A SYSTEMATIC REVISION OF CAPPARIS SECTION CAPPARIS (CAPPARACEAE)^1,²

Abstract

A systematic revision of Capparis sect. Capparis, from western and Central Asia, North Africa, and Europe, is presented here. The taxonomy of this section has been approached combining morphological, biogeographical and molecular data when available. Ten species are recognized, including two new species, Capparis atlantica and C. zoharyi. In addition, four new subspecies are presented: Capparis ovata subsp. myrtifolia, C. parviflora subsp. sphaerocarpa, C. sicula subsp. mesopotamica, and C. sicula subsp. sindiana. Lectotypes are designated for C. aegyptia, C. hereroensis, C. mucronifolia, C. elliptica, C. mucronifolia Boiss. subsp. rosanoviana, C. rupestris, C. ovata, C. parviflora, C. spinosa var. canescens, C. sicula subsp. herbacea, and C. sicula subsp. leucophylla. A full taxonomic treatment, keys, and distribution maps of the recognized species are provided. The two new species are illustrated.