New pteridophyte species and combinations from the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

Recent botanical exploration of the Marquesas Islands, part of French Polynesia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has uncovered 11 new species of pteridophytes (ferns and lycophytes), along with one new combination. These discoveries include Blechnum pacificum, Cyclosorus castaneus, and nine other novel taxa, significantly expanding the known vascular flora of the region. Conservation assessments indicate that these species face varying threats, with five classified as critically endangered, four as endangered, and one as vulnerable, underscoring urgent needs for IUCN Red List inclusion and protection efforts.

Lorence, D., Wagner, W., Wood, K., & Smith, A. (2011). New pteridophyte species and combinations from the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. PhytoKeys, 4(0), 5. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.4.1602