The Cycas rumphii complex (Cycadaceae) in New Guinea and the western Pacific

Abstract

An account of the Cycas rumphii complex for New Guinea and the western Pacific (east to Tonga and north to Micronesia) is presented, with a key to the species, distribution maps and illustrations of all species. The C. rumphii species complex is described as a new subsection (subsection Rumphiae) in the genus Cycas. Six species are recognised in this region, three of them new (C. bougainvilleana, C. apoa and C. micronesica). Circumscription and distribution of C. rumphii, C. scratchleyana and C. seemannii are discussed. Misapplication of the name C. circinalis to taxa in the western Pacific region is discussed.