Ackama nubicola (Cunoniaceae) a new species from Western Northland, North Island, New Zealand

Abstract

Ackama nubicola sp. nov. is described from the Waima Forest in western Northland, North Island, New Zealand, where it is only known from one location near the range crest at 600 m a.s.l. Within this habitat, A. nubicola is sympatric with A. rosifolia, itself endemic to the Northland Peninsula. A. nubicola differs from A. rosifolia and the two Australian species in the genus, A. australiensis and A. paniculosa, in having much larger, entire, persistent stipules, and inconspicuous, almost vestigial, hair tuft leaf domatia. Because the new species is at risk from browsing animals and has a restricted distribution it is considered threatened.

Keywords:

• Cunoniaceae
• Ackama
• A. nubicola
• A. rosifolia
• A. australiensis
• A. paniculosa
• new species
• taxonomy
• conservation
• New Zealand flora