Taxonomic review of Myristica (Myristicaceae) in the Pacific

A new account of the genus Myristica Gronov. in the Pacific area, here defined as comprising the Carolines, the Solomon Islands including Bougainville, and the islands further towards the East, up to Fiji and Samoa. There are 16 species and eight infraspecific taxa, most locally endemic. Three species, one subspecies, and two forms are described as new; five new subspecific combinations are proposed. Only one key to the species is given, to be used for male flowering as well as for female flowering or fruiting material. The key is primarily based on vegetative characters. Besides the typical appearance of the fruit, also the exact nature of the inflorescences ranks among the major characters for the distinction of species. Fruits are illustrated to enhance the quick recognition of the species. The newly proposed taxa are: Myristica guadalcanalensis, M. xylocarpa, M. acsmithii, M. kajewskii subsp. robusta and M. inutilis subsp. platyphylla forma mesophylla and forma nanophylla; new combinations are: M. inutilis subsp. platyphylla, M. inutilus subsp. platyphylla forma procera, M. globosa subsp. chalmersii and subsp. muelleri, and M. hypargyraea subsp. insularis.