Abstract
This paper introduces the re-establishment of Pombalia Vand., the earliest generic designation for the predominantly South American lineage of the polyphyletic Hybanthus Jacq. (Violaceae). Recent molecular-based phylogenies and ongoing morphological studies have resulted in the recognition of 41 species and one variety in this group, requiring their transfer to the currently monotypic Pombalia, as proposed here. The study also revealed the necessity to lectotypify 20 of the basionyms.