New publication - A synopsis of Friesodielsia (Annonaceae) in New Guinea

HUH Research Fellow Zacky Ezedin has a new publication in Blumea, describing three new species of Friesodielsia in New Guine: F. papuana, F. ferralta, and F. yelaensis, expanding the known species in the region to four. These species show distinct morphological traits and represent the genus' easternmost distribution. The genus is more diverse in western Malesia, with fewer species in New Guinea, highlighting the need for further exploration to understand its full diversity and range.

Abstract:
The lianescent genus Friesodielsia has been poorly documented and studied in the New Guinea region, with only a single species, F. subaequalis, known thus far. Three species are newly described for the island and all four are illustrated here. Friesodielsia papuana resembles other glaucous-leaved species from western Malesia, namely F. glauca, but can be distinguished through a combination of laminar and floraltraits. Friesodielsia ferralta is described from a single montane specimenat 1400m, representing the highest known collection for the genus; it differs from the lowland F. papuana in its rusty indument, longer flowering pedicels, and smaller sepals. Frieso dielsia yelaensis is described from a single specimen from Rossel Island, representing both the southernmost and eastern mostextent for the genus. It has adistinct morphology with its strongly acuminate to caudate leaf apex, subsessile flowers, large foliaceous medial bracts and sepals. A key to the species in New Guineais provided.

Ezedin Z. 2024. A synopsis of Friesodielsia (Annonaceae) in New Guinea. Blumea 69 (2): 161–170. https://doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2024.69.02.05.