A New Species of Myrtus from the Solomon Islands

Abstract

Arbor usque 9 m alta, sine anteridibus; caules juniores sparse pubescentes. Folia elliptica vel elliptico-lanceolata, 11-27 x 4-7 mm, apice acuminato 5-15 mm longo, basi cuneata, glabra, venis adscendentibus 7-11 paribus, venis intramarginalibus a margine 1-2 mm distantibus; petiolus 3-5 mm longus. Inflorescentia axillaris vel terminalis, racemosa vel subfasciculata, pedunculo usque 5 mm longo sericeo 4-8 floribus; bracteae c. 1 mm longae, spiniformes; pedicelli 9-15 mm longi, graciles; bracteolae filiformes, c. 1 mm longae, caducae. Flores 4-meri; calyx turbinatus, 1-5-2 mm longus, sparse sericeus, lobis semi-circularibus c. 1 mm altis ciliatis. Petala rotunda, c. 4 mm longa, alba. Stamina numerosa, 4-5 mm longa, antheris parvis. Ovarium 2-loculare, ovulis paucis. Stylus 4 mm longus; stigma parvum. Fructus sphaeroideus, 5-6 mm diametro, glaber; semina 2, testa ossea.