The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

I see in the recent paper on new species of Melicytus that M. orarius is listed for Titahi Bay in the 'Specimens seen' section. In the interests of double-checking, does this mean that the form affiliated with M. obovatus from Titahi Bay should now be noted as Melicytus orarius ?

Hi Philip, that is my understanding. The plants around the south coast and Titahi Bay have quite a distinctive leaf form and had been tagged Melicytus aff. obovatus "Cook Strait" for quite a while. I've taken some pics of a potted seedling to help illustrate the difference. Will provide these photos in larger format to the website to put up also

Somewhat more close-up of the leaves

Hi Philip - yes there is NO Melicytus obovatus in the North Island now - all North Island plants referred to that species are now M. orarius. Melictyus obovatus s.s. differs by being dioecious, it is a taller species with narrower leaves etc. Theer are other differences as well. See the fact sheet I put up on this website about it.

Thanks, Peter. I figured that was the case, but wanted to double-check, especially regarding whether there were multiple taxa (unnamed or otherwise) around Wellington. The description of Melicytus orarius is a welcome distinction from Melicytus obovatus s.s.