NOTES ON NEOTROPICAL PARATHESIS (MYRSINACEAE)

Parathesis costaricensis, P. glendae, and P. longipedicellata are desc ribed and illustrated, and their phylogenetic relationships are discus sed. A key is provided to separate the new species. In addition, a new combination is made for Parathesis sinuata (from Colombia), and P. am azonica Mez is lectotypified. The genus Parathesis J. D. Hooker contai ns 100 species distributed from northern Mexico to Panama, the Caribbe an, and throughout the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia. The genus is d efined by the unique glandular papillae of the calyx and corolla lobes , and bright yellow anthers. In preparation for our treatment of the g enus Parathesis for Flora Mesoamericana, three new species from Costa Pica were discovered and are described herewith. A new combination fro m Colombia is also made, and Parathesis amazonica is lectotypified.