A synopsis of Silene subgenus Petrocoptis (Caryophyllaceae)

Petrocoptis, a small genus of chasmophytic plants endemic to the Iberian Pe ninsula, is included as a subgenus within a widely defined Silene. Thus, in Europe, Silene comprises subg. Silene itself, subg. Lychnis, subg. Viscari a, subg. Conoimorpha, and subg. Petrocoptis. It is anticipated that, based on nuclear rDNA sequences, S. subg. Petrocoptis will be found to be monophy letic. The bearded hilum is the only morphological synapomorphy supporting S. subg. Petrocoptis. Four species (seven taxa) are recognised within S. su bg. Petrocoptis: S. glaucifolia subsp. glaucifolia and subsp. pseudoviscosa , S. laxipruinosa, S. montserratii subsp. montserratii and subsp. classifol ia, S. pardoi subsp. pardoi and subsp. guarensis. Morphological features of diagnostic value are discussed. A key and maps of the recognised taxa are provided.