The classification of the generic segregates of Phrygilanthus (= Notanthera) of the Loranthaceae

Abstract

The taxonomic composition of Phrygilanthus has long been a source of confusion. Until recently the genus was considered to be distributed from Mexico, Central and South America, to Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. Analyses of floral morphology, inflorescence structure, life form, fruit type, and especially chromosome numbers indicate that Phrygilanthus, as classically circumscribed, is a highly heterogeneous and artificial assemblage containing elements now referable to the following ten genera:Cecarria, Desmaria, Gaiadendron, Ligaria, Muellerina, Notanthera, Psittacanthus, Struthanthus, Tripodanthus, and Tristerix. Phrygilanthus itself is nomenclaturally illegitimate and must be replaced by Notanthera. A synopsis of the genera segregated from the Phrygilanthus group is included. A key to the New World genera of Loranthaceae is also appended as well as a nomenclator indicating the present generic status of taxa at one time or another assigned to Phrygilanthus. One genus, Cecarria, is described as new; five new combinations are made:Cecarria obtusifolia (Merr.) Barlow, Psittacanthus palmeri (Wats.) Barlow & Wiens, Struthanthus panamensis (Rizzini) Barlow & Wiens, Tristerix aphyllus (DC.) Barlow & Wiens, and Tristerix grandiflorus (Ruiz & Pavon) Barlow & Wiens. © 1973 The New York Botanical Garden.