Generic delimitation of Bolanthus and resurrection of Jordania within Caryophylleae (Caryophyllaceae)

Abstract

AbstractDespite remarkable progress in taxonomy within Caryophyllaceae and the tribe Caryophylleae gained from molecular phylogenetic evidence, there are some unresolved issues on generic boundaries in this tribe mainly due to poor sampling of some crucial taxa. This study builds upon previous phylogenetic analyses to clarify the generic boundaries of Bolanthus and its associated taxa in Turkey. We used tribe‐wide molecular phylogenies and reviewed the taxonomic history to address the controversies surrounding the classification of Bolanthus. In 2018, a new genus, Graecobolanthus, was proposed for Greek members of Bolanthus, while the monotypic genus Phrynella was synonymized under Bolanthus. Subsequent research suggested that Bolanthus hirsutus, the type of the genus name, aligns with the Greek clade, casting doubt on the validity of Graecobolanthus. Here we suggest the resurrection of the generic name Jordania for the Turkish species of Bolanthus (including Phrynella), with Jordania minuartioides designated as the lectotype. This reclassification aims to resolve the nomenclatural confusion and reflect phylogenetic relationships accurately. According to this concept, the necessary combinations are made.