New species and a new hybrid in the Viola hederacea species complex, with notes on Viola hederacea Labill

Abstract

The Viola hederacea Labill, species complex is widespread in south-eastern Australia. It has often been considered problematic, with numerous forms difficult to adequately diagnose and distinguish. This paper results from an assessment of the complex based on extensive field observations, which have shown that the complex is tractable and comprises a number of morphologically and ecologically distinct species. Two new species. Viola banksii K.R. Thiele and Prober sp. nov. and V. eminens K.R. Thiele and Prober sp. nov., and a new hybrid. V. x zophodes K.R. Thiele and Prober nothosp. nov., are described and illustrated, and a new circumscription provided for Viola hederacea sens. str.