mm long; lamina 13–17 by 4–8 mm vs petiole 1.5–2 mm long; lamina 8–12 by 3–6 mm in P. globosa ), leaf margin serrate (vs entire in P. globosa ), and lamina apex subacute to acute (vs acuminate in P. globosa ). — Type: N. Bowers 524 (holo LAE [ LAE 105558]; iso AK357464), Papua New Guinea, Western Highlands, Kaugel Valley, (Alipe), 11 June 1969.

Tree, 12–24 m tall, bole up to 4 m, 4–10 cm diam. Branchlets glabrous, dark brown,pustules brown, scattered,prominent scars by fallen petioles. Leaves pubescent; petiole 2.5–4 cm long; lamina elliptic, 13–17 by 4–8 cm, thickly coriaceous, drying both surfaces dark brown; base cuneate, margin serrate, apex subacute to acute; secondary veins 13–23 on each side and at an angle greater than 45° from midrib, regularly looping near margin onto the next secondary vein; tertiary veins weakly percurrent, hairy, prominent on abaxial surface. Inflorescence racemose, terminal,> 30-flowered; rachis 3.5–9 cm long, hairy, with flowers densely clustered along rachis; pedicels (2–) 5–7 mm long (fruiting pedicels 8–10 mm long); bracteoles 5–10 mm long, hairy. Calyx distinctly cup-shaped; calyx lobes 4–6 mm long. Corolla buds tubular, (6–) 9–10 mm long, greenish yellow to white, remaining tubular at anthesis, except opening with 4 small lobes distally. Fruits ovoid, 13–15 by 10–13 mm, glabrous, green turning bluish purple.

Distribution — Papua New Guinea (Western Highlands).

Habitat & Ecology — Occurring in lower montane forest from elevations of 2 000–2 500 m.

Conservation status — This species is here regarded as threatened because of the clearance of the forest by the local people for gardening and the use of the timber of this species for constructing homes.

Additional specimens examined (Paratypes). PAPUA NEW GUINEA, Western Highlands, Alipe Village, N. Bowers 433 ( LAE ); ibid., N. Bowers 674 (AK, LAE );ibid., J.S.Womersley NGF 43508 ( LAE );Tambul, J.S. Womersley NGF 14250 ( LAE ).

Figures

Fig. 5 Isotype collection of Polyosma alipensis B.J.Conn & O.K.Paul (N. Bowers 524, AK) showing branchlet with leaves and fruits. a. Insert of N. Bowers 674 [AK357463] showing base of leaves and immature developing inflorescence.