Nomenclatural Changes and Range Extension in Leiothrix flavescens (Bong.) Ruhl. (Eriocaulaceae)

Abstract

The Eriocaulaceae comprise about 1,200 species distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world (Kral, 1989). The largest number of genera and species are found in high-altitude campos of South America, especially in the Brazilian Shield (Minas Gerais and Bahia) and the Guayana Shield in Venezuela. Most species are endemic to restricted localities, often found on only one mountain or tepui summit. However, some species, such as Leiothrix flavescens, Paepalanthus tortilis (Bong.) Koern., and Syngonanthus caulescens (Poiret) Ruhl., occur disjunctly in both Shield areas. A revision of the genus Leiothrix Ruhl., restricted exclusively to South America, is in process, with three new species recently published (Giulietti, 1988). A treatment of the genus for the Flora of Venezuelan Guayana is also being prepared by the junior author. Leiothrix flavescens is the species with the widest geographic distribution in the genus, including areas of Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, and Guyana. This fact, together with the considerable phenotypic variation, has led to the recognition of several taxa, many of which are here reduced to synonymy, and some of which are retained at the varietal level.