Taxonomic notes on the genus Itea (Iteaceae)

Abstract

The genus Itea (Iteaceae) is recognised as a genus with about 21 extant species of shrubs and trees. Within the genus, most species have oblong to elliptical leaves. The lanceolate and obolanceolate leaves are only found in three species, vix Itea amoena Chun, Itea riparia Collett & Hemsl. and Itea tenuinervia S. Y. Liu. The results of our examination of literature, specimens and living plants in the wild have shown that Itea tenuinervia is conspecific with Itea riparia and is here reduced to a synonym of the latter species. The morphological description, colour pictures, voucher specimens, distribution map of Itea riparia and its related Itea amoena, together with the morphological comparisons between the two species, are provided in this study.