Taxonomic studies in Solanum L. 2. Two new infrageneric taxa for the subgenus Solanum

Abstract

Summary1. A new infrageneric taxon for Solanum, section Parasolanum Child is proposed to accommodate the well known and widely distributed weedy species S. triflorum Nutt. (the “cut leaved Nightshade”), as well as some 10–13 species of disjunct distribution in the temperate New World. Parasolanum is considered as close on the one hand to section Solanum (Morella (Dun.) Bitter), from which it differs in branching pattern, leaf shape and disposition of the inflorescence; on the other, to section Episarcophyllum Bitter, of temperate and montane southern S. America.2. Following A. T. Hunziker (1967) Solanum albescens (Bitter) Bitter ex Hunziker, as well as three other species of subalpine Bolivia and Peru are united in a taxon of sectional rank – Solanocharis (Bitter pro gen.) Child.3. An expanded description is provided for a higherto little known climber from Guyana, Solanum coriaceum Dun. Its placement in the leptostemonoid taxon, section Micracanthum Dun.) Bitter ex Marzell emend. Seithe is corfirmed.