Reinstatement of the genus Macledium Cass. (Asteraceae, Mutisieae): morphological and phylogenetic arguments

Studies of the genus Dicoma Cass. (Asteraceae, tribe Mutisieae) indicate th at this taxon as currently defined is paraphyletic, and in fact comprises t hree groups showing marked morphological and anatomical differences. One of these groups is differentiated from Dicoma s.str. by a large number of cha racters relating to morphology and anatomy of phyllaries, corolla, anthers, style, cypsela, and testa. It is proposed that these species should be con sidered as a separate genus, for which the name Macledium Cass. has nomencl atural priority. A brief nomenclatural synopsis is presented, including syn onyms and nomenclatural types for each taxon in this genus of 20 species.