The taxonomy and ecology of Solanum subg. Leptostemonum (Dunal) Bitter (Solanaceae) in Queensland and far north-eastern New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

[90 species (82 indigenous and 8 naturalised) of Solanum subg. Leptostemonum are recorded for Queensland and far north-eastern New South Wales (north of 29°S latitude), with 50 species endemic. 29 species and one subspecies are described as new and illustrated (S. ammophilum, S. argopetalum, S. cocosoides, S. crebrispinum, S. ditrichum, S. dryanderense, S. dumicola, S. dysprosium, S. eminens, S. fervens, S. francisii, S. galbinum, S. graniticum, S. hapalum, S. innoxium, S. intonsum, S. johnsonianum, S. jucundum, S. latens, S. longissimum, S. lythrocarpum, S. mentiens, S. parvifolium subsp. tropicum, S. pusillum, S. rixosum, S. senticosum, S. stenopterum, S. ultimum, S. versicolor and S. vicinum); six species are reinstated (S. angustum Domin, S. crassitomentosum Domin, S. defensum F.Muell., S. magnifolium F.Muell., S. mitchellianum Domin and S. shirleyanum Domin) and three are reduced to synonymy (S. cleistogamum Symon, S. dallachii Benth. and S. seitheae Symon). S. dianthophorum Dunal is accepted, but known only from the holotype. S. centrale and S. yirrkalense are newly recorded as native to Queensland, and S. incanum is newly recorded as naturalised. Lectotypes are chosen for S. defensum and S. dunalianum, and a replacement lectotype chosen for S. sturtianum. All Australian species are classified into (mostly pre-existing) informal taxonomic groups. Distribution maps and notes on distribution are given for all taxa. Other biogeographical data (based on degrees of latitude and longitude) are provided, both at species and group level. Indumentum characters (particularly those of the stellate hairs) have been used extensively to elucidate the taxonomy of the group. Ecological requirements of various Solanum species and the reasons for their infrequent or transient occurrence are discussed. The use of Solanum fruits as food is reviewed. Identification keys (dichotomous and multi-access) are provided for all Queensland species. The conservation status of all indigenous taxa is assessed.]