California, a new genus of Geraniaceae endemic to the southwest of North America

Abstract

Morphological data provide evidence for the separation of Erodium macrophyllum Hook. & Arn. in a new genus, different from either Erodium and Monsonia (Geraniaceae). Also cpDNA sequence data (rrnL-F) support this view. Thus, we propose the recognition of a new monotypic genus, California Aldas., C. Navarro, P. Vargas, Ll. Saez & Aedo, to better reflect phylogenetic relationships in Geraniaceae. We provide diagnosis, illustrations, comparative analysis of distinctive characters, and a key to genera of Geraniaceae. The new combination proposed is: California macrophylla (Hook. & Am.) Aldas., C. Navarro, P. Vargas, Ll. Saez & Aedo, comb. Nov. [basion.: Erodium macrophyllum Hook. & Am.]; and two lectotypes are designed.

Keywords

• taxonomy
• morphology
• geraniaceae
• erodium
• monsonia
• new genus
• north america