Taxonomic Revision of Bredemeyera (Polygalaceae).

Bredemeyera is a neotropical genus that comprises 12 species of woody vines and sub-erect or scandent shrubs. It occurs from Mexico to Paraguay and nearly all over Brazil. In this paper, we present a complete taxonomic revision of the genus. Bredemeyera ericifolia, a new species from the Brazilian state of Piauí, is here described and illustrated. Lectotypes are designated for Bredemeyera bracteata, B. densiflora, B. densiflora var. glabra, B. floribunda var. puberula, B. huberiana, B. isabelliana, B. laurifolia var. parvifolia, B. myrtifolia, B. parviflora, Catacoma altissima, C. brevifolia, C. lucida, and Securidaca flexuosa. A [second-step] lectotype is designated for B. velutina. Here, the names Bredemeyera altissima and B. lucida are considered taxonomic synonyms of B. divaricata, whereas B. myrtifolia and B. densiflora are synonyms of B. bracteata, and finally, B. disperma is considered a synonym of B. laurifolia. We provide an identification key, descriptions, distribution maps, illustrations, and comments on the conservation status, nomenclature, and taxonomy of all species involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]