The hardy Hibiscus—still hardy, but no longer Hibiscus: Reinstatement of Muenchhusia (Malvaceae: Hibisceae)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17348/jbrit.v19.i4.1437Keywords:
classification, hardy hibiscus, Hibiscus section Muenchhusia, Malvaceae, Muenchhusia, rose-mallow, taxonomyAbstract
Phylogenetic data have demonstrated that the circumscription of Hibiscus L. as traditionally defined must be modified to establish monophyletic genera in the tribe Hibisceae. In accordance with a recent recommendation to reduce the circumscription of Hibiscus, we here reinstate the genus Muenchhusia Heist. ex Fabr. to accommodate five cold-hardy species from Hibiscus section Muenchhusia (Heist. ex Fabr.) O.J. Blanch. Species of Muenchhusia are restricted to temperate wetlands in North America and have large, showy flowers. Species in this genus have long been cultivated and hybridized for a wide variety of vegetative and floral characteristics, and their hardiness in temperate winters. We make new combinations in Muenchhusia, designate lectotypes or neotypes where required, and provide a key to the genus.
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