Distimake (Convolvulaceae) expanded: five additional species from the Neotropics and Eastern Africa

Abstract

Seven nomenclatural novelties in the genus Distimake Raf. are here proposed: five species, two from the Neotropics and three from Eastern Africa, which were incertae sedis following revisionary work of Merremia Dennst. ex Endl. s.l., are here combined in Distimake based on recent taxonomic and phylogenetic progress; and two nomenclatural novelties are proposed. Distimake candeoi (A. Terracc.) A.R.Simões, comb. nov., D. discoidesperma (Donn. Sm.) Petrongari, A.R.Simões & Sim.-Bianch., comb. nov., D. gorinii (Chiov.) A.R.Simões, comb. nov., and D. gregorii (Rendle) A.R.Simões, comb. nov., are combined with support from molecular phylogenetic analysis, and Distimake platyphyllus (Verdc.) Petrongari & A.R.Simões, comb. nov., is combined based on morphological traits. Distimake pavonii (Hallier f.) Petrongari, comb. nov. takes priority over Distimake macdonaldii (S.Valencia & Mart.Gord.) A.R.Simões & Staples, syn. nov., and Distimake tuberosus (L.) A.R.Simões & Staples now includes Merremia grandidentata (C.H.Thomps.) Staples & A.R.Simões and its basionym as new synonyms. Thus, Distimake is here expanded from 46 to 51 currently accepted species.