Taxonomic revision of Hypochaeris (Compositae: Cichorieae) in Uruguay

Abstract

The taxonomic revision of Hypochaeris L. (Compositae: Cichorieae) for Uruguay is presented. Specimens from the main herbaria of the country were reviewed, field trips were carried out to study the species “in situ” throughout the country, and all reference publications and original material for each species were reviewed. A list of all species present in Uruguay is included together with their respective synonyms, expanded descriptions, distribution maps, habitat and phenological data, taxonomic and nomenclatural observations, as well plates with images and illustrations highlighting the most relevant morphological characters of each. Additionally, dichotomous and virtual keys are provided for the identification of the sections, series and species of the genus in Uruguay. The genus Hypochaeris in Uruguay comprises 11 species, two exotic (Hypochaeris sect. Hypochaeris), and nine native to the territory (Hypochaeris sect. Phanoderis), two of which are considered priorities for conservation in Uruguay. The name H. rosengurttii is reinstated as a species and the species H. pampasica is recorded for the first time in the country, while H. lutea and H. neopinnatifida are excluded. The taxonomic complexities surrounding the name H. microcephala are discussed, as well as the presence of hybrid taxa within the genus and their taxonomic implications.