MUNTINGIA CALABURA (MUNTINGIACEAE) : A NEW GENERIC RECORD TO THE FLORA OF UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Abstract

The family Muntingiaceae, here described, includes the Neotropical, monotypic genera Muntingia and Dicraspidia, and probably Neotessmannia, which have previously been included in Elaeocarpaceae, Tiliaceae, or Flacourtiaceae. Morphological data discussed here and molecular data published elsewhere indicate that none of these families can be regarded as closely related to these genera. Muntingiaceae belong to a clade that comprises core Malvales (Sterculiaceae, Tiliaceae, Bombacaceae, and Malvaceae) and several other families. Within this alliance, relationships are presently unresolved.