A review of Acacia coolgardiensis (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) and closely related species in Western Australia

Abstract

The three subspecies formerly comprising the widespread, variable, Western Australian species Acacia coolgardiensis Maiden are now treated as distinct species, namely, A. coolgardiensis, A. effusifolia Maslin & Buscumb (syn. A. coolgardiensis subsp. effusa R.S.Cowan & Maslin) and A. latior (R.S.Cowan & Maslin) Maslin & Buscumb (syn. A. coolgardiensis subsp. latior R.S.Cowan & Maslin). Two new related species are also described, A. incognita Maslin & Buscumb which was formerly confounded with A. coolgardiensis subsp. coolgardiensis, and the recently discovered A. sulcaticaulis Maslin & Buscumb which is listed as a Priority One species according to the Department of Environment and Conservation’s (DEC) Conservation Codes for Western Australian Flora. A key to the recognition of these five species is presented.