In 2001, botanist Sue Zmarzty revised the Elaeocarpus section of Elaeocarpus species found on southern India and Sri Lanka.

The revision also includes one new variety of the species E. serratus L. var.

Elaeocarpus hedyosmus is described through specimens previously considered to be E. amoenus sensu auctt..

Original syntypes of E. amoenus included three different species, and in the revision by Meijer's in 1995, lectotypification means that this name must be restricted to a distinct, less well-known species that is endemic to island of Sri Lanka.

Elaeocarpus variabilis is described through specimens previously considered to be E. glandulosus sensu auctt..