Corchorus fitzroyensis (Malvaceae: Grewioideae), a new, poorly known species from Western Australia’s Kimberley region

Abstract

The taxonomy of the stellate-haired species of Corchorus L. in the north-west of Australia is quite complex and far from fully resolved (see Halford 2004); however, the new species described below, while not particularly striking, is sufficiently morphologically distinct to warrant its taxonomic recognition. Found along the Fitzroy River valley in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, this species is currently considered to be of conservation concern because its known habitat has been severely impacted by grazing.