New species of the Timonius flavescens alliance (Rubiaceae: Guettardeae) in Papuasia

Nine Papuasian species of Timonious are considered to be dose relatives of T. flavescens; ail have subvalvate stipules, usually prominent leaf domatia, reticulate leaf venation, and bracteate inflorescences that, in pistillate specimens, are reduced to a solitary flower and fruit. Four species (T. elegans, T. hentyi, ?I kostermansii, and T. morobensis) and one variety (T. subcoriaceus var. sessilis) are described as new. A key, descriptions, a distribution map, and citations of specimens are provided. Several other paleotropical, extra-Papuasian species of Timonius are discussed as possibly also referable to the T. flavescens alliance.