Tag Archives: Pavonia papilionacea

Pavonia papilionacea A. J. Cavanilles

Tahitian Pavonia (Pavonia papilionacea 

The oldest known specimen of this species was collected on the island of Tahiti, Society Islands in 1769 during Cook’s first voyage around the world, the species was subsequently collected only five more times with the last specimen having been taken around 1850.

The species was apparently more widespread in the Society Islands, as at least one specimen was found on the island of Bora Bora, this was described as a distinct species in 1981, however, was later downgraded to synonymous status. [1]

The Tahitian Pavonia disappeared at the middle of the 19th century.

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References:

[1] F. R. Fosberg; M.-H. Sachet: Pavonia (Malvaceae) in the Society Islands. Bulletin du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle 4 sér. 3, section B, Adansonia 1: 15-18. 1981

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Depiction from: ‘Sydney Parkinson: A Journal of a Voyage to the South Seas, in his Majesty’s Ship the Endeavour. London: Stanfield Parkinson 1773’  

(public domain)

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edited: 19.06.2020