Heterotypic Synonym Research Articles

About the nomenclature of the complicated ruderal species Rumex pulcher s.l. (Polygonaceae)

AbstractRumex pulcher is a species native to central and southern Europe, the Mediterranean area, and western Asia, growing mainly in ruderal habitats. It is a highly variable species, with six subspecies currently recognized (i.e., R. pulcher subsp. anodonta, subsp. cassius, subsp. pulcher, subsp. raulinii, subsp. suffocatus, and subsp. woodsii). In addition, there are the Linnaean R. divaricatus and Lojacono‐Pojero's R. usticanus, both of which are often considered heterotypic synonyms of R. pulcher, and several varieties and forms described by C. Haussknecht, which are synonymized with some accepted subspecies of R. pulcher. With the exception of R. suffocatus (basionym of R. pulcher subsp. suffocatus) and R. pulcher f. anodonta (basionym of R. pulcher subsp. anodonta), the names are still untypified and are examined and lectotypified here on specimens deposited at G, JE, PAL, and RO, whereas an illustration by Tilli is designated as the lectotype of the Linnaean R. divaricatus. Rumex usticanus is considered a synonym (syn. nov.) of R. obtusifolius subsp. obtusifolius; R. divaricatus is a synonym of R. pulcher subsp. woodsii. Haussknecht's infraspecific names are considered heterotypic synonyms of R. pulcher subsp. raulinii (R. pulcher f. macrodon) or R. pulcher subsp. woodsii (R. pulcher var. oligomicrodonta, var. microdon, and var. micropleiodontus). Haussknecht's R. pulcher f. anodonta is accepted as separate taxon at subspecies rank (R. pulcher subsp. anodonta). Finally, the type of R. pulcher subsp. woodsii confirms the occurrence (as an old record) of this taxon in the region of Latium (central Italy) where, up to now, it was strangely considered a doubtful record. Further specimens, found at RO and identified as R. pulcher (without specifying any subspecies), confirm the recent occurrence of R. pulcher subsp. woodsii in the Italian region of Latium.

The draft genome of Nitzschia closterium f. minutissima and transcriptome analysis reveals novel insights into diatom biosilicification

BackgroundNitzschia closterium f. minutissima is a commonly available diatom that plays important roles in marine aquaculture. It was originally classified as Nitzschia (Bacillariaceae, Bacillariophyta) but is currently regarded as a heterotypic synonym of Phaeodactylum tricornutum. The aim of this study was to obtain the draft genome of the marine microalga N. closterium f. minutissima to understand its phylogenetic placement and evolutionary specialization. Given that the ornate hierarchical silicified cell walls (frustules) of diatoms have immense applications in nanotechnology for biomedical fields, biosensors and optoelectric devices, transcriptomic data were generated by using reference genome-based read mapping to identify significantly differentially expressed genes and elucidate the molecular processes involved in diatom biosilicification.ResultsIn this study, we generated 13.81 Gb of pass reads from the PromethION sequencer. The draft genome of N. closterium f. minutissima has a total length of 29.28 Mb, and contains 28 contigs with an N50 value of 1.23 Mb. The GC content was 48.55%, and approximately 18.36% of the genome assembly contained repeat sequences. Gene annotation revealed 9,132 protein-coding genes. The results of comparative genomic analysis showed that N. closterium f. minutissima was clustered as a sister lineage of Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the divergence time between them was estimated to be approximately 17.2 million years ago (Mya). CAFF analysis demonstrated that 220 gene families that significantly changed were unique to N. closterium f. minutissima and that 154 were specific to P. tricornutum, moreover, only 26 gene families overlapped between these two species. A total of 818 DEGs in response to silicon were identified in N. closterium f. minutissima through RNA sequencing, these genes are involved in various molecular processes such as transcription regulator activity. Several genes encoding proteins, including silicon transporters, heat shock factors, methyltransferases, ankyrin repeat domains, cGMP-mediated signaling pathways-related proteins, cytoskeleton-associated proteins, polyamines, glycoproteins and saturated fatty acids may contribute to the formation of frustules in N. closterium f. minutissima.ConclusionsHere, we described a draft genome of N. closterium f. minutissima and compared it with those of eight other diatoms, which provided new insight into its evolutionary features. Transcriptome analysis to identify DEGs in response to silicon will help to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of diatom biosilicification in N. closterium f. minutissima.

Reclassification of Some Exiguobacterium Species Based on Genome Analysis.

The Exiguobacterium genus comprises Gram-stain-positive and facultatively anaerobic bacteria. Some Exiguobacterium species have previously shown significant high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with each other. This study evaluates the taxonomic classification of those Exiguobacterium species through comprehensive genome analysis. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values were determined for various Exiguobacterium species pairs. The ANI and dDDH values between Exiguobacterium enclense and Exiguobacterium indicum, Exiguobacterium aquaticum and Exiguobacterium mexicanum, Exiguobacteriumsoliand Exiguobacterium antarcticum, and Exiguobacterium sibiricum and Exiguobacterium artemiae were above the cut-off level (95-96% for ANI and 70% for dDDH) for species delineation. Based on the findings, we propose to reclassify Exiguobacterium enclense as a later heterotypic synonym of Exiguobacterium indicum, Exiguobacterium aquaticum as a later heterotypic synonym of Exiguobacterium mexicanum, Exiguobacteriumsolias a later heterotypic synonym of Exiguobacterium antarcticum and Exiguobacterium sibiricum as a later heterotypic synonym of Exiguobacterium artemiae.

Revisiting the nomenclature and taxonomy of the Malagasy Kalanchoe uniflora (K. subg. Alatae; Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), which has Kitchingia uniflora as its basionym, and its homotypic and heterotypic synonyms

Revisiting the nomenclature and taxonomy of the Malagasy Kalanchoe uniflora (K. subg. Alatae; Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), which has Kitchingia uniflora as its basionym, and its homotypic and heterotypic synonyms

New insights into the relationship between the average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values in the genus Amycolatopsis and Amycolatopsis cynarae sp. nov., a novel actinobacterium from the rhizosphere soil of Cynara scolymus, and proposal of Amycolatopsis niigatensis as a synonym of Amycolatopsis echigonensis based on comparative genomic analysis.

At present, it is widely believed that a 95-96% average nucleotide identity (ANI) value is equivalent to a 70% digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value in the prokaryotic taxonomy. However, in the present study, comparative genome analysis of 29 pairs of Amycolatopsis type strains revealed that a 70% dDDH value did not correspond to a 95-96% ANI based on the MuMmer ultra-rapid aligning tool (ANIm) but approximately corresponded to a 96.6% ANIm value in the genus Amycolatopsis. Based on this corresponding relationship, phenotypic and chemotaxonomical characteristics, as well as phylogenetic analysis, an actinobacterial strain HUAS 11-8T isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Cynara scolymus, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. Based on EzBioCloud alignment, it was found that strain HUAS11-8T had the 16S rRNA gene similarities of 99.78% with A. rhizosphaerae JCM 32589T, 97.8% with A. dongchuanensis YIM 75904T, and < 97.8% sequence similarities to other Amycolatopsis species. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences and whole-genome sequences revealed that strain HUAS 11-8T was closely related to A. rhizosphaerae JCM 32589T. ANIm and dDDH values between strains HUAS 11-8T and A. rhizosphaerae JCM 32589T were 96.3 and 68.5%, respectively, lower than the 96.6 and 70% thresholds recommended for the delineation of a novel Amycolatopsis species. Consequently, strain HUAS 11-8T should represent a novel Amycolatopsis species, for which the name Amycolatopsis cynarae sp. nov. (type strain HUAS 11-8T = MCCC 1K08337T = JCM 35980T) is proposed. Furthermore, based on comparative genomic analysis and rule 42 of the Prokaryotic Code, we propose that Amycolatopsis niigatensis is a later heterotypic synonym of Amycolatopsis echigonensis.

Genome-based reclassification of Salipiger manganoxidans (Rajasabapathy et al. 2016) Wirth et al. 2018 as a later heterotypic synonym of Salipiger marinus (Lai et al. 2011) Wirth et al. 2018.

Salipiger manganoxidans VSW210T was compared with Salipiger marinus CK-I3-6T to examine the taxonomic relationship between the two type strains. In phylogenetic trees drawn using whole genome sequences and 16S rRNA gene sequences, S. manganoxidans VSW210T and S. marinus CK-I3-6T clade together and showed a 99.6 % 16S rRNA sequence similarity. The average amino acid identity (AAI), average nucleotide identity (ANIb and ANIm) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between S. manganoxidans VSW210T and S. marinus CK-I3-6T were below 97.5, 97.4, 98.4 and 85.1±2.5 %, respectively, all of which were greater than the species delineation threshold AAI value (95.5 %), ANI value (95-96 %) and dDDH value (70 %). Most phenotypic features between both species were almost identical, although there were some differences. The present results show that Salipiger manganoxidans is a later heterotypic synonym of Salipiger marinus.

The current status of Henckelia peduncularis (Gesneriaceae): Taxonomy, typification, distribution and IUCN Red List assessment

The long lost Henckelia peduncularis (Gesneriaceae), was hitherto known from its type specimens collected from Burma, in 1926. Recently described Henckelia dasii from Arunachal Pradesh, India; revealed substantial similarities with the aforementioned Burmese element. Morphological analyses based on the type specimens of both the names revealed H. dasii is appropriate to be reduced as a heterotypic synonym of H. peduncularis. The present article also deals with the Red List assessment of H. peduncularis based on IUCN criteria and lectotype designation for the name Chirita peduncularis B.L. Burtt.

Stypopodium Kütz. - a new generic record for India from the Bay of Bengal

The study highlights the first-ever documentation of the genus Stypopodium along the Indian coastline, specifically in Andhra Pradesh. Previously reported in various Indian Ocean regions but not in India, this discovery fills a significant gap in understanding its distribution. The species Stypopodium zonale is thoroughly examined, including its physical characteristics, microscopic features, habitats, distribution, and taxonomic notes, complemented by accompanying photo plates. Additionally, the proposal of a lectotype for heterotypic synonyms, namely Fucus zonalis, Zonaria lobata, and Zonaria fuliginosa is presented.

Proposal of Streptomyces bellus Margalith and Beretta 1960 as a Later Heterotypic Synonym of Streptomyces coeruleorubidus (Preobrazhenskaya 1957) Pridham et al. 1958 and an Emended Description of Streptomyces coeruleorubidus.

In the present work, the taxonomic relationship between Streptomyces coeruleorubidus and Streptomyces bellus was reevaluated by a comprehensive comparison of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic characteristics, as well as phylogeny. In 1957 and 1960, Streptomyces coeruleorubidus and Streptomyces bellus were described as two novel Streptomyces species. The full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that Streptomyces bellus JCM 4292T shared highest sequence identity with Streptomyces coerulescens ISP 5146T (100%). Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that S. bellus JCM 4292T was most closely related to Streptomyces coerulescens ISP 5146T. Phylogenetic analysis of five housekeeping gene sequences demonstrated that S. bellus JCM 4292T was most closely related to S. coeruleorubidus ATCC 13740T. Nevertheless, the ANIm (average nucleotide identity based on MuMmer ultra-rapid aligning tool) and dDDH (digital DNA-DNA hybridization) values between them were 97.71% and 81.9%, respectively, greater than the threshold of 96.7% and 70% for the delineation of Streptomyces species, suggesting that they represent the same genomic species. In addition, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, as well as phylogeny and genomic DNA-DNA correlation analysis also confirmed the above conclusion. Consequently, we proposed that S. bellus Margalith and Beretta 1960 is a later heterotypic synonym of S. coeruleorubidus (Preobrazhenskaya 1957) Pridham et al. 1958.

Second-step lectotypification of Stobaea rigida and reassessment of heterotypic synonyms of Berkheya rigida (Asteraceae, Arctotideae)

As part of a taxonomic reassessment of species that were classified in Berkheya series Rigidae in the most recent monograph of Berkheya, the type material for Berkheya rigida and its putative heterotypic synonyms is reassessed. The original material for the basionym, Stobaea rigida, is heterospecific. Therefore, a second-step lectotype is designated consistent with predominant usage of the name Berkheya rigida. The name Apuleia rigida and its replacement name Stobaea gaertneri apply to a conspicuously radiate species and are excluded from the synonymy of Berkheya rigida. The morphological variability of Berkheya rigida is discussed.

Genome-based classification of genera Halosegnis and Salella, and description of four novel halophilic archaea isolated from a tidal flat.

The current species of Halosegnis and Salella within the class Halobacteria are closely related based on phylogenetic, phylogenomic, and comparative genomic analyses. The Halosegnis species showed 99.8-100.0% 16S rRNA and 96.6-99.6% rpoB' gene similarities to the Salella species, respectively. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses showed that Salella cibi CBA1133T, the sole species of Salella, formed a single tight cluster with Halosegnis longus F12-1T, then with Halosegnis rubeus F17-44T. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), and average amino acid identity (AAI) values between Salella cibi CBA1133T and Halosegnis longus F12-1T were 99.2, 94.2, and 98.6%, respectively, much higher than the thresholds for species demarcation. This genome-based classification revealed that the genus Salella should be merged with Halosegnis, and Salella cibi should be a later heterotypic synonym of Halosegnis longus. Halophilic archaeal strains DT72T, DT80T, DT85T, and DT116T, isolated from the saline soil of a tidal flat in China, were subjected to polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic, and phylogenomic features indicated that strains DT72T (= CGMCC 1.18925T = JCM 35418T), DT80T (= CGMCC 1.18926T = JCM 35419T), DT85T (= CGMCC 1.19049T = JCM 35605T), and DT116T (= CGMCC 1.19045T = JCM 35606T) represent four novel species of the genera Halorussus, Halosegnis and Haloglomus, respectively, for which the names, Halorussus caseinilyticus sp. nov., Halorussus lipolyticus sp. nov., Halosegnis marinus sp. nov., and Haloglomus litoreum sp. nov., are proposed.

Genetic analysis of Ulva (Ulvaceae, Chlorophyta) type specimens resolves northeast Pacific blade-forming species

Abstract Misapplication of Ulva epithets in GenBank has led to confusion in the scientific literature and community. To solve some of the problems, targeted DNA sequencing of plastid encoded rbcL gene amplicons or high-throughput sequencing was performed on all blade-forming Ulva type specimens from the northeast Pacific. Recently collected specimens from at or near type localities were also analyzed for some taxa. Based on these genetic analyses, we confirmed currently recognized species: U. californica, with U. angusta and U. scagelii as heterotypic synonyms, U. stenophylla, U. taeniata, and U. tanneri. Ulva dactylifera, currently considered a synonym of U. taeniata based on morpho-anatomy, is recognized as a distinct species, as is U. expansa whose type specimen was sequenced in 2018. All but two of the ITS, rbcL and tufA sequences in GenBank that were labeled U. californica were correctly named, in contrast to U. taeniata, for which only one of 14 sequences was correctly labeled. These results show that DNA sequencing of Ulva type specimens is essential for the correct application of names.

Fluctibacter corallii gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from the coral Montipora capitata on a reef in Kāne'ohe Bay, O'ahu, Hawai'i, reclassification of Aestuariibacter halophilus as Fluctibacter halophilus comb. nov., and Paraglaciecola oceanifecundans as a later heterotypic synonym of Paraglaciecola agarilytica.

Strain AA17T was isolated from an apparently healthy fragment of Montipora capitata coral from the reef surrounding Moku o Lo'e in Kāne'ohe Bay, O'ahu, Hawai'i, USA, and was taxonomically evaluated using a polyphasic approach. Comparison of a partial 16S rRNA gene sequence found that strain AA17T shared the greatest similarity with Aestuariibacter halophilus JC2043T (96.6%), and phylogenies based on 16S rRNA gene sequences grouped strain AA17T with members of the Aliiglaciecola, Aestuariibacter, Lacimicrobium, Marisediminitalea, Planctobacterium, and Saliniradius genera. To more precisely infer the taxonomy of strain AA17T, a phylogenomic analysis was conducted and indicated that strain AA17T formed a monophyletic clade with A. halophilus JC2043T, divergent from Aestuariibacter salexigens JC2042T and other related genera. As a result of monophyly and multiple genomic metrics of genus demarcation, strain AA17T and A. halophilus JC2043T comprise a distinct genus for which the name Fluctibacter gen. nov. is proposed. Based on a polyphasic characterisation and identifying differences in genomic and taxonomic data, strain AA17T represents a novel species, for which the name Fluctibacter corallii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AA17T (= LMG 32603T = NCTC 14664T). This work also supports the reclassification of A. halophilus as Fluctibacter halophilus comb. nov., which is the type species of the Fluctibacter genus. Genomic analyses also support the reclassification of Paraglaciecola oceanifecundans as a later heterotypic synonym of Paraglaciecola agarilytica.

Rodentibacter caecimuris comb. nov., arising from the heterotypic synonymy between Pasteurella caecimuris Lagkouvardos et al. 2016 and Rodentibacter heylii Adhikary et al. 2017.

The misclassification of the species Pasteurella caecimuris Lagkouvardos et al. 2016 along with the heterotypic synonymy between P. caecimuris and Rodentibacter heylii Adhikary et al. 2017 has long been recognized. However, no formal assignment of P. caecimuris to its correct taxonomic position has been made accordingly and therefore the nomenclatural consequences have not been implemented. In the present study, the author first re-evaluates the taxonomic relationships of P. caecimuris using genome-based approaches, confirming the need of reclassification to the genus Rodentibacter and presenting evidence of the synonymy between R. heylii and P. caecimuris. Next, the author proposes a new name Rodentibacter caecimuris comb. nov. and, based on the priority of their specific epithets, treats Rodentibacter heylii as a later heterotypic synonym of Rodentibacter caecimuris.

Genome-Based Reclassification of Anoxybacillus geothermalis Filippidou et al. 2016 as a Later Heterotypic Synonym of Anoxybacillus rupiensis Derekova et al. 2007.

In this study, our aim was to elucidate the relationship between Anoxybacillus rupiensis DSM 17127T and Anoxybacillus geothermalis GSsed3T through whole-genome phylogenetic analysis. The obtained 16S rRNA gene sequence from the genome of A. rupiensis DSM 17127T exhibited a 99.8% similarity with A. geothermalis GSsed3T. In the phylogenetic trees constructed using whole-genome sequences and 16S rRNA gene sequences, A. rupiensis DSM 17127T and A. geothermalis GSsed3T were observed to form a clade, indicating a close relationship between them. Moreover, the average amino acid identity, average nucleotide identity, and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values calculated between A. rupiensis DSM 17127T and A. geothermalis GSsed3T exceeded the threshold values typically used for species demarcation. Furthermore, the phylogenomic analysis based on the core genome of the strains in question provided additional support for the formation of a monophyletic clade by A. rupiensis DSM 17127T and A. geothermalis GSsed3T. Most phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features between both strains were almost identical except for a few exceptions. These findings suggest that both strains should be classified as belonging to the same species, and we propose that A. geothermalis GSsed3T is a later heterotypic synonym of A. rupiensis DSM 17127T.

Genomic and phylogenomic analysis of Fusobacteriaceae family and proposal to reclassify Fusobacterium naviforme Jungano 1909 into a novel genus as Zandiella naviformis gen. nov., comb. nov. and reclassification of Fusobacterium necrophorum subsp. funduliforme as later heterotypic synonym of Fusobacterium necrophorum subsp. necrophorum and Fusobacterium equinum as later heterotypic synonym of Fusobacterium gonidiaformans.

The family Fusobacteriaceae is a large family within the phylum Fusobacteriota. The reclassification of F. naviforme as Zandiella naviformis gen. nov., comb. nov. is proposed because of the separate and distinct phylogenetic situation on the basis of the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the genetic and genomic differences from all other species and subspecies in the Fusobacteriaceae family. The type strain is ATCC 25832; CCUG 50052; NCTC 13121. In phylogenetic trees drawn using complete genome sequences and 16S rRNA gene sequences, F. necrophorum subsp. funduliforme and F. equinum were clades together with F. necrophorum subsp. necrophorum and F. gonidiaformans, respectively. The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity, and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between themes exceeded the cut-off values for species delineation. Based on these results, F. necrophorum subsp. funduliforme and F. equinum should be reclassified as later heterotypic synonyms of F. necrophorum subsp. necrophorum and F. gonidiaformans, respectively.

On the identity of Ischaemum elimalayanum (Poaceae: Andropogoneae: Ischaemineae) with brief taxonomic notes on some allied congeners from India

In our examination of Ischaemum specimens from the BSI herbarium, originating from Karnataka, previously misidentified as Ischaemum semisagittatum, I. dalzellii, I. lanatum, and I. molle, we affirm that these specimens correspond to I. elimalayanum. This species, previously thought to be endemic to Kerala, aligns with the protologue and type specimens examined at CAL, K &amp; MH herbaria. Accurate identification is facilitated by provided images based on specimens housed at BSI. Morphological investigations led to the inclusion of I. kumarakodiensis and I. abrahamii, closely related Kerala species, as new heterotypic synonyms of I. elimalayanum, substantiated by detailed comparative morphological analysis (Table 1) and taxonomic discussion. A key to aid identification of closely allied species in India is presented. The distribution map of I. elimalayanum is updated based on literature and herbarium specimens. Our study rectifies previous misidentifications, contributing to the taxonomy and distribution understanding of Ischaemum species in India. In addition, brief taxonomic notes on I. barbatum, I. pappinisseriensis and I. amboliense are given.

In-Depth Genome Characterization and Pan-Genome Analysis of Strain KMM 296, a Producer of Highly Active Alkaline Phosphatase; Proposal for the Reclassification of Cobetia litoralis and Cobetia pacifica as the Later Heterotypic Synonyms of Cobetia amphilecti and Cobetia marina, and Emended Description of the Species Cobetia amphilecti and Cobetia marina.

A strictly aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, and motile bacterium, designated strain KMM 296, isolated from the coelomic fluid of the mussel Crenomytilus grayanus, was investigated in detail due to its ability to produce a highly active alkaline phosphatase CmAP of the structural family PhoA. A previous taxonomic study allocated the strain to the species Cobetia marina, a member of the family Halomonadaceae of the class Gammaproteobacteria. However, 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed KMM 296's relatedness to Cobetia amphilecti NRIC 0815T. The isolate grew with 0.5-19% NaCl at 4-42 °C and hydrolyzed Tweens 20 and 40 and L-tyrosine. The DNA G+C content was 62.5 mol%. The prevalent fatty acids were C18:1 ω7c, C12:0 3-OH, C18:1 ω7c, C12:0, and C17:0 cyclo. The polar lipid profile was characterized by the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, and also an unidentified aminolipid, phospholipid, and a few unidentified lipids. The major respiratory quinone was Q-8. According to phylogenomic and chemotaxonomic evidence, and the nearest neighbors, the strain KMM 296 represents a member of the species C. amphilecti. The genome-based analysis of C. amphilecti NRIC 0815T and C. litoralis NRIC 0814T showed their belonging to a single species. In addition, the high similarity between the C. pacifica NRIC 0813T and C. marina LMG 2217T genomes suggests their affiliation to one species. Based on the rules of priority, C. litoralis should be reclassified as a later heterotypic synonym of C. amphilecti, and C. pacifica is a later heterotypic synonym of C. marina. The emended descriptions of the species C. amphilecti and C. marina are also proposed.

A taxonomic revision of Neotropical Connarus (Connaraceae)

AbstractThe pantropical genus Connarus is the largest within Connaraceae and comprises ca. 80 species, most of which occur in the Neotropics. The genus is potentially economically important as several taxa produce metabolites of medicinal interest. Morphologically, Connarus differs from other members of the family mainly by the punctate perianth, the single carpel and follicular and relatively broader fruits than in the other genera. In the decades after the publication of the Flora Neotropica monograph of Connaraceae, new botanical collections have become available, especially in American herbaria, allowing identification of overlooked characters and, hence, redefinition of species circumscriptions. In addition, a significant number of typifications were outdated and taxonomic novelties have recently been proposed – all elements that justify a revisional work. After intensive examination of herbarium specimens and field expeditions, the present study recognizes 57 species, 2 varieties and 2 subspecies of Connarus in the Neotropics; about 100 specific names were evaluated, 39 of which are here considered heterotypic synonyms, 11 of them are new synonyms. The distribution of Neotropical Connarus ranges from south Mexico to south Brazil and, although most species occur in dense wet forests, especially in the Amazonia and Atlantic Forest, some are dispersed in savannas from Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, in Brazilian coastal vegetations or in montane formations; wide distributions are commonly seen in wet forests from Central America to northern South America, while restricted occurrences or endemism are mainly observed in the Atlantic Forest, Peru and Venezuela. Complete morphological descriptions of the species of Neotropical Connarus are provided here, as well as illustrative images, identification keys, and detailed discussions of their taxonomy, nomenclature, distribution and habitat.

The complexities of Triana collections: Unraveling the original materials of Pterogastra major (Melastomataceae)

The monophyletic tribe Melastomateae Bartling (1830: 329) comprises 44 genera distributed across America, Africa and Asia (Veranso-Libalah et al. 2022). Among the Neotropical genera, Pterogastra Naudin (1850: 32) + Pterolepis (DC.) Miquel (1840: 72) form an intriguing clade that is sometimes considered sister to the Neotropical clade of Melastomateae, sister to the Paleotropical clade, or sister to both clades (see a detailed history in Veranso-Libalah et al. 2022; see also Penneys et al. 2022). The genus Pterogastra occurs in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela and Guyana (Renner 1993; Silva et al. 2023), and is composed by three herbaceous, subshrubby and shrubby taxa: P. divaricata (Bonpl.) Naudin (1850: 33), P. divaricata var. glabra (Gleason) Renner (1994: 68), and P. minor Naudin (1850: 33) (Renner 1994). Pterogastra major Triana (1872: 40), a heterotypic synonym of P. divaricata (Renner 1994), was described based on at least four collections: Bonpland s.n. collected next to Villavicencio (Colombia), Goudot s.n. collected in Chaparral (Colombia), Triana s.n. probably collected in Fusagasugá and Susumuco (Colombia), and Mathews 1278 collected next to Moyabamba (Peru). In the taxonomic revision of the genus, the specimen Triana s.n. deposited at BM was selected as the lectotype of Pterogastra major (Renner 1994). Nevertheless, after investigating the Triana collections associated with the original material of P. major and based on the information contained in each label, we reassessed the nomenclatural status of each exsiccate, providing clarifications for all materials of this species collected by Triana.