A synopsis of the genus Smythea (Rhamnaceae)

Abstract

A synoptic revision of the genus Smythea Seem. (Rhamnaceae) based on morphological evidence is presented. A total of 11 species are recognised; five new species are described: Smythea batanensis, S. beccarii, S. hirtella, S. poilanei and S. poomae, six new synonyms are established and a new combination is made: S. oblongifolia. Several new distribution records are reported, including S. macrocarpa for Borneo and Sumatra and S. oblongifolia for India. Generic delimitation between Smythea and the closely related genus Ventilago is clarified, and useful characters to identify the genera are discussed and illustrated. Distribution maps are given for each species, as well as a preliminary conservation assessment based on IUCN guidelines.