Sphinctanthus hasslerianus and S. microphyllus (Rubiaceae): taxonomic identity, lectotypifications and conservation assessment and chorology

SALAS, R; FLORENTIN JAVIER E; NUÑEZ FLORENTIN, M.

Phytotaxa

Magnolia Press

Lugar: Auckland; Año: 2022 vol. 545 p. 95 - 102

1179-3155

As part of a series of taxonomic and floristic studies of Rubiaceae from Southern Cone of America, here we focus our attention on the genus Sphinctanthus. The genus has five species mostly distinguished by their hermaphrodite flowers, bright colourful corollas with an internal moniliform ring of hairs, and pollen grains released in monads. In the study area, only Sphinctanthus hasslerianus was mentioned as native, however, most of the specimens are indistinctly identified by the specialists as S. microphyllus or S. hasslerianus. After a detailed study of all original available and numerous herbarium specimens, we confirm S. hasslerianus is a new synonym of the older name S. microphyllus. Additionally, lectotypes for both names are chosen, an illustration, conservation status and comments on its geographic distribution are provided.