Request to add Hybrid Taxon: Sophora chathamica x Sophora fulvida

General
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1

I am requesting the addition of a new taxon for the hybrid Sophora chathamica x Sophora fulvida to iNaturalist. This hybrid, (found in New Zealand) represents a cross between two of our native Sophora species. Documenting this hybrid on iNaturalist would aid in accurate identification and support biodiversity research, contributing to a better understanding of Sophora diversity and natural hybridization in the region.

Additionally, this study: “Chloroplast phylogeography of New Zealand Sophora trees (Fabaceae): extensive hybridization and widespread Last Glacial Maximum survival” (Lara D. Shepherd, Peter J. de Lange, Leon R. Perrie, and Peter B. Heenan) on New Zealand Sophora provides strong support for recognising Sophora chathamica x Sophora fulvida as a hybrid taxon, highlighting extensive natural hybridization within the genus, genetic diversity across populations, and historical survival that facilitated species overlap and genetic mixing. These findings underscore the ecological and evolutionary basis for acknowledging such hybrids on platforms like iNaturalist.

(Kindly note that I am currently a student and welcome any feedback on my interpretation of the information.)

Thank you for considering this request to expand iNaturalist’s taxonomy for New Zealand flora.

2

Hi, welcome to the forum!

The forum isn’t the right place for this request. Instead, go to the Sophora taxon page and “Flag for Curation” (midway down the page on the right there is a “curation” dropdown list).

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Hi!

Awesome! Thank you so much for your comment and direction to the correct forum for this request. Your correction is most appreciated :grin: . I have now submitted this via the Sophora taxon page. :grin:

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