Confronting a morphological nightmare: revision of the Neotropical genus Guatteria (Annonaceae)

A taxonomic revision of the genus Guatteria, including the former genera Guatteriella, Guatteriopsis and Heteropetalum is given. Within the genus Guatteria 177 species are recognized, 25 of which are new. Included are chapters on the history of the taxonomy of the genus, morphology, wood anatomy, karyology, palynology, chemistry, flower biology and pollination, dispersal, distribution and ecology, phylogeny and molecular studies, conservation, and uses. A synoptical key to all species is included, as well as two dichotomous keys, one for the species of Central America and Mexico, and one for the species of NE, E and SE Brazil. The species treatments include descriptions, full synonymy, geographical and ecological notes, vernacular names and taxonomic notes. For all species distribution maps are made. A complete identification list with all exsiccatae studied, an index to vernacular names and an index of scientific names is included at the end.