Toward New Generic Delimitations in Polygalaceae II: Senega

Abstract

Based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence, the New World clade of Polygala L. is here recognized as the genus Senega Spach, with three subgenera: the typical Senega, Clinclinia (DC.) J. F. B. Pastore & Agust. Martinez, and Monninopsis (S. F. Blake) J. F. B. Pastore & J. R. Abbott. The subgenera Clinclinia and Monninopsis are based on previous infrageneric delimitations of Chodat and Blake. The subgenus Senega is further divided into 16 sections, with seven new sections designated here: Cleistogamae J. F. B. Pastore & J. R. Abbott, Cruciatae J. F. B. Pastore & J. R. Abbott, Cuspidatae J. F. B. Pastore, Exiguae J. F. B. Pastore, Revolutae J. F. B. Pastore, Sanguineae J. F. B. Pastore & J. R. Abbott, and Verticillatae J. F. B. Pastore & J. R. Abbott. Keys are provided for the subgenera of Senega and also for the sections of Senega subg. Senega.