Rising from the ashes - Hydrocotyle phoenix (Araliaceae), a new annual species from south-western Australia

Abstract

A recently discovered fire ephemeral Hydrocotyle phoenix A.J.Perkins sp. nov. from south-west Western Australia is described and compared to other Australian species of Hydrocotyle. Photographic images of the new species are provided, along with a list of diagnostic features to aid in identification. The annual fire ephemeral life history of this species is novel for the genus.