An examination of coprosma ciliata and c. parviflora complex

Abstract

The Coprosma ciliata-parviflora complex, as resolved here, comprises five species, three of them newly defined. Coprosma tayloriae is formally described for the first time, C. dumosa, also previously included in C. parviflora as a variety, is a new combination, and C. pseudociliata, first recognised by Cheeseman as C. parviflora var. pilosa and previously included under C. ciliata, is recognised as a separate species. These five species are closely interrelated, occupy similar habitats, but span a wide range in altitude and latitude, with largely non-overlapping distributions. They can be distinguished by growth form, and leaf and floral characters. Detailed descriptions are provided for all species. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.