Abstract
AbstractThe species‐rich neotropical tree genus Swartzia (Leguminosae‐Papilionoideae) is a ubiquitous element in Central and South American rainforests. As such, it has been selected as a focal group in ongoing studies of the evolution and assembly of the neotropical flora, but these efforts are hindered by substantial taxonomic problems within Swartzia. The lack of a well‐substantiated infrageneric classification has impeded much needed revisionary work on the genus, since the composition and limits of the various species complexes of Swartzia have not been clearly defined. A recent phylogenetic study of Swartzia with broad sampling of molecular characters and species illustrates the deficiencies of previous classifications of the genus and provides a robust phylogenetic framework for devising a new classification. Here we propose a phylogenetically based classification that places all currently recognized species of Swartzia into 15 sections. The sections, ranging in size from one to thirty‐two species, are morphologically diagnosable and are hypothesized to be monophyletic. Thirteen sectional names are either entirely new or are applied at the sectional rank for the first time. A key to the sections is provided, along with sectional treatments that each include a morphological description, geographic distribution, and list of included species.
Published Version
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