Notes on the genus Caiophora (Loasoideae, Loasaceae) in Chile and neighbouring countries

Abstract

This is the first revision for the representatives of the genus Caiophora (Loasaceae) in Chile. The genus is widely distributed in the Andes from Argentina/Chile in the South to Central Ecuador in the North, and comprises approximately 60 species. In Chile only five species are present, Caiophora chuquitensis, C. cirsiifolia, C. coronata, C. deserticola sp. nov. and C. rosulata. Caiophora rosulata is here subdivided into two subspecies: western Andean C. rosulata subsp. rosulata (present in northern Chile and southern Peru), and eastern Andean C. rosulata subsp.  taraxacoides, stat. and comb. nov. Furthermore C. superba syn. nov. and C. macrocarpa syn. nov. are placed into synonymy under C. chuquitensis, and C. rahmeri syn. nov. is synonymized to C. rosulata subsp.  rosulata. These five species comprise the complete range of growth forms known for the genus, i.e., subshrubs, cushionforming herbs, acaulescent, rosulate herbs and vines. For all taxa a key and full morphological descriptions and synonymy are provided, including illustrations, notes on habitat, distribution, floral biology and chromosome numbers.