Syzygium bubuuense Craven, 2021

Craven, L. A., Damas, K. Q. & Cowley, K. J., 2021, Studies in Papuasian Syzygium (Myrtaceae): 2. The furfuraceous species of subg. Syzygium, Blumea 66 (1), pp. 57-81 : 64

5. Syzygium bubuuense Craven , sp. nov. — Map 3

From Syzygium maneauense Craven & Damas it differs in having leaves that are elliptic to oblong-elliptic and truncately acuminate (broadly elliptic and roundly acuminate in S. maneauense ), 4 calyx lobes (in S. maneauense the calyx is a rim of tissue on which 2 lobes are readily evident), and 65‒70 sta- mens (35‒40 in S.maneauense ). — Type: James, Damas, Emai & Purui 556 (holo CANB!; iso BISH n.v.), Papua New Guinea, Morobe Province, Bubuu Valley , vicinity of Lamgotak (Camp 2), S of camp, 2187 m, 24 Feb. 2012 .

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the locality Bubuu Valley.

Shrub to 2.4 m tall. Vegetative branchlet terete proximally and compressed distally,rounded, 3‒3.5 mm diam; bark dull,smooth, very slightly glandular-verrucose, persistent. Leaf lamina elliptic to oblong-elliptic, 17‒21 by 8‒9 cm, 2‒2.4 times as long as wide; base broadly cuneate; apex truncately acuminate; acumen recurved; margin flat; coriaceous; primary and secondary venation distinctly different with secondaries relatively little developed and not or rarely joining the intramarginal vein, or generally similar with all or nearly all secondaries joining the intramarginal vein; primary veins 15‒19 on each side of the midrib, in median part of lamina at a divergence angle of 70‒80° and 7‒15 mm apart; intramarginal vein present, weakly arched, 2.5‒4 mm from margin, secondary intramarginal vein present but often partly obscure. Petiole 5‒10 mm long. Reproductive seasonal growth unit with a reproductive zone only. Inflorescence leafless, cauline, few-flowered, paniculate, up to c. 1.5 by 1.5 cm, major axis c. 2 mm thick at the midpoint; bracts caducous; bracteoles subtending each flower. Flower buds with the apex rounded to obtuse. Hypanthium dull, furfuraceous, ribbed to angled laterally (i.e., 2-costate); stipitate. Calyx lobes 4. Petals calyptrate (apparently coherent and falling as a cap). Stamens 65‒70. Placentation axile-basal; placenta small cushion. Ovules 10‒15 per locule, ascending, arranged irregularly. Open flowers and fruit not seen.

Distribution — Papua New Guinea.

Habitat & Ecology — No information is available on habitat and ecology other than the altitude being c. 2187 m.

Notes — 1. The only specimen seen appears to be in the mid-bud stage of floral development. Consequently, information as to the mature hypanthium shape, staminal disc form, etc. is lacking.

2. Syzygium bubuuense is known from the type collection only.