Reinstatement of Memecylon elegantulum (Melastomataceae) and recircumscription of Memecylon rostratum, two species endemic to Sri Lanka

Memecylon elegantulum Thwaites, a heterotypic synonym of M. rostratum Thwaites, is re-instated based on recent collections and field observations. The two species differ mainly in their habit, inflorescence structure, floral morphology and lamina morphology. A lectotype and an epitype are designated for Memecylon elegantulum, and a lectotype designated for M. rostratum.

Both species are confined to the mixed dipterocarp rainforests of Sri Lanka’s perhumid south-western ‘ wet zone’. Memecylon elegantulum appears to be restricted to a relatively small range in Ratnapura district, while M. rostratum has a wider distribution in wet zone.