Polyosma dentata Schltr.

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

7. Polyosma dentata Schltr.

Polyosma dentata Schltr. (1915) 132, f. 5F–K. — Type: C.L. Ledermann 12785 (B, lost), Papua New Guinea, East Sepik, ‘Im Gebirgsbuschwalde bei dem Lager ‘Felsspitze’ (= Camp ‘Felsspitze’) im mittleren Sepik- Gebiet’, Aug. 1913. — Neotype (designated here): A. Vinas & J. Waikabu LAE 59527 (neo LAE ; isoneo CNS, L), Papua New Guinea, West Sepik, Telefomin.

Typification. Since most of Ledermann’s collections were at B, and were subsequently destroyed with few duplicates distributed elsewhere ( Veldkamp et al. 1988, Fosberg & Oliver 1991), a neotype is chosen here based on Schlechter (1915: 10, f. 5F–K) because this illustration was based on the only collection available to Schlechter (namely, C.L. Ledermann 12785). Furthermore, the illustration is sufficiently detailed to be in full agreement with the protologue.

Tree 4–6.8 m tall, bole c. 5 m, to 10 cm diam. Branchlets glabrous, brown with scattered pustules. Leaves glabrous; petiole (0.5–) 1–2.5 cm long; lamina broadly elliptic, 5.5–11.5 by 3–5 cm; base acute, margin serrate, apex acuminate; secondary veins 13–19 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, prominent on abaxial surface. Inflorescence racemose, axillary, <20(–25)-flowered; rachis (2–) 4–6 cm long, sparsely hairy, with flowers loosely and evenly arranged; pedicels 3–5 mm long; bracteoles 1–3 mm long, sparsely hairy. Calyx lobes 1–4 mm long. Corolla buds tubular, 15–20 mm long, purplish yellow; corolla moderately hairy, remaining tubular at anthesis, except opening with 4 small lobes distally. Fruits ovoid, 10–15 by 5–7 mm, glabrous, green to drying blackish brown.

Distribution — Papua New Guinea (West Sepik, East Sepik, Western Highlands, Eastern Highlands).

Habitat & Ecology — Occurring in mid montane forest from elevations of 1 350–2 300(–4 400) m.

Conservation status — This widespread species is inadequately sampled to evaluate confidently its conservation status.

Additional specimens examined. PAPUA NEW GUINEA, West Sepik, Telefomin, A. Vinas LAE 59527 (L, LAE ); East Sepik, Eastern ridge of Sumset (Mt Hunstein), R. Hoogland 10954 & L.A. Craven (BRI, K, L, LAE ); Western Highlands, Mt Hagen, J.M. Wheeler ANU 6255 ( LAE ); Mt Kaiap, H. Tagawa 72 ( LAE ); Eastern Highlands, South Karius, W. Takeuchi 22429 ( LAE ).