Paepalanthus (Eriocaulaceae) of the Brazilian Flora: Nomenclatural Survey Reveals Twenty-Five New Synonyms and Widely Applied Illegitimate Names

Abstract— Paepalanthus is the second largest genus of Eriocaulaceae, with about one-third of the species recorded for the family, but it has not received a recent comprehensive taxonomic treatment. Detailed taxonomic studies show that many names currently in use are actually synonyms. In addition, it was necessary to lectotypify some names. Twenty-five synonyms, associated with 15 species and 10 varieties, and 18 lectotypifications in Paepalanthus are here presented, yielding a revised total of 395 species in the genus, 327 of which occur in Brazil. For each taxon treated here we provide taxonomic status, typification, synonymy, nomenclatural notes, comments, and distribution data.