Circumscription and nomenclature of Hiraea barclayana, H. reclinata, and H. ternifolia (Malpighiaceae), and of seven species misassigned to them

Abstract

A review of collections from Mexico to northern South America that had been primarily determined as H. barclayana, H. reclinata, and H. ternifolia, or synonyms, showed them to include ten species. Misinterpretations were caused by superficial morphological similarities and traditional nomenclatural errors. The species now recognized include six previously described: H. barclayana, H. hookeriana (formerly included in H. reclinata), H. reclinata, H. sanctae-marthae, H. ternifolia, and H. transiens. Four new species are proposed: H. mcvaughii, H. silvicola, and H. venezuelana; H. trianae was previously recognized at varietal level and is elevated to species. A neotype is chosen for H. reclinata. Lectotypes are designated for H. velutina (= H. barclayana) and four synonyms of H. reclinata: H. borealis, H. borealis var. glandulifera, H. obovata var. angustifolia, H. obovata var. latifolia forma glandulifera. Full descriptions and synonymies as well as a key are presented. All species are illustrated.