Phylogenetic study of the New Caledonian endemic genus Adenodaphne (Lauraceae) confirms its synonymy with Litsea

<p>The genus <em>Adenodaphne</em> is currently considered endemic to New Caledonia, but its distinction from Litsea is questionable based on morphological similarity. An earlier phylogenetic analysis (ITS) including one species of <em>Adenodaphne</em> and two Asian species of <em>Litsea</em> did support their close relationship but did not permit resolution of their generic boundary. We sampled the four species of <em>Adenodaphne</em> currently recognized (11 accessions) and 11 of the 13 endemic species of <em>Litsea</em> currently recognized, plus one undescribed species (24 accessions in total). Based on our extensive herbarium studies, field work, and especially our molecular phylogenetic analyses (ITS) we conclude that <em>Adenodaphne</em> is not distinct from <em>Litsea</em> and that all species of <em>Adenodaphne</em> should be recognized within <em>Litsea</em>, thereby necessitating the creation of two new species synonymies and one nomen novum. As well, <em>Litsea</em> paoueensis is here synonymized with L. deplanchei.</p> <p><span></span></p>