Reinstatement of Sabdariffa and new combinations to support a monophyletic concept of Hibiscus (Malvaceae: Hibisceae)
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
Department/School
Biology
Publication Title
Australian Systematic Botany
Abstract
Recent phylogenetic studies have demonstrated that Hibiscus L. as traditionally defined is grossly polyphyletic. In a major step towards making Hibiscus monophyletic, the genus Sabdariffa (DC.) Kostel. is here reinstated for Hibiscus section Furcaria DC. In total, 123 new combinations are provided (for 117 species and 6 subspecies). Numerous lectotypes are designated. Sabdariffa has a pantropical distribution, with high species diversity in tropical Africa, tropical America and northern Australia. False roselle (Sabdariffa acetosella (Welw. ex Hiern) M.M.Hanes & R.L.Barrett), kenaf (Sabdariffa cannabina (L.) M.M.Hanes & R.L.Barrett) and roselle (Sabdariffa gossypiifolia (Mill.) M.M.Hanes & R.L.Barrett) are all of global economic significance. Ma‘o hau hele (Sabdariffa brack- enridgei (A.Gray) M.M.Hanes & R.L.Barrett) is the official state flower of Hawai’i. Full synonymy and type details are included, along with distributions and references to existing descriptions for all species. A series of regional keys to species is presented here with current names in Sabdariffa
Link to Published Version
Recommended Citation
Barrett, R. L., Yoshikawa, V. N., McLay, T. G. B., Duarte, M. C., Mwachala, G., & Hanes, M. M. (2025). Reinstatement of Sabdariffa and new combinations to support a monophyletic concept of Hibiscus (Malvaceae: Hibisceae). Australian Systematic Botany, 38(3), SB24013. https://doi.org/10.1071/SB24013
Comments
M. M. Hanes is a faculty member in EMU's Department of Biology.