New Combination For the Kermadec Nettle Tree
A new combination, at the more appropriate rank of subspecies, has been formally published for the Kermadec nettle tree. This species, initially described as B. dealbata Cheeseman, is closely related to the Norfolk Island B. australis Endl., which was why in 1977, it was referred to that species at the rank of variety (B. australis var. dealbata (Cheeseman) Sykes) by former DSIR Botany Division botanist W. R. (Bill) Sykes. Sykes (in de Lange et al. 2005) has revisited the taxonomy of the Kermadec plant, and concluded that it is still distinct from but closely allied to B. australis, but that a shift in rank is merited, Thus the Kermadec nettle tree is now known as B. australis subsp. dealbata (Cheeseman) Sykes. No change in conservation status is required.
Reference
de Lange, P.J.; Gardner, R.O.; Crowcroft, G.M.; Stalker, F.; Cameron, E.K.; Braggins, J.E; Christian, M.L. 2005: Vascular flora of Norfolk Island: some additions and taxonomic notes. New Zealand Journal of Botany 43: 563-596.