New taxonomic paper: the Nepenthes macfarlanei group with two species described as new.

Dear all,

It is with a great pleasure that I am announcing the publication of a 112 page new taxonomic paper:

Lim, G., Golos, M.R., Mey, F.S., Wistuba, A., McPherson, S.R., and Robinson, A.S. 2023. Delimitation of the Nepenthes macfarlanei group with two species described as new. In: McPherson, S.R. Nepenthes: The Tropical Pitcher Plants, vol. 3. Redfern Natural History Productions, Poole, pp. 2084-2195.

Following the description of Nepenthes berbulu in February, this paper is a study of the Nepenthes macfarlanei group that includes 6 taxa: N. alba, N. berbulu, N. gracillima, N. macfarlanei, N. sericea and N. ulukaliana, all from Peninsular Malaysia.

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Abstract

Studies of Nepenthes macfarlanei at its type locality, along with supporting examinations of reference herbarium materials and field observations of allied taxa throughout Peninsular Malaysia made over two decades, have resulted in a better understanding of the group of closely related taxa formerly treated as N. macfarlanei sensu lato. This group includes three previously undescribed species, two of which are described at species rank here. The interpretations presented within this work are supported by thorough examinations of the majority of known voucher materials from this region held in herbaria in Southeast Asia and Western Europe. The newly named taxa are described and illustrated and a revised key to the informally named N. macfarlanei complex provided.

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In other words, studies of the true Nepenthes macfarlanei at its type locality led to a narrower delimitation for this species. As a consequence, the former « macfarlanei » from Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands which did not fit with the type specimens of N. macfarlanei from Gunung Bubu have been described as new, as N. sericea and N. ulukaliana.

The paper has been published online yesterday and can be seen here.

It is part of Volume three of Redfern Natural History Nepenthes: The Tropical Pitcher Plants (in press).

Thank you to Redfern for having the paper online available to all researchers and enthusiasts alike and thank you to my co-authors for this work of passion. It was an absolute honor.

François Mey.