Flora of Singapore precursors, 28: Taxonomic and nomenclatural clarification of Kadsura species (Schisandraceae) in Singapore

Abstract

Recent taxonomic and floristic accounts list Kadsura scandens (Blume) Blume as the sole native Kadsura species in Singapore. However, these works have overlooked Ridley’s earlier documentation of another species, Kadsura verrucosa (Gagnep.) A.C.Sm., which was recorded under the misapplied name K. cauliflora. The reduction of Kadsura cauliflora to a synonym of K. scandens led to the uncritical acceptance of a single Kadsura species in Singapore. The confusion between Kadsura scandens and the morphologically similar K. verrucosa may be partly attributed to the demonstrably ambiguous lectotype of K. scandens. An epitype is therefore designated for Kadsura scandens. Key differences between the two Kadsura species and brief propagation notes are provided here.