Ensete nepalense, a new combination, lectotypification and recognition as a distinct species endemic to Nepal

Abstract

Field and herbarium-based studies have revealed that Musa nepalense Wall. should be recognised as a species distinct from Musa glauca Roxb. (=Ensete glaucum (Roxb.) Cheesman), rather than a synonym as it has usually been assumed since the 1890s. Musa nepalense is lectotypified, and a new combination Ensete nepalense (Wall.) G.Parmar & Trias-Blasi is made. Diagnostic characters, distribution, a key to related species, habitat and phenological data are provided for E. nepalense.