Molecular phylogeny and character mapping support generic adjustments in the Tetrapteroid clade (Malpighiaceae)
Rafael Felipe de Almeida, Cássio van den Berg
Abstract
In the past two decades, Malpighiaceae has gone through unprecedented changes in classification due to molecular phylogenetic studies. However, some generic adjustments are still needed to make all genera monophyletic. In this study, we propose the new genus Glicophyllum to accommodate the species of Tetrapterys pro parte, a well‐supported lineage recovered by us and by the most recent phylogenetic studies of the family. Additionally, we propose the synonymy of Aenigmatanthera under Niedenzuella to finally render the latter monophyletic. Morphological characters related to inflorescence architecture, bract and bracteole size, presence of glands on the bracts and bracteoles, style size and thickness, and ratio length among superior and anterior lateral wings of mericarps are important for circumscribing these lineages.