Revision of theLimaclade (Miconia sect. Lima, Miconieae, Melastomataceae) of the Greater Antilles.
Miconia sect. Lima is an entirely Greater Antillean clade that consists of 19 known species of shrubs and small trees, which were previously recognized under the polyphyletic generaLeandraandOssaea. The highest species richness in the clade is represented on Cuba (10 species), followed by Hispaniola (8 species) and then Jamaica (1 species). Here we present a taxonomic revision of the clade based on the study of species in the field, herbarium specimens, as well as a DNA-based phylogeny reconstruction. TheLimaclade most likely originated on Cuba and then spread to Jamaica once and Hispaniola multiple times. Species of this clade can be recognized by the well developed bulla-based hairs of the adaxial leaf surface, as well as the clavate-dendritic hairs produced along the primary, secondary and tertiary veins of the adaxial leaf surface, mostly towards the leaf base, terminal inflorescences, acute petal apices, slightly bulla-based hairs produced subapically along the petal abaxial surface, and anthers with a dorso-basal appendage and a single, dorsally oriented pore. Descriptions, synonymies, along with distribution maps and illustrations/figures, are given for each species.Miconia pagnolensissp. nov.is newly described in this revision.
Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona 85008 USA; Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-8525 USA; Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0575 USA.
Lucas C
LC
Majure
Jardín Botánico Nacional, Universidad de La Habana, La Habana, Cuba.
Eldis R
ER
Bécquer
Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-8525 USA; Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0575 USA.
Walter S
WS
Judd
Caribbean; Cuba; Hispaniola; Jamaica; Leandra; Ossaea; phylogeny