The Western Australian Herbarium’s collections management system, WAHerb, and DBCA’s flora taxonomic names application, WACensus, have been set to read-only mode since 1 October 2025. Recent taxonomic changes are not currently being reflected in Florabase, herbarium collections, or the census. Due to the rapidly approaching holiday season and associated agency and facility soft closures, along with the substantial work involved in data mapping, cleaning, and verification, the migration to the new collection management software is not expected to occur before 1 March 2026, when a further update will be provided. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.
The notice period
started at 9:45 am on Friday, 12 December 2025 +08:00 and will end at 12:00 pm on Monday, 2 March 2026 +08:00.
Four new species of Boronia Sm. are described from the North Kimberley region of Western Australia: B. cremnophila R.L.Barrett, M.D.Barrett & Duretto, B. interrex R.L.Barrett, M.D.Barrett & Duretto, B. marcoana R.L.Barrett & M.D.Barrett and B. thedae R.L.Barrett, M.D.Barrett & Duretto. All of these species have very restricted distributions and are of conservation concern. All new species are illustrated. A revised key to Boronia species in the Kimberley region is provided.
Seven new species of Haemodorum (Haemodoraceae) from the Kimberley region of Western Australia
BARRETT, R.L.,HOPPER, STEPHEN D.,MACFARLANE, T.D. AND BARRETT, M.D., Nuytsia26: 111–125 (2015)
Haemodorum basalticum R.L.Barrett, Hopper & T.Macfarlane, H. capitatum R.L.Barrett & Hopper, H. condensatum Hopper & R.L.Barrett, H. griseofuscum R.L.Barrett, M.D.Barrett & Hopper, H. interrex R.L.Barrett & M.D.Barrett, H. macfarlanei R.L.Barrett and H. thedae R.L.Barrett are described as new species. Haemodorum basalticum and H. macfarlanei are restricted to the Mitchell Plateau, H. capitatum is restricted to pindan sands in the Dampier Botanical District, H. condensatum is known from a small area in the remote Prince Regent National Park, H. griseofuscum is only known from a single location on Doongan Station in Western Australia, although possibly also occurs in the Northern Territory, H. interrex is restricted to the area around the headwaters of the Prince Regent River, and H. thedae is only known from Theda Station. A key is presented to all species known to occur in the Kimberley region, and H. subvirens F.Muell. and H. coccineum R.Br. are newly recorded for the region.
Four new species of Stylidium (Stylidiaceae) from the Kimberley region of Western Australia
BARRETT, R.L.,BARRETT, M.D.,KENNEALLY, K.F. AND LOWRIE, A., Nuytsia26: 127–141 (2015)
Stylidium latrodectus R.L.Barrett, M.D.Barrett & Lowrie, S. pindanicum R.L.Barrett, S. saintpaulioides R.L.Barrett, M.D.Barrett & Lowrie and S. willingii R.L.Barrett, Kenneally & Lowrie are described as new species from the Kimberley region of Western Australia. All species are illustrated and modified keys are presented.
A new species of Gomphrena (Amaranthaceae) from the Bonaparte Archipelago, Western Australia
BARRETT, R.L. AND PALMER, J., Nuytsia26: 143–147 (2015)
Gomphrena splendida R.L.Barrett & J.Palmer is described as a new species endemic to islands of the Bonaparte Archipelago in the north-west Kimberley region of Western Australia. This new species has a highly restricted distribution. It is unusual among the Australian species of Gomphrena L. in being a large, fleshy, perennial with very large flowers, giving this species significant horticultural potential in tropical areas. A modified key and images are presented.
Two new species of Phyllanthus from northern Australia and notes on Phyllanthus, Sauropus and Synostemon (Phyllanthaceae) in Western Australia
BARRETT, R.L. AND TELFORD, I.R.H., Nuytsia26: 149–166 (2015)
Two new species of Phyllanthus L. are described, both included within P. subgen. Lysiandra F.Muell.; P. eremicus R.L.Barrett & I.Telford occurring in the Pilbara, Great Sandy Desert and southern Dampierland bioregions of Western Australia and the Tanami region of the Northern Territory, and P. hamelinii I.Telford & R.L.Barrett restricted to the Carnarvon bioregion, Western Australia. Both species have reasonably restricted or poorly known distributions and P. eremicus is of some conservation concern. Sauropus rigidulus (Müll.Arg.) Airy Shaw is formally recorded for Western Australia and a full description is provided. All of these taxa have previously been listed on Western Australia.s plant name census as phrase-named taxa. All three species are described and illustrated. Notes are made on the application of misapplied names and phrase-named taxa in Phyllanthus, Sauropus Blume and Synostemon F.Muell. in use in Western Australia.
Five new species and a new combination in Cyperaceae from the Kimberley region of Western Australia
Four new species of Actinoschoenus Benth. and one new species of Fimbristylis Vahl are described from the north Kimberley region of Western Australia: A. glabrispiculus Rye, R.L.Barrett & M.D.Barrett, A. pentagonus Rye, R.L.Barrett & M.D.Barrett, A. quadricostatus Rye, R.L.Barrett & M.D.Barrett, A. ramosus Rye, R.L.Barrett & M.D.Barrett, and F. helicophylla Rye, R.L.Barrett & M.D.Barrett. One new combination is made: A. arthrostyloides (W.Fitzg.) K.L.Clarke, K.L.Wilson & J.J.Bruhl. Several of these species have very restricted distributions and are of conservation concern. Two species also occur in the western Northern Territory. All of these taxa have previously been listed on Western Australia.s plant census under phrase names. All species are illustrated. A revised key to species of Actinoschoenus in the Kimberley region is provided.
Amanita wadulawitu (Basidiomycota), a new species from Western Australia, and an expanded description of A. kalamundae
MCGURK, L.E.,GIUSTINIANO, D.,DAVISON, E.M. AND WATKIN, E.L.J., Nuytsia27: 21–30 (2016)
A new species of Amanita Pers. is documented from Western Australia. Amanita wadulawitu L.E.McGurk, E.M.Davison & E.L.J.Watkin is described from the Perth IBRA subregion. Amanita kalamundae O.K.Mill. is redescribed to include additional collections, drawing attention to the presence of clamp connections in the lamellae and at the base of basidia. A BLASTn search has shown that there are no exact matches of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of either species in GenBank.
A taxonomic treatment of Chrysocephalum apiculatum and C. semipapposum (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae)
Chrysocephalum apiculatum (Labill.) Steetz and C. semipapposum (Labill.) Steetz are treated as distinct and endemic to Australia. In C. apiculatum 29 subspecies are recognised: subsp. apiculatum, subsp. orarium Paul G.Wilson, subsp. congestum Paul G.Wilson, subsp. gracile Paul G.Wilson, subsp. filifolium Paul G.Wilson, subsp. caespitosum Paul G.Wilson, subsp. ramosissimum (Hook.) Paul G.Wilson, subsp. insigne (Domin) Paul G.Wilson, subsp. simpliciusculum (Domin) Paul G.Wilson, subsp. semiamplexicaule (Domin) Paul G.Wilson, subsp. exile Paul G.Wilson, subsp. barbellatum Paul G.Wilson, subsp. odorum (DC.) Paul G.Wilson, subsp. arachnoideum (Domin) Paul G.Wilson, subsp. stoloniferum Paul G.Wilson, subsp. argenteum Paul G.Wilson, subsp. gracilescens (Domin) Paul G.Wilson, subsp. erectum Paul G.Wilson, subsp. pilbarense Paul G.Wilson, subsp. racemosum (J.Black) Paul G.Wilson, subsp. glandulosum Paul G.Wilson, subsp. variabile Paul G.Wilson, subsp. curvifolium (Domin) Paul G.Wilson, subsp. attenuatum Paul G.Wilson, subsp. flindersianum Paul G.Wilson, subsp. undulatum Paul G.Wilson, subsp. yorkense Paul G.Wilson, subsp. halmaturorum Paul G.Wilson, and subsp. norsemanense Paul G.Wilson. In C. semipapposum five subspecies are recognised: subsp. semipapposum, subsp. lineare Paul G.Wilson, subsp. brevifolium (Sond.) Paul G.Wilson, subsp. asperum (Steetz) Paul G.Wilson, and subsp. occidentale (Benth.) Paul G.Wilson.
Vigna triodiophila (Fabaceae: Phaseoleae), a new conservation-listed species from the Pilbara, Western Australia
HOLLAND, A.E. AND BUTCHER, R., Nuytsia27: 77–83 (2016)
The new species described herein came to light during botanical surveys of the Burrup Peninsula and surrounds in 2000; it is geographically restricted to basalt rockpile habitats in the north-west of the Pilbara bioregion. Vigna triodiophila A.E.Holland & R.Butcher is diminutive in all its parts and can be readily distinguished from other Vigna Savi taxa in the Pilbara by its small (to 2.3(.3) cm long to 1.6(.2.1) cm wide), ovate to elliptic leaflets which lack lateral lobing. The species has a conservation listing of Priority Three in Western Australia.
Thismia tectipora (Thismiaceae) a new, unusual mitre-form species from tropical Australia
COWIE, I.D. AND LIDDLE, D.T., Nuytsia27: 85–94 (2016)
A new tropical species, Thismia tectipora Cowie from Melville Island in the far north of the Northern Territory, Australia, is described and illustrated. The species is unique in the genus in having a thickened, fleshy, verrucose, cap-like mitre, the rim of which is reflexed to hide the pores in the upper perianth tube. It appears allied to taxa previously placed in Thismia Griff. sect. Sarcosiphon (Blume) Jonker, Geomitra Becc. and Scaphiophora Schltr. Available evidence suggests T. tectipora has a restricted distribution on Melville Island. Threats to the species, and its conservation status, are discussed.
An update to the taxonomy of some Western Australian genera of Myrtaceae tribe Chamelaucieae. 4. Malleostemon
The following new species of Malleostemon J.W.Green are described: M. costatus Rye & Trudgen, M. microphyllus Rye & Trudgen, M. nephroideus Rye, M. nerrenensis Rye & Trudgen, M. pentagonus Rye & Trudgen, M. pustulatus Rye and M. uniflorus Rye. A new key is presented for the genus. Malleostemon sp. Kalbarri (L.A. Craven 7083) is reduced to synonymy under M. hursthousei (W.Fitzg.) J.W.Green and unnamed taxa that need further study are noted. Six of the new species have conservation priority.
Dysphania congestiflora (Chenopodiaceae), a new species from Western Australia
DILLON, S.J. AND MARKEY, A.S., Nuytsia27: 133–138 (2016)
A new species of Dysphania R.Br., D. congestiflora S.J.Dillon & A.S.Markey is described and an amendment to the most recent key of Dysphania is provided to include the new taxon.
Western Australian plant taxa not collected for more than 50 years
An analysis of the Western Australian Herbarium collections generated a list of 29 endemic taxa last collected between 1888 and 1965, which are not currently on the Presumed Extinct schedule. On review, four of these taxa are not of immediate concern. The remaining 25 taxa are predominantly shrubs, generally known from very few collections, and are concentrated in heavily cleared bioregions, particularly the Avon Wheatbelt. Two taxa, Ptilotus sericostachyus subsp. roseus (Moq.) Benl and Darwinia divisa Keighery & N.G.Marchant, are recommended for immediate nomination as Presumed Extinct, while the remaining taxa will require further survey and/or taxonomic work to resolve their conservation status. Further survey will be challenging given the general lack of specific geographical and habitat information available for these taxa.
A taxonomic revision of Beaufortia (Myrtaceae: Melaleuceae)
Beaufortia R.Br. (Myrtaceae) is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia and is almost confined to the South-West Botanical Province, with a few species extending a short distance into the Eremaean. Twenty-two species are recognised in this revision of the genus, including three new species: B. burbidgeae A.A.Burb., B. kwongkanicola A.A.Burb. and B. raggedensis A.A.Burb. Beaufortia puberula Turcz. is reinstated and B. interstans F.Muell. placed into synonymy under it. Lectotypes are selected for B. anisandra Schauer, B. dampieri A.Cunn., B. elegans Schauer, B. empetrifolia (Rchb.) Schauer, B. micrantha Schauer, B. micrantha var. puberula Benth., B. orbifolia F.Muell., B. schaueri Preiss ex Schauer, B. schaueri var. (?) atrorubens Benth., B. sparsa R.Br. and B. squarrosa Schauer.
Tetratheca butcheriana (Elaeocarpaceae), a new and rare species from the Pilbara bioregion of Western Australia
PERKINS, A.J.,REIFFER, S. AND AJDUK, H., Nuytsia27: 203–209 (2016)
A new species of Tetratheca Sm., discovered while performing flora surveys along banded ironstone cliffs north-west of Tom Price in 2015, is described. It is named T. butcheriana A.J.Perkins in honour of Ryonen Butcher, a botanical researcher and well-published taxonomic expert on Tetratheca in Western Australia. This species is one of two species of Tetratheca geographically restricted to the Pilbara bioregion, both of which are of conservation significance. A taxonomic description of T. butcheriana is provided, along with photographs and a list of diagnostic features to aid in identification.
New species of Leucopogon s. str. (Ericaceae: Epacridoideae: Styphelieae) from the Geraldton Sandplains
Six new species of Leucopogon R.Br. (L. foliosus Hislop, L. grammatus Hislop, L. inflexus Hislop, L. prolatus Hislop, L. simulans Hislop and L. stenophyllus Hislop) are described, illustrated and their distributions mapped. Aspects of the morphology and taxonomy of the informal Northern Group of species are discussed and a comparison is made, in tabular form, between this group and two other informal groups, the L. pulchellus Sond. and L. carinatus R.Br. groups. A key to the species of Leucopogon s. str. from the Geraldton Sandplains bioregion is provided.
A new and rare species of Nymphoides (Menyanthaceae) from the North West of Western Australia
DAVIS, R.W.,HAMMER, T.A. AND THIELE, K.R., Nuytsia27: 245–252 (2016)
Nymphoides walshiae R.W.Davis & K.R.Thiele, a new and rare species of Nymphoides Ség., is described. This new species is geographically disjunct from other Nymphoides species, occurring in a small area of arid Western Australia near the Cape Range. A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequences suggests that it occupies a phylogenetically isolated position sister to the largest clade in the genus. It lacks some of the more common features seen in the genus Nymphoides. A scanning electron microscope image displaying the seed surface and outline is provided.
New species of Eremophila (Scrophulariaceae): thirteen geographically restricted species from Western Australia
BUIRCHELL, B.J. AND BROWN, A.P., Nuytsia27: 253–283 (2016)
Thirteen geographically restricted species of Eremophila R.Br. (E. ballythunnensis Buirchell & A.P.Br., E. capricornica Buirchell & A.P.Br., E. daddii Buirchell & A.P.Br., E. ferricola Buirchell & A.P.Br., E. hamulata Buirchell & A.P.Br., E. jamesiorum Buirchell & A.P.Br., E. laccata Buirchell & A.P.Br., E. pusilliflora Buirchell & A.P.Br., E. regia Buirchell & A.P.Br., E. resiliens Buirchell & A.P.Br., E. scrobiculata Buirchell & A.P.Br., E. victoriae Buirchell & A.P.Br. and E. yinnetharrensis Buirchell & A.P.Br.) are described and illustrated and their relationships with related species and conservation status are discussed.
Three new species from the Kimberley region of Western Australia from the families Caryophyllaceae, Convolvulaceae and Poaceae
Polycarpaea umbrosa R.L.Barrett (Caryophyllaceae), Ipomoea johnsoniana R.L.Barrett (Convolvulaceae) and Eriachne pindanica R.L.Barrett (Poaceae) are described as new species endemic to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. A revised description of Eriachne semiciliata Lazarides is presented. Polycarpaea umbrosa and Ipomoea johnsoniana both have conservation-listing as Priority One taxa. All new species are illustrated.
Allan Cunningham and the Boab (Adansonia gregorii; Bombaceae)
The Australian Boab, now known as Adansonia gregorii F.Muell. was first noticed botanically by Allan Cunningham during Phillip Parker Kingâs second survey voyage in 1819, and first collected by Cunningham in the following year at Careening Bay. Cunningham saw only fruiting material, and considered the tree to belong to the genus Capparis L., giving it the manuscript name C. gibbosa A.Cunn. He described but did not formally name the species in Kingâs Narrative of a Survey. The name was published with a valid description in Hewardâs biography of Cunningham in 1842. In the interim Cunningham had drafted a paper comparing his species with the African genus Adansonia Juss., but unfortunately never published it. Subsequently Mueller described the species again, as A. gregorii F.Muell., based on specimens collected near the Victoria and Fitzmaurice Rivers, and this name became accepted for the species. In 1995 Baum recognised that the two descriptions referred to the same taxon, and made the combination Adansonia gibbosa (A.Cunn.) Guymer ex D.Baum. A subsequent referral to the Spermatophyta Committee and General Committee resulted in the name C. gibbosa being rejected, on the grounds that âit seems unlikely thatâCunningham had any intention that this [Hewardâs] description should validate the name of a new species.â Recent rediscovery of Cunninghamâs draft paper shows that, on the contrary, Cunningham clearly believed that his name C. gibbosa was suitable for acceptance, and according to the practices of his day, should be published. That his premature death and subsequent unrecognised description of the species in Hewardâs paper resulted in his discovery going unacknowledged, and being overtaken by Muellerâs later description, is unfortunate, but now irreversible.