Updated description of Diospyros dussaudii Lecomte (Ebenaceae), with lectotypification and notes on its distribution

Abstract

Diospyros dussaudii is a poorly known species and previous descriptions lacked details about its female flowers and fruits. The species had not been recorded since type collections were made in 1913. As a result of our Diospyros research in Thailand, new specimens and data are now available for this species. In this study, we provide an updated morphological description, illustrations, lectotypification and a distribution map. The species was previously reported to be endemic to Laos; as such, the occurrences in Thailand greatly expand the distribution of the species. In addition, we analysed the phylogenetic relationships between D. dussaudii and other Diospyros species from Southeast Asia and other regions, using DNA sequence data from eight plastid regions. Our phylogenetic analyses indicate that D. dussaudii is closely related to D. castanea, D. dasyphylla and D. insidiosa. Their taxonomic affinities are discussed.