The south american genus gynocraterium bremek. (acanthaceae, nelsonioideae)

Abstract

The monotypic genus Gynocraterium Bremek. has been known to be restricted to the Guiana, but recently was cited to other South American countries. Based on a revision of collections from 52 national and foreign herbaria, it is here demonstrated its occurrence in other localities, including the Brazilian Amazon forest. A revision on the genus to the Neotropics is here presented, with ratification of its description, and for Gynocraterium guianense Bremek. aspects of its morphology are for the first time illustrated, as well as description and SEM photographs of the pollen grains. Diagnostic features, phenology and new aspects on the distribution are listed to G. guianense, which is restricted to the Amazon region.