Introduction

The delimitation of the genus Phyllanthus L. has remained a subject of taxonomic debate for more than two centuries (Govaerts et al., 2026), with many botanists revising their views on its classification during the course of their careers (Chakrabarty & Balakrishnan, 2009, 2012, 2018). As a result, the circumscription and classification of the genus have historically been inconsistent and unstable (Bouman et al., 2021). Molecular phylogenetic studies of Phyllanthaceae have demonstrated that maintaining monophyly requires either the merging or the recognition of several segregate genera (Bouman et al. 2021, 2022). However, Govaerts et al., (2026) identified a number of limitations in the treatment proposed by Bouman et al., (2022) and advocated an expanded circumscription of Phyllanthus. In their treatment, Phyllanthus sensu lato is resurrected by incorporating all genera segregated by Bouman et al., (2022), as well as Breynia, Glochidion and Synostemon.

In the present paper, the concept of Govaerts et al., (2026) is accepted and followed. Accordingly, three replacement names Phyllanthus govaertsii Kottaim. & Arigela, P. herbertii Kottaim., Arigela & C. Rajasekar, and P. pingtaoi Kottaim. & Arigela are proposed here to replace the illegitimate later homonyms P. pinifolius (J.T. Hunter & J.J. Bruhl) Govaerts & Christenh., P. oblongifolius (Airy Shaw) Govaerts & Christenh., and Phyllanthus tsiangii (P.T. Li) Govaerts & Christenh., respectively.

Nomenclature

Phyllanthus govaertsii Kottaim. & Arigela, nom. nov.

≡ Sauropus stenocladus subsp. pinifolius J.T.Hunter & J.J.Bruhl, Nuytsia 11(2): 177. 1997.

≡ Phyllanthus pinifolius (J.T.Hunter & J.J.Bruhl) Govaerts & Christenh., Nelumbo 68(1): 144. 2026, nom. illeg., non Phyllanthus pinifolius Baill., Adansonia 5: 353. 1865.

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘govaertsii’ is named in honour of Rafaël Herman Anna Govaerts (Govaerts), botanist and taxonomist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to plant taxonomy.

Distribution: Australia (Northern Territory). Endemic (Hunter & Bruhl 1997; Telford et al. 2019).

Phyllanthus herbertii Kottaim., Arigela & C.Rajasekar, nom. nov.

≡ Glochidion oblongifolium Airy Shaw, Kew Bull. 33: 28. 1978.

≡ Phyllanthus oblongifolius (Airy Shaw) Govaerts & Christenh. in Govaerts et al., Nelumbo 68(1): 143. 2026 nom. illeg., non P. oblongifolus Dennst., Schlüssel Hortus Malab.: 30. 1818 nec P. oblongifolius Pax, H.G.A.Engler & K.A.E.Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(5): 19. 1890.

Etymology: Named in honour of Herbert Kenneth Airy Shaw (1902–1985), who first recognized this species as distinct, and in recognition of his pioneering studies of Glochidion and Phyllanthaceae in Malesia.

Distribution: New Guinea. Endemic (Airy Shaw 1978).

Phyllanthus pingtaoi Kottaim. & Arigela, nom. nov.

≡ Sauropus tsiangii P.T.Li, Acta Phytotax. Sin. 25(2): 135. 1987.

≡ Phyllanthus tsiangii (P.T.Li) Govaerts & Christenh., Nelumbo 68(1): 147. 2026, nom. illeg., non Phyllanthus tsiangii P.T.Li, Acta Phytotax. Sin. 25(5): 375. 1987, nom. illeg.

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘pingtaoi’ is named in honour of Prof. Ping Tao Li (P.T.Li), in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Chinese Phyllanthaceae.

Distribution: China (SW. Guangxi). Endemic (Li 1987; Welzen et al. 2014).

Acknowledgements

The authors (RK and RA) gratefully acknowledge Dr Kanad Das, Director, Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, and the Heads of Office, Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong, and Deccan Regional Centre, Hyderabad, for providing the necessary facilities. The authors (CR and SA) are grateful to the Head, Department of Botany, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, for continued support and encouragement.

References

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