Malva preissiana Miq. an overlooked name for Lavatera plebeia Sims (Malvaceae) with a note on variation within the species

Abstract

The name Malva australiana M.F.Ray, which replaced Lavatera plebeia Sims when Lavatera was merged with Malva, is predated by M. preissiana Miq. The relationship of this earlier name to variation within the species is discussed. The type specimen now falls within the less common white-flowered offshore island morphotype, sometimes recognised previously as Lavatera plebeia var. tomentosa Hook.f.