Oxalis simplicifolia (Oxalidaceae), an unusual new unifoliolate species from the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia)

A new species of Oxalis, Oxalis simplicifolia, has been discovered on Ua Huka Island in the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia). This unique plant differs from its closest relative, Oxalis gagneorum, through distinct morphological traits such as simple, unifoliolate glabrous leaves, minutely glandular-puberulent calyx lobes, shorter corolla lobes, erect capsules, and smaller seeds. The discovery underscores the Marquesas Islands' rich biodiversity but highlights a critical threat to this species due to human impact, feral animals, and invasive weeds. Consequently, Oxalis simplicifolia is proposed for inclusion in the IUCN Red List as critically endangered (CR), emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this rare plant.

Lorence, D., & Wagner, W. (2011). Oxalis simplicifolia (Oxalidaceae), an unusual new unifoliolate species from the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia). PhytoKeys, 4(0), 53. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.4.1604