Reinstatement of Memecylonelegantulum (Melastomataceae) and recircumscription of Memecylonrostratum, two species endemic to Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Memecylonelegantulum Thwaites, a heterotypic synonym of M.rostratum Thwaites, is re-instated based on recent collections and field observations. The two species differ mainly in their habit, inflorescence structure, floral morphology and lamina morphology. A lectotype and an epitype are designated for Memecylonelegantulum, and a lectotype designated for M.rostratum. Both species are confined to the mixed dipterocarp rainforests of Sri Lanka's perhumid south-western 'wet zone'. Memecylonelegantulum appears to be restricted to a relatively small range in Ratnapura district, while M.rostratum has a wider distribution in wet zone.