A Taxonomic Revision of Mallotus Section Philippinenses (Former Section Rottlera – Euphorbiaceae) in Malesia and Thailand

Abstract

A revision of Mallotus section Philippinenses (former section Rottlera) in Malesia and Thailand is given. Descriptions, distribution maps, habit drawings, and a key to the species are provided. The diagnostic characters for the section are briefly discussed. Five species (M. kongkandae, M. leptostachyus, M. pallidus, M. philippensis, and M. repandus) are recognised. Mallotus chromocarpus is excluded from the section because it has more shared characters with the monospecific genus Octospermum, like the presence of indehiscent fruits, absence of stipules, marginal extrafloral nectaries on the upper side of the leaf blade, broad connectives (shaped umbrella-like), and its occurrence in New Guinea, and is therefore probably closely related to it.