A revision of the south-western Australian genus Astartea (Myrtaceae: Chamelaucieae)
RYE, B.L.
Astartea DC. is a long-established, taxonomically difficult genus closely related to Cyathostemon Turcz. and Hypocalymma (Endl.) Endl. It is restricted to damp habitats of the South West Botanical Province of Western Australia. In this revision of the genus, 22 species are recognised, including 11 new species (A. cicatricosa Rye & Trudgen, A. decemcostata Rye, A. eobalta Rye, A. graniticola Rye & Trudgen, A. middletonii Rye, A. montana Rye, A. onycis Rye & Trudgen, A. schaueri Rye & Trudgen, A. reticulata Rye, A. transversa Rye and A. zephyra Rye & Trudgen) and one new subspecies (A. aspera Schauer subsp. riparia Rye). A presumed hybrid between A. arbuscula (R.Br. ex Benth.) Rye and A. corniculata Schauer is also described. Distinguishing characteristics, insect associations and other aspects of the biology of Astartea are discussed and illustrated.
