A TAXONOMIC ACCOUNT OF ARECACEAE IN VANUATU, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF 3 NEW SPECIES

The Arecaceae of Vanuatu, as treated here, includes 21 species in 15 g enera, of which 14 species and 1 genus are endemic. Five species (in f our genera) are non-endemic indigenes, and two species (in two genera) are naturalised introductions. This work provides an overview of the taxonomic history, a preliminary biogeographical assessment, descripti ons of genera and species, and notes on informal early references, ety mology, distribution and habitats. Conservation status ratings, determ ined by the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, are provi ded for each species. Caryota ophiopellis, Heterospathe uniformis and Neoveitchia brunnea are described as new.