editorial

"On the basis of molecular studies, R. Gehrke et al. (2008) have suggested that Aphanesand the Central America and South American Lachemilla (Focke) Rydberg should be included in a more broadly circumscribed Alchemilla. Both Aphanes and Lachemilla were shown to be monophyletic groups as is Alchemilla, apart from the African species currently placed in that genus; these form a clade separate from Alchemilla as represented in North America and Eurasia. The African species deserve more thorough investigation before such a morphologically distinct genus as Aphanes is abandoned." (Flora of North America Vol. 9) Aphanes is retained as a distinct genus in BiotaNZ and is not treated as a synonym of Alchemilla. Although molecular studies (e.g. Gehrke et al. 2008) place Aphanes within Alchemilla s.l., they do not provide a compelling taxonomic justification for merging the well-supported clades of this complex group, which is characterised by reticulate evolution, polyploidy, and apomixis. Furthermore, APNI continues to recognise Aphanes as a distinct genus. Pending a more recent and broadly accepted taxonomic treatment supporting the merger, BiotaNZ follows the recognition of Aphanes.

Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2014: Magnoliophyta: Picramniaceae to Rosaceae. Flora of North America Editorial Committee (ed.) Flora of North America. Vol. 9. Oxford University Press, New York.