TWO NEW SPECIES OF LICUALA (ARECACEAE; CORYPHOIDEAE) FROM WESTERN NEW GUINEA

Recent field work, conducted under the auspices of the Palms of New Guinea Project, has led to the discovery of a number of new palm species in the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua. With an estimated number of 32 species Licuala is the second largest genus in New Guinea only surpassed by the genus Calamus which comprises about 60 species (Barfod et al. 2001, Baker & Dransfield 2006). Many of the New Guinean species of Licuala display character combinations that deviate markedly from species that are not present on the island. This applies particularly to the fruiting morphology. A number of species such as Licuala beccariana and the recently described L. crassiflora Barfod and L. longispadix Banka & Barfod have large-sized fruits with grooved endocarps (Barfod 2000, Banka & Barfod 2004). Here two new species of Licuala are described. They are both small palms with unbranched partial inflorescences. One species has leaves that are divided into narrow segments reminiscent of grass leaves, whereas the other has entire, bifid leaves. The two species are known from relatively few and mostly recent collections.

Recent field work, conducted under the auspices of the Palms of New Guinea Project, has led to the discovery of a number of new palm species in the indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua.With an estimated number of 32 species Licuala is the second largest genus in New Guinea only surpassed by the genus Calamus which comprises about 60 species (Barfod et al. 2001, Baker & Dransfield 2006).Many of the New Guinean species of Licuala display character combinations that deviate markedly from species that are not present on the island.this applies particularly to the fruiting morphology.A number of species such as Licuala beccariana and the recently described L. crassiflora Barfod and L. longispadix Banka & Barfod have large-sized fruits with grooved endocarps (Barfod 2000, Banka & Barfod 2004).
Here two new species of Licuala are described.they are both small palms with unbranched partial inflorescences.One species has leaves that are divided into narrow segments reminiscent of grass leaves, whereas the other has entire, bifid leaves.The two species are known from relatively few and mostly recent collections.
Distribution -this has been reported from a restricted area in the Merdey valley (now Moskona Utara district of Teluk Bintuni regency), in South-Central Bird's Head Peninsula in Western New Guinea.
Habitat -this palm grows in lowland forest to 500 m asl.Conservation status -Data deficient but probably under threat due to its restricted distribution.
Vernacular name and uses -Not recorded.Note -the only New Guinea Licuala recorded so far with bifid leaves.The inflorescence structure is reminiscent of L. graminifolia from which it differs by normally having two partial inflorescences.flowering material of this species has not yet been collected.
Habitat -this palm is distributed in lowland rain forest ranging up to 800 m asl. it is often found in association with Vatica rassak Blume.
Conservation status -No immediate concern since it is quite common locally but further research is required.
Vernacular name and uses -Pupuru (Jamur dialect) is the collective term for species of Licuala in the Lake Jamur area.No specific use of this palm has been recorded.
Note -Licuala graminifolia is similar to L. bifida in the inflorescence structure; but in contrast to this, the inflorescence is unbranched with only one, spicate, partial inflorescence.The leaf is easily distinguished by the fine segmentation of the blade.
Etymology -the name refers to the grass-like leaf segments.