Abstract

The taxonomic position of Backhousia anisata is reassessed on morphological and anatomical grounds and its affinities found to lie with the Acmena alliance. Backhousia anisata is glabrous and has a suite of wood anatomical character-states that are more consistent with a phylogenetic position in or near the Acmena alliance than with other Backhousia species; molecular data also support this placement. Since this species lacks the fleshy fruit, thick cotyledons and hypogeal germination characteristic of other members of the Acmena alliance, a new genus Anetholea Peter G.Wilson is described to accommodate it, and the new combination Anetholea anisata (Vickery) Peter G.Wilson made.