A nomenclator of Drymaria (Caryophyllaceae)

Abstract

Drymaria (Caryophyllaceae) is here considered to contain 56 species plus 19 infraspecific taxa, excluding autonyms. In the current study, all effectively published names of Drymaria were compiled, and information about their taxonomy, distribution, and nomenclatural types is provided. In addition, an overview of the taxonomic history of Drymaria is presented. As a result, one neotype, 15 lectotypes, and the type for the genus Mollugophytum are newly designated. Altogether, 188 names were treated, of which 52 are heterotypic and 50 are homotypic synonyms. An additional 10 names were either unresolved or are now considered to belong to other genera. A brief assessment of the distribution of the respective taxa is also provided, including the examination of herbarium specimens and specimen images, which indicates that two regions possess high levels of endemism—Mexico with 20 species and the Andes with 14 species. There are few studies that assess the conservation status of Drymaria species, and only 10 species and two varieties have had IUCN Red List assessments.