An introduction to the flora of the Milne Bay Archipelago

The term Milne Bay Archipelago is used to include Goodenough, Fergusson and Normanby Islands – collectively the d’Entrecasteau Islands, the islands of the Louisiade Archipelago, Missima, Rossel and Sudest Islands and the two northern islands, the Trobriands and Woodlark. All are very complex with many small islands, often unnamed. Due to their geographic isolation the islands have many endemic species. So far 139 have been described. Of particular interest is the genus Rosselia, collected only twice from Rossel Island. This monotypic genus was placed, with many questions, in the Burseraceae and its current position is uncertain. Another neoendemic genus in Milne Bay is Lamiodendendron. It is a coastal tree scattered on several islands and also coastally on the mainland of the Milne Bay Province. A single collection has been made from the Northern Province. The islands are very poorly known and with continuing collections more endemic species can be expected.