Morphological characterization of Xanthostemon novoguineensis Valeton (Myrtaceae) from Papua

Abstract

Wilujeng S, Simbiak M. 2015. Morphological characterization of Xanthostemon novoguineensis Valeton (Myrtaceae) from Papua. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 1: 466-471. Xanthostemon novoguineensis is the only species of Xanthostemon reported from Papua, Indonesia (Western New Guinea) by Valeton, but lack in scientific data. Excessive use makes this plant population shrinkage drastically so that the basic assessment of this plant in nature needs to be done. This research was conducted with a standardized approach to flora research through exploratory and literature studies. This study resulted in basic scientific information about the full description of the species. X. novoguineensis shows high morphological similarities with X. melanoxylon from Solomon Islands. These results indicate the need for further studies using adequate sources of taxonomic evidence to validate these two species.