Kieslingia chilensis (Asteraceae: Astereae), a new genus and species from northern Chile

Abstract

Kieslingia chilensis, a new genus and species of tribe Astereae (Asteraceae) from northern Chile restricted to the Huasco river basin of the Andes pre-mountain Range in the Atacama region is described and illustrated. The combination of its diagnostic characters including discoid homogamous capitula, alveolate epaleate receptacles, and deeply trifid leaves, is not found in any other species of South American Astereae.  An ITS phylogenic analysis placed Kieslingia chilensis within subtribe Hinterhuberinae, and sister to the genus Guynesomia, also endemic to Chile.  The morphological characteristics of Kieslingia chilensis are compared and contrasted to sister taxa as identified by the molecular phylogenetic studies and the environmental features of the area where the species is found are discussed.  A key to distinguish Kieslingia from other Astereae genera of northern Chile is given.  Based on IUCN criteria and categories we assign the Endangered (EN) category to Kieslingia chilensis.