Synopsis of Polyalthia Blume and Related Genera (Annonaceae) in China

Abstract:

Polyalthia s.l. is an important component of tropical and subtropical forests. Meanwhile, it’s a large taxonomically difficult genus of trees or shrubs in Annonaceae. There are 17 Polyalthia species in China according to Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae and Flora of China. The most updated phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of Polyalthia were reviewed and summarized, and it was confirmed that the Polyalthia species previously recorded in China belong to nine genera, viz. Polyalthia s.s., Disepalum, Huberantha, Marsypopetalum, Monoon, Wangia, Wuodendron, Polyalthiopsis and Trivalvaria. An updated list of Polyalthia species recorded in China was provided with their accepted names. An illustrated phylogeny was provided to show the phylogenetic relationship of the nine genera. An identification key to the nine genera and related species in China was also provided. This synoposis of Polyalthia and related taxa in China would be helpful to deepen the understanding on the generic diversity of Annonaceae in China.

Key words:Annonaceae;Tribe Miliuseae;Polyalthia;Phylogeny;Classification;Identification key