Melicope frutescens (Blanco) Appelhans & J.Wen, 2016

Appelhans, Marc S. & Wen, Jun, 2016, On the identity of Blanco's Cissus frutescens and its correct name in Melicope (Rutaceae) with neotypification of Cissus arborea Blanco, PhytoKeys 58, pp. 81-85 : 83

Melicope frutescens (Blanco) Appelhans & J.Wen comb. nov.

Basionym.

Cissus frutescens Blanco, Flora de Filipinas, ed. 1: 70. 1837. Type: Philippines. Luzon: Rizal, Mar 1915, Merrill: Species Blancoanae No. 904 (neotype: A!, designated by Hartley 2001, p. 220; isoneotypes: GH!, K, L, NSW, NY!, P!, US!, W).

Cissus arborea Blanco, nom. illeg., Flora de Filipinas, ed. 2: 51. 1845 (non Forssk., 1775). Type: Philippines. Luzon: Rizal, Mar 1915, Merrill: Species Blancoanae No. 904 (neotype: A!, designated here; isoneotypes: GH!, K, L, NSW, NY!, P!, US!, W).

Euodia confusa Merr., Philipp. J. Sci. 20: 391. 1922. Melicope confusa (Merr.) P.S. Liu, III. Native Introd. Lign. Pl. Taiwan 2: 876. 1962. Type: Philippines. Luzon: Bataan, Borden FB 3045 (lectotype: NY!, designated by Hartley, 2001, p. 220; isolectotypes: BO, SING, US!).

In addition to its distribution in the Philippines, Melicope frutescens is known to occur in Borneo, Sulawesi and the Moluccas. It typically grows in the lowlands but reached elevations of up to 1800 m in the Philippines. The species occurs in primary, secondary, and disturbed rainforests.