Of a different feather: two new species of featherheads from the Ptilotus macrocephalus (Amaranthaceae) complex

Abstract

Ptilotus macrocephalus (R.Br.) Poir. (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as a featherhead, is a widespread and common species in many parts of Australia. In the present study, we assess morphological variation in P. macrocephalus throughout its geographic range and provide evidence for the recognition of two new species, namely, P. psilorhachis T.Hammer & R.W.Davis and P. xerophilus T.Hammer & R.W.Davis. Geospatial analyses indicated that these new species are partitioned ecologically and geographically.