The taxonomy of Xanthosia huegelii and closely related species (Apiaceae: Hydrocotyloideae)

Abstract

Recognition of the three species Xanthosia huegelii, X. pusilla and X. tasmanica has been inconsistent across their distribution in southern Australia. As part of a revision of the genus, the history of this group of species is reviewed and the position of the competing names clarified. Examination of the morphology of the species, both from living and herbarium material, resulted in only two taxa being recognised, X. huegelii and X. tasmanica. Both species are more widely distributed than previously thought, due mainly to the misapplication of the name X. pusilla.