Taxonomic study of Cardionema (Caryophyllaceae, Paronychioideae) for the Argentinean flora

Abstract

The genus Cardionema (Caryophyllaceae) is native to the New World and it comprises six species of perennial herbs, with spiny leaves and sepals, membranous stipules and bracts, and reduced petals. This study aims to update the richness, morphology and distribution of Cardionema in Argentina, based on the study of herbarium specimens. Four species of Cardionema are accepted for the Flora of Argentina; a description of each taxon, an identification key, illustrations and pictures, a comparative-morphology based table, and distribution maps are included. Two lectotypes are also designated.