The Euploca baclei complex (Boraginaceae subfam. Heliotropioideae)

In order to recognise both taxa previously regarded as varieties of Heliotropium baclei, nowadays classified in Euploca, a new combination is necessary. As the two varieties are clearly separable in terms of morphology and biogeography, we propose to raise these varieties to the species level, for which the new combination Euploca katangensis needs to be created. Moreover, we propose the new combination Euploca madagascariensis for Heliotropium madagascariense, a species from Madagascar considered by some as conspecific with H. baclei, but treated here as distinct. For these three species with beaked fruits, constituting the ‘Euploca baclei complex’, a key and a distribution map, based on revised herbarium specimens, is given. Two additional combinations, Euploca bullockii and Euploca sessilistigma are made to complete the transfer of tropical African Heliotropium species that belong in Euploca.

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