A.E. Orchard & E.W. Cross, A revision of the Australian species of Eclipta (Asteraceae) 43 Nuytsia The journal of the Western Australian Herbarium 23: 43–62 Published online 8 February 2013 A revision of the Australian species of Eclipta (Asteraceae: Ecliptinae), with discussion of extra-Australian taxa Anthony E. Orchard1 and Edward W. Cross† 1c/o Australian Biological Resources Study, GPO Box 787, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601 Email:
[email protected] Abstract Orchard, A.E. & Cross, E.W. A revision of the Australian species of Eclipta (Asteraceae: Ecliptinae), with discussion of extra-Australian taxa. Nuytsia 23: 43–62 (2013). The genus Eclipta L., of six species, is native to South America and Australia, with one species, E. prostrata (L.) L., a pantropical and warm temperate weed. The number of taxa currently recognised in the genus is discussed. The Australian taxa, comprising three species and two subspecies (E. prostrata, E. alatocarpa Melville and E. platyglossa F.Muell. subsp. platyglossa and subsp. borealis E.W.Cross & Orchard, subsp. nov.) have been studied morphologically across their full range. A lectotype is chosen for E. platyglossa. All Australian taxa are keyed, described, illustrated and mapped, and extra-Australian taxa are keyed and described, and most illustrated. Introduction In 2004 the late Ed Cross commenced a revision of the Heliantheae Cass. alliance and the Eupatorieae Cass. for Flora of Australia, beginning with Heliantheae subtribe Ecliptinae Less., especially the genera Eclipta L., Wedelia Jacq. and Pentalepis F.Muell. He had made good progress with several parts of this study, until his tragically early death in 2007 left the study incomplete.