Making Lantaneae (Verbenaceae) taxonomy useful: A phylogenetic classification

Abstract

Recent phylogenetic results strongly suggest that neither Lantana nor Lippia are monophyletic. This has a direct impact on taxonomy and nomenclature in the tribe Lantaneae and it underscores the need to revise its classification. However, any generic recircumscription following the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants will require substantial nomenclatural changes. As a solution, a phylogenetic classification following the PhyloCode is applied to the whole Lantaneae, and 28 rankfree names are proposed and defined for clades. Clade /Lantaneae is defined to exclude Coelocarpum. Traditional taxon names previously recognized at the ranks of tribe, genus, and section are maintained when associated with clades. Discussion about fruit and corolla morphology, the basis of most previous classifications, within the group is presented along with a key to the clades of /Lantaneae. A useful classification of the plant diversity in tribe Lantaneae consistent with the phylogenetic relationships within the group is provided. This rank-free system promotes name stability as new data become available and avoids name changes to well-known species.