Taxonomy of species of Polygala L. subg. Hebeclada (Chodat) Blake (Polygalaceae) ocurring in Brazil

Abstract

Based on partially distinct characters to discriminate species, two revisions of the genus Polygala, subgenus Hebeclada (Polygalaceae) recognized approximately 40 species (sensu Chodat) and nine species (sensu Bernardi). Comparing these revisions, a taxonomic study about the species of this subgenus occurring in Brazil was carried out, totalizing 25 species sensu Chodat and six species sensu Bernardi. The delimitation of the specis sensu Chodat was found to be more consistent than Bernardi’s. Twelve species and five varieties were accepted, three of which were species sensu Chodat transferred to this status. This work presents an identification key of the species, their descriptions and illustrations, as well as informations about flowering and frutification times, habitat and geographic distribution.