Re-evaluation of Ptilotus polystachyus sens. lat. (Amaranthaceae) and creation of the new combination Ptilotus giganteus
DAVIS, R.W. AND BUTCHER, R.
This paper evaluated infraspecific taxa in Ptilotus polystachyus (Gaudich.) F.Muell. using morphometric analysis. We conclude that var. arthrotrichus Benl. should not be regarded as a distinct variety from var. polystachyus and that var. longistachyus (W.Fitzg.) and var. pullenii (Benl) Benl should be merged into a single taxon and elevated in rank to species. The new combination P. giganteus (Cunn. ex Moq.) R. W.Davis & R.Butcher is erected for this taxon. With these changes, P. polystachyus is now regarded as a widespread and variable species without infraspecific taxa. Revised descriptions are presented for these two species.
