Figuring out the figs: the Ficus obliqua - Ficus rubiginosa complex (Moraceae: Urostigma sect. Malvanthera)

Abstract

A revision of the Ficus obliqua—F. rubiginosa complex (Moraceae: Urostigma sect. Malvanthera Corner) is presented. A phenetic analysis of morphometric characters using clustering techniques and multidimensional scaling was used to identify the taxa in this complex. Three taxa are recognised, F. obliqua G.Forst., F. rubiginosa Desf. ex Vent. f. rubiginosa and F. rubiginosa f. glabrescens (F.M.Bailey) D.J.Dixon. Each taxon is redescribed. The epithet glabrescens of F. rubiginosa f. glabrescens is resurrected with a change in status. The data from the pollinator wasps strongly supports the taxonomy, with F. obliqua pollinated by Pleistodontes greenwoodi (Grandi) and F. rubiginosa sens lat. pollinated by P. imperialis Saunders. A key to the species and infraspecific taxa of F. rubiginosa as well as notes and distribution maps are provided for both species.