Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subsp. subobscurus N. Silva, S. Dasanayake, D. Yakandawala and K. Yakandawala, 2025

Silva, Nilanka, Dasanayaka, Shamila, Yakandawala, Deepthi & Yakandawala, Kapila, 2025, Taxonomic resolution of the Elaeocarpus hedyosmus Zmarzty (Elaeocarpaceae) species complex in Sri Lanka using an integrative approach, Phytotaxa 706 (2), pp. 101-128 : 112

Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subsp. subobscurus N. Silva, S. Dasanayake, D. Yakandawala and K. Yakandawala subsp. nov. ( Figs. 8 & 9 )

Type: — SRI LANKA. Sabaragamuwa Province, Rathnapura District, Carney estate, bank of river Kalu-gaga , 295 m a.s.l., 21 August 2020, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala CA08 (holotype PDA: barcode PDA00120346 !, isotypes PDA: barcode PDA00120347 !; PDA00120348 !; PDA00120349 !, K!) .

Leaves chartaceous, elliptic to slightly obovate, apex acute, domatia inconspicuous on abaxial surface, distributed along the mid rib and secondary forks. Flower bud ovoid with acute apex. Petals obovate, with 26–29 apical divisions. Seed spherical to oblong-ellipsoid, stone with sharp projections.

Other specimens examined (paratypes):— SRI LANKA. Western/ Sabaragamuwa Province, Kalutara/ Rathnapura District., Moropitiya logging area, 14 miles E of Matugama, altitude low, fl.,8 August. 1974, Kostermans 25356 ( K, L, PDA: barcode PDA 00118168!, US). Western Province, Kalutara District.: Kalawana, 0 m a.s.l., fl., 9 August. 1974, Cramer 4295 ( PDA: barcode PDA 00118161!, US) Southern Province, Galle District.: Kanneliya, 200 m a.s.l., fl., 11 August 1974, Cramer 4312( K, PDA: barcode PDA 00118162!, US). Bulathsinhala, Pasdun Korale, c. 25 miles E of Kalutara, fr., 7 October 1979, Kostermans 27875 ( K, L, PDA: barcode PDA 00118137!). Southern Province, Galle District, Kanneliya rain forest, 169 m a.s.l., 8 September 2019, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala KN18 ( PDA: barcode PDA 00120351!). Western Province, Kaluthara District, Bulathsinhala, Walawwatta wathurana, 50 m a.s.l., 24 June 2020, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala BS04 ( PDA: barcode PDA 00120356!). Southern Province, Galle District, Kanneliya forest, Opatha, road to Rajawangala Aranya Senasanaya, 146 m a.s.l., 31 March 2021, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala OP 03 ( PDA: barcode PDA 00120357!). Sabaragamuwa Province, Rathnapura District, Kukuleganga hydro power station, roadside, 227 m a.s.l., 26 January 2020, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala KU 04 ( PDA: barcode PDA 00120335!).

Distribution:— Sabaragamuwa Province, Rathnapura District, Southern Province, Galle District, Southern Province, Matara District, Western Province, Kaluthara District.

Habitat:— This subspecies is known to occur exclusively in the lowland wet zone of the island, at elevations up to 800 m a.s.l., typically found close to watercourses such as riverlets and streams. The region experiences rainfall throughout most of the year, with no distinct dry season. The area is mainly fed by the southwest monsoon (May– September) and inter-monsoonal rains (March–April and September–October).

Phenology:— Flowering February–August; fruiting April–October

Figures

FIGURE 8. Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subsp.subobscurus;A.Adaxial and B.Abaxial surface of leaf.C. Leaf domatia D and E Inflorescence. F. Side view of a floret. G. Birds eye view of a floret. H. Flower bud I. and J. Sepals. K. Petal. L. Stamen. M. Disk and ovary. N. Fruit. O. Seed and P. Transverse section of seed.

FIGURE 9. Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subsp. subobscurus; A. twig. B. flower bud. C. flower, bird’s eye view. D. flower, side view. E. sepal, outer surface. F. sepal, inner surface. G. petal. H. dissected flower, showing gynoecium, disk and stamens. I. disk and gynoecium. J. stamens. K. fruit. L. seed, side view. M. stone cross section.