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Synonymy of M. flaviviridis and M. ammaiae under M. wightiana based on morphological evidence

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.9578
Submitted
26 May 2025
Published
18-12-2025

Abstract

A recent taxonomic study within the genus Miliusa has revealed that Miliusa flaviviridis N V Page, Poti and K Ravik and Miliusa ammaiae Karuppusamy and P S S Richard, both described from the same type locality- Naraikadu Estate, Kalakkad, Tamil Nadu exhibit close morphological resemblance to Miliusa wightiana Hook. f and Thomson. Upon re-examination of live specimens and herbarium materials, including type specimens, it was determined that M. flaviviridis and M. ammaiae are conspecific with M. wightiana. Notably, the original descriptions of M. flaviviridis and M. ammaiae did not provide comprehensive comparisons with M. wightiana. Based on the morphological evidence, we propose that M. flaviviridis and M. ammaiae be treated as taxonomic synonyms of M. wightiana. Photographs illustrating key morphological and taxonomic characters are provided to support the proposed synonymy. 

References

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