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Type: Article
Published: 2026-08-05
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Nomenclatural and taxonomic notes on the Brazilian endemic genus Fritzschia (Melastomataceae)

Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro; Rua Pacheco Leão 915; 22460-030; Rio de Janeiro; RJ; Brazil
Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais (IPA); Herbário SP; Avenida Miguel Estéfano 3687; 04301-012; São Paulo; SP; Brazil
Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro; Rua Pacheco Leão 915; 22460-030; Rio de Janeiro; RJ; Brazil
Eudicots Comolia Glaziou Marcetia Marcetieae neotype Sellow

Abstract

We propose a nomenclatural revision of the names associated with the current circumscription of Fritzschia (Melastomataceae, Marcetieae). Lectotypes are designated for Comolia tetraquetra, Fritzschia anisostemon, F. caespitosa (≡ Marcetia caespitosa), F. punctulata, F. sessilis (≡ Melastoma sessile), Tetrameris excoriata, and T. violacea, and a neotype is designated for Fritzschia erecta. Three heterotypic synonyms are proposed under F. sessilis. In addition, Fritzschia caespitosa is proposed as a new combination based on the misunderstood name Marcetia caespitosa. Fritzschia recubans is treated as an excluded name proposed by Glaziou in his suppressed work “Plantae Brasiliae centralis a Glaziou lectae”. However, the gathering cited by Glaziou actually corresponds to Pleroma cleistoflorum. Finally, we clarify the circumstances involving type specimens of Fritzschia formerly housed at LE that were destroyed during their return following a loan.

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How to Cite

Silva, D.N.D., Prado, J. & Guimarães, P.J.F. (2026) Nomenclatural and taxonomic notes on the Brazilian endemic genus Fritzschia (Melastomataceae). Phytotaxa 768 (4): 265–276. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.768.4.6