Asterolasia beckersii (Rutaceae), a new species from the Northern Tablelands, New South Wales (original) (raw)

Asterolasia beckersii Orme & Duretto (Rutaceae) is newly described. The species is restricted to the Nundle area (Tamworth district) on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. The species is related to A. correifolia (A.Juss.) Benth. and A. hexapetala (A.Juss.) Druce and can be distinguished from these by leaf, inflorescence and floral characters. The ecology and conservation status of A. beckersii are discussed and a key to Asterolasia for eastern Australia is provided. Orme and Duretto Conservation status: In 2004, this species was determined to be Endangered under Schedule 1 of the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995; it is not listed under Federal legislation. Plants are known to occur in Tuggolo Creek and Back River Nature Reserves, Tuggolo State Forest and the area above Dungowan Dam which is managed by local government and under some protection as a water catchment area (Fig. 1). After visits to each of the three sites, the extent of each population was found to be small, and where population size data was recorded with herbarium specimens, it was noted to be between one and 20 individuals. Etymology: The epithet honours Doug Beckers (NSW National Parks and Wildlife officer) for discovering the species. Key to the species and subspecies of Asterolasia found in eastern Australia (SA, Vic., NSW, Qld) Note: Of the taxa found in eastern Australia only A. asteriscophora subsp. albiflora (E Vic.; couplet 6), A. muricata (SA; couplet 1), A. phebalioides (SA, W Vic.; couplet 13) do not occur in NSW. All Western Australian species have 1-4 carpels and a key to these species is provided by Wilson (2013). The couplets leading to the subspecies of A. trymalioides are based on the key of McDougall et al. (2016).