Myristica subalulata var. hagensis
Content
Description
Tree 8-15 m.
Leaves (thinly) coriaceous, comparatively small, the largest 24 by 7 cm, lower surface subglabrous, not papillose.
Inflorescences:
Fruits solitary or 2 (or 3) together, broadly ellipsoid, 2 by 1.5 cm, apex pointed;
Distribution
Asia-Tropical, Papua New Guinea present, Western Highlands Prov.: Mt Hagen and vicinity present
Malesia: Papua New Guinea (Western Highlands Prov.: Mt Hagen and vicinity).
Taxonomy
1 The status of var. hagensis is provisional. It is close to typical M. subalulata as shown by the male flowers. All specimens (restricted to Mt Hagen and vicinity) are distinguishable by the absence of perforated ant-swellings in the twigs and the coriaceous, rather small leaves. Possibly the ant species belonging to M. subalulata does not occur at the high altitudes of the present variety.
2 The lower leaf surface which appears to be non-papillose, may be so strongly and densely papillose that the separate papillae are difficult to discern as such.