Taxonomic studies in the Miconieae (Melastomataceae). XIV. Species of Miconia section Sagraea that occur in the Greater Antilles and additionally in the Lesser Antilles and/or continental regions

Abstract

The systematics of three species of Miconia sect. Sagraea from the Greater Antilles, which also occur in the Lesser Antilles and/or continental regions, is investigated. These taxa, representing lineages of likely independent dispersal into the Greater Antilles, are here taxonomically revised, including for each a description, nomenclatural information (including a new name, Miconia sciaphila, and two new combinations, M. berteroi and M. septuplinervia), specimen citations, and an eco-geographical characterization. These species are compared with members of two species-rich clades of sect. Sagraea of independent diversification in the Greater Antilles: the Clidemia oligantha/C. leucandra complex (comprising seven species) and the Brevicyma clade (29 species). A key to the three species, distinguishing among them and separating them from the two species-rich Greater Antillean clades is provided.