Two new species of Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) from the North West region of Western Australia

Abstract

Two new species of Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) from the North West region of Western Australia. Utricularia byrneana R.W.Jobson & Baleeiro and U. wannanii R.W.Jobson & Baleeiro are described as new and are considered members of Utricularia subgen. Polypompholyx section Pleiochasia. The distribution and habitat preferences of these species are discussed. Two individual taxonomic keys are provided representing the groups in which the new species are most likely to be closely related. Specifically, Utricularia byrneana is compared with species from Western Australia possessing hollow peduncles namely U. fistulosa P.Taylor and U. tubulata F. Muell., while U. wannanii is compared to species possessing connate bracts and bracteoles namely U. dunlopii P.Taylor, U. georgei P.Tayor and U. kimberleyensis C.A.Gardener, as well as close relative U. uniflora R.Br.

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© 2015 Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Telopea • escholarship.usyd.edu.au/journals/index.php/TEL • ISSN 0312-9764 (Print) • ISSN 2200-4025 (Online)
Telopea
Journal of Plant Systematics
Volume 18: 201–208
Publication date: 21 August 2015
dx.doi.org/10.7751/telopea8894
Two new species of Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) from the
North West region of Western Australia
Richard W. Jobson1 and Paulo C. Baleeiro1,2
1National Herbarium of New South Wales, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
richard.jobson@rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
2Department of Botany, University of Sao Paulo, St. Rua do Matão, 277. 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil.
paulobaleeiro@gmail.com
Abstract
Two new species of Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) from the North West region of Western Australia. Utricularia
byrneana R.W.Jobson & Baleeiro and U. wannanii R.W.Jobson & Baleeiro are described as new and are considered
members of Utricularia subgen. Polypompholyx section Pleiochasia. The distribution and habitat preferences
of these species are discussed. Two individual taxonomic keys are provided representing the groups in which
the new species are most likely to be closely related. Specifically, Utricularia byrneana is compared with species
from Western Australia possessing hollow peduncles namely U. fistulosa P.Taylor and U. tubulata F. Mu e l l . ,
while U.wannanii is compared to species possessing connate bracts and bracteoles namely U.dunlopii P. Tay l o r ,
U.georgei P.Tayor and U. kimberleyensis C.A.Gardener, as well as close relative U.uniflora R.B r.
Introduction
The two species named here possess a two-parted calyx, lack scales on their peduncles, and have bladder-traps with
a single unbranched dorsal appendage and are therefore considered members of Utricularia subgen. Polypompholyx
(Lehm.) P.Taylor sect. Pleiochasia Kamiénski (Taylor 1989; Jobson et al. 2003; Reut and Jobson 2010).
Recognition as distinct species is supported by morphological data (this paper), and preliminary molecular
phylogenetic results (Jobson et al., in prep). Within sect. Pleiochasia, U. byrneana is found to always have a
hollow peduncle (Figs 1, 2); a synapomorphy for members of the ‘group B’ clade (Reut and Jobson 2010),
mostly distributed across Northern Australia (Fig. 5).
Utricularia wannanii is found to have basisolute bracts and bracteoles with the inferior part connate forming
a sleeve-like structure (Figs 3, 4), a character restricted to three other northern Australian species U. georgei
P.Taylor (Taylor 1989, fig. 16, p. 124), U. dunlopii P.Taylor (ibid., fig. 34, p. 164), and U. kimberleyensis C.A.Gardner
(ibid., fig. 15, p. 122).
The south east Australian species U. uniflora R.Br. (Taylor 1989, fig. 14, p. 120) was phylogenetically placed
sister to U. kimberleyensis (Reut and Jobson 2010), and on close examination of the bracts and bracteoles across
a number of herbarium species, these organs were found to be shortly basisolute, with inferior parts forming
slight connections towards the base (Jobson pers. observation; Taylor 1989, fig. 14, p. 120).

202 Telopea 18: 201–208, 2015 Jobson and Baleeiro
These two new taxa are herein named and their morphology is compared with related species, for which
distinguishing characters are discussed and presented in two diagnostic identification keys. This paper also
provides notes on their distribution and ecology, phenology, and conservation status. Terminology, including
corolla colour, follows Taylor (1989).
Methods
Relevant dried and alcohol-preserved material representing all related species, held at the National Herbarium
of New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia Herbarium (PERTH), were examined. Material of
U.byrneana was examined from fresh and sheet collections, while examination of U. wannanii was performed
on spirit material of a single collection held at NSW. Seed and pollen were examined using an Olympus CH
compound microscope (magnification X100). The distribution map presented (Fig. 5) was generated using
DIVA-GIS 7.1.7 (Hijmans et al. 2005).
Taxonomy
Utricularia byrneana R.W.Jobson & Baleeiro sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Similar to U. fistulosa P.Taylor but differs in having leaves lanceolate, corolla mauve with two raised
yellow ridges at base, corolla spur cylindrical, apex rounded, shorter than lower lip, seeds cylindrical, trap
dorsal appendage short.
Type : AUSTRALIA: W A: Dampierland: Taylors Lagoon, E of Broome (17.785°S, 122.893°E),
30 April 2014, R.W. Jobson 2325 & P. B al ee i r o (holo: NSW; iso: PERTH).
Small to medium-sized perennial, terrestrial herb. Rhizoids capillary, simple, up to 15 mm long, tapering from
0.2 mm thick at base to 0.07 mm near apex, numerous from base of peduncle, rarely with one from node of
stolon. Stolons few, filiform, hollow, 0.2–0.3 mm thick, up to 30 mm long, internode length 5–7.5 mm long.
Leaves numerous, few from base of peduncle and in pairs, or sometimes in whorl of four from stolon internodes,
not obviously petiolate; lamina lanceolate, c. 10–22 mm long, 0.3–0.7 mm wide, hollow near base, single nerve,
apex acute or rounded. Traps stalked, few at base of peduncle and rarely 1 at nodes of stolon, ± uniform, ovoid,
1–2 mm long; mouth lateral, with a short dorsal appendage c. 0.4 mm long; two lateral appendages simple, short
c. 0.4 mm long, ventral wings absent. Inflorescence erect, solitary 60–170 mm long; peduncle terete, glabrous,
hollow, 0.2–0.9 mm thick. Scales absent. Bracts and bracteoles 1–1.5 mm long, ± similar, basifixed, slightly
gibbous at base, narrowly ovate with apex rounded. Flowers rarely 1, usually 2 in opposite pairs, or a whorl
of three, pedicels erect, filiform, slightly tapering apically, 2–10 mm long. Calyx lobes unequal; upper lobe
c.3mm long, 2.3 mm wide, broadly ovate with apex rounded; lower lobe c. 2 mm long 2.2 mm wide with apex
emarginate. Corolla mauve; lower lip 3–8 mm long with two prominently raised yellow (becoming white near
apices) ridges at base, with 3 prominently raised mauve ridges on either side, bordered by dark violet V-shaped
markings forming a thick band, outer and central ridges equal in length; upper lip constricted near base,
superior part obovate with apex emarginate or slightly bilobed, inferior part broadly ovate, ciliate on margin.
Lower lip limb transversely elliptic or ± flat, weakly 3-lobed with apex rounded; palate shortly pubescent, with
a marginal rim; spur cylindrical, straight or curved forwards near middle, apex rounded, parallel with, and
c.half as long as lower-lip. Staminal filaments straight, c. 1.5 mm long, anther thecae sub-distinct. Ovary ovoid,
c. 1 mm long; style short (half as long as ovary); stigma with lower lip transversely elliptic, upper lip smaller,
deltoid. Capsule globose, 2–3 mm diam., walls thin, dehiscing by a single, ventral, longitudinal, marginally
thickened slit. Seeds cylindrical, c. 0.35 mm long, 0.15 mm wide. Pollen: 3-colporate, c. 30 × 30 m and
35 × 20m (Jobson 2325, NSW852619) (Figs 1, 2a, b).
Additional specimens examined: W A: Dampierland: Broome, Taylors Lagoon, G.Byrne3502,
26 Jul 2008 (PERTH8097070); Dampier Peninsula, A. Lowrie 4024, 23 Jul 2009 (HL, NSW854053); Dampier
Peninsula, 1 km S of track to La-Djardarr Bay, R.W. Jobson 2323 & P. Baleeiro, 29 Apr 2014 (NSW852612).
Etymology: The specific epithet honours Dr Geoff and Ruth Byrne who together recognised the uniqueness
of this species and made the first known collection of U.byrneana.
Phenology: Flowers and fruits recorded in April and late July. Seed-set has been observed in three specimens:
R.W. Jobson 2325 & P. Baleeiro (type), R.W. Jobson 2323 & P. Baleeiro, and Lowrie 4024 representing northern
and southern populations. Personal observation at the type location indicates fresh flowers emanate a strong
sweet musk-like fragrance.

Two new species of Utricularia from Western Australia Telopea 18: 201–208, 2015 203
Fig . 1. Utricularia byrneana a, habit; b, bracts and bracteoles with pedicel base in situ; c, flower in frontal view; d, flower
in lateral view; e, flower in dorsal view; f, upper lip of corolla; g, stamen; h, fruiting capsule with calyx in lateral view; i,
fruiting capsule showing suture; j, seed; k, bladder-trap in lateral view. Scale bar: a = 3 cm; b = 0.3 cm; c-e = 1 cm; f = 0.4cm;
h, i = 0.5 cm; j = 0.1 cm; g, k = 0.2 cm. Material used: a, k = R.W. Jobson 2325 (NSW954556 spirit, NSW852619 sheet).

204 Telopea 18: 201–208, 2015 Jobson and Baleeiro
Fig . 2. Images U. byrneana a, flower frontal view; b, later al vie w, c, habitat at southern site; d, habitat at northern site. Photos
by R. Jobson.
Distribution and ecology: Australia: Western Australia: Dampier Peninsula. Recorded from two swamps
separated by c. 100 km (Fig. 5). The northern most location is c. 19 km W of La-Djardarr Bay settlement
situated near Disaster Bay (16.881°S, 122.967°E; alt. 56 m), while the southern site is Taylors Lagoon c. 70 km
E of Broome (17.7794°S, 122.889°E ; alt. 42 m).
This species is locally common inhabiting shallow edges of ephemerally wet swamps and lagoons (Fig. 2c, d).
The northern site is a system of large swamps (Yarps) on deep sand, within undisturbed vegetation, fringed
by Melaleuca nervosa (Lindl.) Cheel woodland (Fig. 2d), while the southern site is on a similar substrate
with recent disturbance and possible loss of the Melaleuca woodland component (Fig. 2c). At both locations
U.byrneana is found in association with grasses, sedges, Xyris spp., Drosera spp. , Utricularia spp., Byblis filifolia
Planch., Nymphoides beaglensis Aston and N. indica (L.) Kuntze, while Glossostigma drummondii Benth. and
Peplidium muelleri Benth. are common associates at the southern site (Fig. 5).
Conservation status: Utricularia byrneana seems to be restricted to finite ephemeral swampy habitats
(Fig.2c,d). The northern site is located within the Beagle Bay Aboriginal Reserve (Lowrie 4024, Jobson 2323
& Baleeiro), while the southern site is on unprotected crown land (Byrne 3502, Jobson 2325 & Baleeiro – type).
Given the remoteness and seasonally ephemeral nature of these habitats, this species may be more widespread
than appears across the Dampier Peninsula (Fig 5). However, large swamps are relatively uncommon in the
region and this species is likely uncommon and highly localised. It is therefore recommended that this species
be listed in Western Australia as a candidate for declaration as rare flora (Priority Two – Poorly Known Taxa),
requiring further study to more definitively determine conservation status.
Notes: Although U. byrneana appears most closely allied with U. fistulosa, a molecular phylogeny places it
sister to the highly modified suspended aquatic U. tubulata F.Muell., together forming a clade sister to the
U.dichotoma Labill. complex (Jobson et al. in prep.).

Two new species of Utricularia from Western Australia Telopea 18: 201–208, 2015 205
Key to related species from north-western Western Australian
(Modified from Taylor 1989)
1a. Freely suspended aquatic; leaves verticillate, narrowly linear; peduncle inflated; corolla very pale pink
with a very slender spur, 1.5–2 cm long (W.A., N.T., Qld) ........................................................U. tubulata
1b. Terrestrial or affixed aquatic; leaves not verticillate .........................................................................................2
2a. Corolla mauve, palate with 2 yellow ridges, lower lip longer than spur (W.A.) ........................ U. byrneana
2b. Corolla white, palate with yellow tinged spot, lower lip shorter than spur (W.A., N.T.) ............ U. fistulosa
Utricularia wannanii R.W.Jobson & Baleeiro sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Has bracts and bracteoles similar to those of U. georgei but differs in having corolla lobes of the
upper and lower lip long, subulate, with strongly reduced spur, peduncle up to 15 mm long, seeds ovoid.
Type : AUSTRALIA: W A: Gardener: Garimbu Creek, Prince Regent National Park
(15.362°S; 125.510°E), 24 June 2014, B. Wannan 6685 & M. Wardrop (holo: NSW; iso: CANB).
Small sized probably annual, lithophytic herb. Rhizoids capillary, simple, up to 8 mm long, c. 0.1 mm thick, several
from base of peduncle. Stolons two or three linking other rosettes, filiform, hollow, 0.15–0.2 mm thick, up to
12 mm long, internodes absent. Leaves several, in a loose rosette at base of peduncle, petiole fleshy, c. 0.5 mm
long; lamina obovate, 1.5–2.5 mm long, 1–1.3 mm wide, single nerve, apex rounded. Traps stalked, few at base
of peduncle and rarely 1 on stolons or rhizoids, uniform, ovoid, 1–1.5 mm long; mouth lateral, with a dorsal
appendage c. 0.25 mm long; two lateral appendages simple, c. 0.25 mm long, ventral wings narrow with margin
fimbriate, or simple. Inflorescence erect, solitary or in pairs 8–15 mm long; peduncle terete, glabrous 0.1–0.3 mm
thick. Scales absent. Bracts and bracteoles basisolute ± similar 0.7–0.8 mm long, superior parts ovate with apex
acute c. 3.5–4 mm long, inferior parts connate forming tube c. same length as superior parts. Flowers usually 1,
rarely 2 in pairs, pedicels erect, filiform, slightly tapering apically (rarely flattening), 2–4.5 mm long. Calyx lobes
unequal; upper lobe obovate with round or acute apex c. 0.9 mm long, 0.6 mm wide; lower lobe ovate, apex
emarginate, c. 0.8 mm long 0.7 mm wide. Corolla white; lower lip 2–3 mm long deeply 3-lobed, two outer lobes
broadly subulate, apex acute; central lobe broadly ovate at base graduating to a subulate limb with apex acute;
palate ciliate, with a marginal rim; spur short, broadly cylindrical, apex rounded. Upper lip constricted near base
3–4.5 mm long, superior part ovate, constricted near middle, deeply divided into two subulate lobes, canaliculated
on lower half; inferior part broadly ovate, minutely glandular on entire surface. Staminal filaments curved, c.
0.9mm long, anther thecae sub-distinct. Ovary ovoid, c. 0.7 mm long; style short (half as long as ovary); stigma
with lower lip transversely elliptic, upper lip smaller, deltoid. Capsule globose, 1.0 mm diam., walls thin, dehiscing
by a single, ventral, longitudinal, marginally thickened slit. Seeds ovate, c. 0.3 mm long, 0.2 mm wide. Pollen:
3-colporate, c. 20 × 20 m (B. Wannan 6685 & M. Wardrop, NSW 924583) (Figs 3, 4a, b).
Additional specimens examined: None known.
Etymology: The specific epithet honours Dr Bruce Wannan, botanist and environmental scientist at the
Queensland Herbarium (BRI), and collector of U. wannanii.
Phenology: Flowers and fruits recorded in June. No other information available.
Distribution and ecology: Only known from the type location at Garimbu Creek (alt. 177 m), a tributary of
the Roe River catchment, western Kimberley region (Figs 4d, 5). Found growing on seepage of shaded south
facing sandstone rock-faces (vertical and horizontal) in the lithophytic habit (Fig. 4a–c), with nearby drier
areas containing a Stylidium sp.
Conservation status: Known from a single colony in a tributary of the Roe River, protected within the Prince Regent
National Park, and accessible only by helicopter (Fig. 5). Given the limited botanical knowledge of these watercourses,
U. wannanii may be more widespread than currently appears. However, due to the lack of previous collections of
this species, despite a number of surveys in this general area, the species is likely to be highly localised. It is therefore
recommended that this species be listed in Western Australia as a candidate for declaration as rare flora (Priority
Two – Poorly Known Taxa), requiring further study to assess conservation status and determine potential threats.
Notes: Preservation of botanical samples in 70% ethanol is thought to destroy the molecular structure of DNA.
However, in the case of U. wannanii (Wannan 6685 & Wardrop) a short storage time in ethanol (<3 months)
allowed for successful extraction and amplification of chloroplast molecular markers, allowing U. wannanii to
be included in a phylogenetic study of the subgen. Polypompholyx (Jobson et al., in prep.). Thus far, preliminary
unpublished results place U. wannanii with those species included in the relevant discussion above and key below.
With its lithophytic habit, small size, and uniquely shaped flowers, U. wannanii is unlikely to be confused with
any other Australian species of Utricularia.

206 Telopea 18: 201–208, 2015 Jobson and Baleeiro
Fig . 3. Utricularia wannanii a, habit; b, bladder traps; c, leaf; d, seed; e, fruiting capsule showing suture; f, bracts & bracteoles with
pedicel base in situ; g, flower in lateral view; h, flower in dorsal view; i, flower in ¾ frontal view; j, stamens; k, ovary in lateral
view ; l, ovary in frontal view; m, upper lip of corolla with stamens, stigma, and lower calyx lobe in situ. Scale bar: a = 0.8 cm; b, e, f,
j–m = 0.2 cm; c = 0.6 cm; d = 0.1 cm; g–i = 0.25 cm. Material used: a-m = B. Wannan 6685 & M. Wardrop (spirit –NSW 924583).

Two new species of Utricularia from Western Australia Telopea 18: 201–208, 2015 207
Fig . 4. Images U. wannanii a, flower frontal view; b, col ony, c, habit; d, habitat near waterfall. Photos by Bruce Wannan
Key to related species (Modified from Taylor 1989)
1a. Bracts and bracteoles basifixed or shortly basisolute inferior parts not connate (Tas., Vic., N.S.W.) ..........
........................................................................................................................................................... U.uniflora
1b. Bracts and bracteoles basisolute, inferior parts connate ................................................................................. 2
2a. Corolla yellowish or brownish-pink with 2 capillary lobes extending vertically above the flower arising
from the apex of the corolla upper lip (N.T., W.A.) ................................................................. U. dunlopii
2b. Corolla pale to bright violet, or white ................................................................................................................ 3
3a. Corolla violet, lower lip shallowly 3-lobed or entire, with a prominent, lobed basal swelling (N.T., W.A.)
................................................................................................................................................U. kimberleyensis
3b. Corolla lower lip deeply 3-lobed without a prominent basal swelling .......................................................... 4
4a. Corolla white with violet and yellow at base of lower lip, three lower lip lobes apically rounded, upper-lip
bifid (W.A.) ...................................................................................................................................... U. georgei
4b. Corolla entirely white, three lower and two upper lip lobes long, subulate (W.A.) ................. U. wannanii

208 Telopea 18: 201–208, 2015 Jobson and Baleeiro
Fig . 5. North-west Kimberley region of Western Australia, showing known distribution of U. byrneana (red squares), and
U. wannanii (yellow circle).
Acknowledgments
We thank the staff at the Western Australian Herbarium (PERTH) for providing specimens and material for
loan, and Allen Lowrie for providing a specimen of U. byrneana, along with site information regarding the
Dampier Peninsula. We are grateful to Lesley Elkan and Catherine Wardrop (both NSW) for providing the
wonderfully detailed illustrations presented in this paper. Scientific Purposes permits were obtained through
the Western Australian Government, Department of Parks and Wildlife (SW016203). This work was supported
by a grant to RWJ from the Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) National Taxonomy Research Grant
Program (NTRGP) (RFL212-45). PCB was supported by a Ciências sem Fronteiras scholarship (CAPES)
through the Government of Brazil.
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