Reinstatement of Struthanthusvenetus (Loranthaceae): an endemic species of central Mexico.

Abstract

Struthanthus Mart. is a challenging genus because the abundance of reproductively incomplete specimens (lacking mature pistillate and staminate flowers and fruit) has inspired the description of many species, resulting in a long list of names to be verified. In addition, the genus currently lacks a monographic treatment. Struthanthusvenetus (Kunth) Blume was previously considered a heterotypic synonym of S.interruptus (Kunth) G. Don. However, examination of herbarium specimens and observation of living plants demonstrate that S.venetus is a distinct species distinguishable from S.interruptus. Here, we propose the reinstatement of S.venetus along with a complete description of the species and the designation of an epitype to complement the reproductively incomplete (lacking flowers) and severely fragmented type.