Eucalyptus ambigua is not the correct name for the Smithton Peppermint of Tasmania

The name <i>Eucalyptus ambigua </i>DC. has been suggested as the correct name for a Tasmanian endemic eucalypt, the Smithton Peppermint (herein referred to as<i> E. nitida</i> Hook.f.), based on the non-glaucous character of the type specimen. However, the type of <i>E. ambigua</i> is inconsistent with other specimens of <i>E. nitida</i> housed at the Tasmanian Herbarium, as its fruit is outside the range of sizes observed on <i>E. nitida</i>. Its fruit size, non-glaucous character and provenance suggest the strong possibility that <i>E. ambigua</i> represents a hybrid or clinal form involving<i> E. tenuiramis </i>Miq. and <i>E. nitida</i>. Given the high level of uncertainty in determining its exact identity,<i> E. ambigua </i>should not be considered an older name for the Smithton Peppermint.