A new Achyranthes (Amaranthaceae) from Phillip Island, Norfolk Island group, South Pacific Ocean

Abstract

A new endemic species of Achyranthes, A. margaretarum, is named from Phillip Island, the smaller of the two main islands in the Norfolk Island group. The new species differs from its nearest relative, the Norfolk Island endemic A. arborescens, by its smaller stature, bronze-green leaves with yellow veins, much smaller, erect, fewer-flowered, maroon-coloured inflorescences, and smaller, dark brown turbinate fruit. The new species is considered to be critically endangered.