taxonID	type	description	language	source
03EB87F0277CFFBDC0E344A992F9FE1D.taxon	description	Specimens examined: — SRI LANKA. Central Province, Kandy District., Hunasgiriya, 1000 m a. s. l., (fl. & fr.), 6 June 1971, Kostermans 24418 (holotype K (K 000675990!) isotype PDA: bar-code PDA 00112222!). Central Province, Kandy District: c. 9 miles NE of Hunasgiriya, near milepost 29 / 21 along the road to Mahiyangana, 810 m a. s. l., fr., 14 November 1974, Davidse et al. 8412 (K, PDA: barcode PDA 00118164!, US); Central Province, Kandy District.: Deltota estate, 950 m, a. s. l., Dik oya, May 1866, s. coll., C. P. 3906 (PDA: barcode PDA 00003377!); Central Province, Kandy District, Knuckles Mountain Range, Near Deanston forest office, road to mini world’s end 1130 m a. s. l., 1 October 2022, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala CO 23 (PDA: barcode PDA 00120325!), Central Province, Kandy District, Deltota, Near Kalugala, 987 m a. s. l., 30 September 2019, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala LK 01 (PDA: barcode PDA 00120328!). Central Province, Kandy District, Thalathuoya, near Bellwood viewpoint 5 May 2020, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala TO 01 (PDA: barcode PDA 00120331!). Central Province, Kandy District, Panwila, Huluganga, near thaliya wetunu ella, 1259 m a. s. l., 5 November 2023, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala PW 01 (PDA: barcode PDA 00120332!).	en	Silva, Nilanka, Dasanayaka, Shamila, Yakandawala, Deepthi, Yakandawala, Kapila (2025): Taxonomic resolution of the Elaeocarpus hedyosmus Zmarzty (Elaeocarpaceae) species complex in Sri Lanka using an integrative approach. Phytotaxa 706 (2): 101-128, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1
03EB87F0277CFFBDC0E344A992F9FE1D.taxon	distribution	Distribution: — Central Province, Kandy District. Habitat: — The type subspecies occurs at mid-elevations of the central mountain massif, between 900 and 1,300 m a. s. l., primarily concentrated in forests on the north western slopes. The area is mainly fed by the southwest monsoon (May – September) and inter-monsoonal rains (March – April and September – October), with only a minimal dry period. Although watercourses are not currently evident in the habitat, the degraded slopes suggest that water may have been present in the area a long time ago. Phenology: — Flowering October – April; fruiting December – June.	en	Silva, Nilanka, Dasanayaka, Shamila, Yakandawala, Deepthi, Yakandawala, Kapila (2025): Taxonomic resolution of the Elaeocarpus hedyosmus Zmarzty (Elaeocarpaceae) species complex in Sri Lanka using an integrative approach. Phytotaxa 706 (2): 101-128, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1
03EB87F0277FFFBDC0E344A792F2FA55.taxon	materials_examined	Type: — SRI LANKA. Sabaragamuwa Province, Rathnapura District, Carney estate, bank of river Kalu-gaga, 295 m a. s. l., 21 August 2020, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala CA 08 (holotype PDA: barcode PDA 00120346!, isotypes PDA: barcode PDA 00120347!; PDA 00120348!; PDA 00120349!, K!). Leaves chartaceous, elliptic to slightly obovate, apex acute, domatia inconspicuous on abaxial surface, distributed along the mid rib and secondary forks. Flower bud ovoid with acute apex. Petals obovate, with 26 – 29 apical divisions. Seed spherical to oblong-ellipsoid, stone with sharp projections. Other specimens examined (paratypes): — SRI LANKA. Western / Sabaragamuwa Province, Kalutara / Rathnapura District., Moropitiya logging area, 14 miles E of Matugama, altitude low, fl., 8 August. 1974, Kostermans 25356 (K, L, PDA: barcode PDA 00118168!, US). Western Province, Kalutara District.: Kalawana, 0 m a. s. l., fl., 9 August. 1974, Cramer 4295 (PDA: barcode PDA 00118161!, US) Southern Province, Galle District.: Kanneliya, 200 m a. s. l., fl., 11 August 1974, Cramer 4312 (K, PDA: barcode PDA 00118162!, US). Bulathsinhala, Pasdun Korale, c. 25 miles E of Kalutara, fr., 7 October 1979, Kostermans 27875 (K, L, PDA: barcode PDA 00118137!). Southern Province, Galle District, Kanneliya rain forest, 169 m a. s. l., 8 September 2019, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala KN 18 (PDA: barcode PDA 00120351!). Western Province, Kaluthara District, Bulathsinhala, Walawwatta wathurana, 50 m a. s. l., 24 June 2020, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala BS 04 (PDA: barcode PDA 00120356!). Southern Province, Galle District, Kanneliya forest, Opatha, road to Rajawangala Aranya Senasanaya, 146 m a. s. l., 31 March 2021, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala OP 03 (PDA: barcode PDA 00120357!). Sabaragamuwa Province, Rathnapura District, Kukuleganga hydro power station, roadside, 227 m a. s. l., 26 January 2020, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala KU 04 (PDA: barcode PDA 00120335!).	en	Silva, Nilanka, Dasanayaka, Shamila, Yakandawala, Deepthi, Yakandawala, Kapila (2025): Taxonomic resolution of the Elaeocarpus hedyosmus Zmarzty (Elaeocarpaceae) species complex in Sri Lanka using an integrative approach. Phytotaxa 706 (2): 101-128, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1
03EB87F0277FFFBDC0E344A792F2FA55.taxon	distribution	Distribution: — Sabaragamuwa Province, Rathnapura District, Southern Province, Galle District, Southern Province, Matara District, Western Province, Kaluthara District. Habitat: — This subspecies is known to occur exclusively in the lowland wet zone of the island, at elevations up to 800 m a. s. l., typically found close to watercourses such as riverlets and streams. The region experiences rainfall throughout most of the year, with no distinct dry season. The area is mainly fed by the southwest monsoon (May – September) and inter-monsoonal rains (March – April and September – October). Phenology: — Flowering February – August; fruiting April – October	en	Silva, Nilanka, Dasanayaka, Shamila, Yakandawala, Deepthi, Yakandawala, Kapila (2025): Taxonomic resolution of the Elaeocarpus hedyosmus Zmarzty (Elaeocarpaceae) species complex in Sri Lanka using an integrative approach. Phytotaxa 706 (2): 101-128, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1
03EB87F0277FFFA6C0E340EF95D8FD75.taxon	materials_examined	Type: — SRI LANKA, Central Province, Kandy District, Knuckles Mountain Range, Road from Loolwatte, Corbet’s Gap to Rangala 1355 m a. s. l., 12 January 2020, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala CO 10 (holotype PDA: barcode PDA 00120333!, isotypes PDA: barcode PDA 00120334!, K!). Leaves coriaceous, elliptic, apex obtuse, petiole apex with a pair or pegs or teeth, domatia pink-red, very prominent, distributed along the lower quarter of the mid rib. Flower bud ovoid with obtuse apex. Petals broadly obovate, with 30 – 35 apical divisions. Seed spherical stone with blunt projections. Other specimens examined (paratypes): — SRI LANKA. Central Province Nuwaraeliya Mahakudugala FR Halgrenoya Range, 26 September 1994, AHM Jayasuriya 144 D / 8342 (PDA: barcode PDA 00118125!). Central Province, Kandy District, Knuckles conservation area, Thangappuwa. 1300 m a. s. l. 16 February 1995, AHM Jayasuriya 8670 (PDA: barcode PDA 00118115!). Central Province, Matale District Forest patch near mile 26, Matale-Illukkumbura road, 3 July 1974, Sumithraarachchi 405 (PDA: barcode PDA 00118133!, US). Central Province, Kandy District, Knuckles Mountain range, Kalupahana near Lebanon estate, 1369 m a. s. l., 29 July 2020, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala KP 07 (PDA: barcode PDA 00120338!). Central Province, Kandy District, Knuckles Mountain Range, Near Deanston forest office, road side, 1350 m a. s. l., 1 October 2022, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala CO 21 (PDA: barcode PDA 00120341!). Uva Province, Badulla District, Thangamale forest outside, road to Adishem bungalow, 1474 m a. s. l., 23 April 2022, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala TH 06 (PDA: barcode PDA 00120342!). Central Province, Nuwaraeliya District, Hakgala forest outside, 1678 m a. s. l., 2 March 2023, N. Silva, D. Yakandawala & K. Yakandawala HK 01 (PDA: barcode PDA 00120346!)	en	Silva, Nilanka, Dasanayaka, Shamila, Yakandawala, Deepthi, Yakandawala, Kapila (2025): Taxonomic resolution of the Elaeocarpus hedyosmus Zmarzty (Elaeocarpaceae) species complex in Sri Lanka using an integrative approach. Phytotaxa 706 (2): 101-128, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1
03EB87F0277FFFA6C0E340EF95D8FD75.taxon	distribution	Distribution: — Central Province, Kandy District; Uva Province, Badulla District Habitat: — This subspecies is confined to the high-elevation zones, above 1,350 m a. s. l., of the central mountain massif, occupying the eastern and northeastern slopes. Apart from the inter-monsoonal rains (March – April and September – October), this area is fed by the rainfall from two monsoons; northeast monsoon (October – January) and southwest monsoon (May – September). Although watercourses are not currently evident in the habitat, the degraded slopes suggest that water may have been associated with the area a long time ago. Phenology: — Flowering December – July; fruiting February – October	en	Silva, Nilanka, Dasanayaka, Shamila, Yakandawala, Deepthi, Yakandawala, Kapila (2025): Taxonomic resolution of the Elaeocarpus hedyosmus Zmarzty (Elaeocarpaceae) species complex in Sri Lanka using an integrative approach. Phytotaxa 706 (2): 101-128, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1
03EB87F0277FFFA6C0E340EF95D8FD75.taxon	etymology	Etymology: — The new subspecies names reflect the degree of visibility in the leaf domatia in each case: subobscurus derives from Latin prefix “ sub - ” (“ slightly ”, “ somewhat ”) and the male adjective “ obscurus ” (“ hidden ”, “ obscure ”) emphasizing the inconspicuous leaf domatia; while grandidomatiatus combines “ grandis ” - (“ large ”) and “ domatiatus ” (derived from “ domatia ”, and the Latin suffix — “ atus ”, means “ possessing ”.)	en	Silva, Nilanka, Dasanayaka, Shamila, Yakandawala, Deepthi, Yakandawala, Kapila (2025): Taxonomic resolution of the Elaeocarpus hedyosmus Zmarzty (Elaeocarpaceae) species complex in Sri Lanka using an integrative approach. Phytotaxa 706 (2): 101-128, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1
03EB87F02764FFA4C0E346CB94F1FF5C.taxon	description	Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subsp. hedyosmus, the type of E. hedyosmus exhibits a very restricted distribution with very few mature individuals (less than 10 mature individuals and no young plants / seedlings observed) scattered as isolated populations or individuals. We were unable to observe any members from the type locality. Most of this land is occupied with tea plantations and human occupation. The EOO equals to 412.208 km 2 while the AOO value was 89.37 km 2. Following the present IUCN (2024) guidelines, based on Criteria B; the geographic range, considering EOO and AOO, as both values are between 100 km 2 – 5000 km 2 and 10 km 2 – 500 km 2 respectively, the species qualifies for the Endangered category (EN) under the thresholds for B 1 and B 2. In addition, to qualify for EN, at least two of the three specified conditions should be met: since the populations are severely fragmented and with limited number of locations, degraded habitat health and with less than 10 mature individuals, the species fulfils the conditions (a) [Severally fragmented]; (b) [Continuing decline observed, estimated, inferred or projected in any of; (iii) area, extent and / or quality of habitat; (v) number of mature individuals]. Further based on Criteria D, as the number of mature individuals are less than 50 the subspecies qualifies for CR category. Although E. hedyosmus subsp. hedyosmus falls within the EN category based on its geographic range, its range is close to the threshold of the CR category. Further, all the populations are represented by few mature individuals (less than 10) with no regeneration observed in the wild, the decision was taken based on Criteria D. The conservation status of Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subsp. hedyosmus is decided as CR D. Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subsp. grandidomatiatus (EOO = 540.06 km 2 and AOO = 93.67 km 2) based on Criteria B, as both EOO and AOO values are between 100 km 2 – 5000 km 2 and 10 km 2 – 500 km 2 respectively, the taxa qualify for Endangered category under the thresholds for both B 1 and B 2. Considering the other conditions to fulfil, the habitat health of most of the populations were recorded as degraded. Many occur along streams banks where the present flash floods with extreme weather conditions have affected their stability, fulfilling condition (b) (iii). Further based on Criteria D, as the number of mature individuals are less than 50 the subspecies qualifies for CR category with a less than 20 mature individuals encountered in the wild. Although E. hedyosmus subsp. grandidomatiatus falls within the EN category based on its geographic range, its range is close to the threshold of the CR category. However, as all the populations are represented by few mature individuals occur in degraded habitats with no regeneration observed in the wild, the decision was taken based on Criteria D. The conservation status of Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subsp. grandidomatiatus is decided as CR D. Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subsp. subobscurus (EOO = 2347.76 km 2 and AOO = 250.82 km 2) based on Criteria B; the geographic range, considering EOO and AOO, as both EOO and AOO values are between 100 km 2 – 5000 km 2 and 10 km 2 – 500 km 2 respectively, the taxa qualify for Endangered category under the thresholds for both B 1 and B 2. Considering the other conditions to fulfil, the habitat health of most of the populations were recorded as degraded. Many occur along streams banks where the present flash floods with extreme weather conditions have affected their stability, fulfilling condition (b) (iii). The conservation status of Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subsp. subobscurus is decided as EN B 1 + B 2, b (iii). The present study underscores the critical need to conserve the genetic diversity of even within a species across various climatic zones and ecological gradients, where unique genetic variations emerge. Populations distributed across diverse environments can develop locally adapted traits, resulting in distinct population-level genetic compositions that enhance the species’ overall genetic diversity and evolutionary potential. Recognizing and preserving these adaptations strengthens conservation efforts by supporting a more resilient gene pool, making this approach a powerful biodiversity conservation strategy. However, without taxonomic distinctness for below-species-level taxa, these efforts may struggle to gain necessary support from policymakers and development initiatives. Thus, this study highlights the essential role of taxonomy in conserving biodiversity and genetic diversity, below species. Key to the Elaeocarpus hedyosmus subspecies occurring in Sri Lanka (a complete key for the Elaeocarpus species is given in Silva et al. (2021)	en	Silva, Nilanka, Dasanayaka, Shamila, Yakandawala, Deepthi, Yakandawala, Kapila (2025): Taxonomic resolution of the Elaeocarpus hedyosmus Zmarzty (Elaeocarpaceae) species complex in Sri Lanka using an integrative approach. Phytotaxa 706 (2): 101-128, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.2.1
