Studies on the genus Prunus (Rosaceae) in the Neotropics: taxonomic and nomenclature changes for Colombia

Abstract

As a part of the studies on neotropical Prunus, initiated with the taxonomic revision for Colombia, three new species are presented with complete descriptions and comments on taxonomy, chorology and conservation (P. antioquensis, P. littlei, and P. megacarpa). In addition, five taxa, whose description is based on material from Colombia, have been reduced to synonyms (P. betancurii, P. carolinae, P. ernestii, P. recurviflora and P. villegasiana) and two lectotypes and one neotype are designated. For the newly cicumscribed species herein, diagnostic characters are annotated, synonyms are discussed and their geographical distribution commented upon.

Keywords

• colombia
• neotropics
• prunus
• rosaceae
• south- america
• subgenus laurocerasus
• taxonomy