Resurrection of the genus Homostylium Nees for the former Aster ser. Albescentes Y.Ling (Astereae, Asteraceae), with an updated generic synopsis

By

Chen, Xinyu
Fu, Zhixi

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-6-17

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

259

Pages

27--66

Subjects

Aster , Asteraceae , Astereae , Classification , Homostylium , taxonomy

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.259.155606

 

Abstract

Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have demonstrated extensive paraphyly of Aster ser. Albescentes Y.Ling. This woody-based shrubby group is both morphologically and molecularly distinct from the genus Aster L. The series is characterized by its shrubby habit with multiple branches, cauline leaves with revolute or flat margins, radiate capitula, keeled phyllaries, and multinerved achenes. We redefine a more natural circumscription of this series by reinstating Homostylium Nees with nomenclatural priority. A taxonomic synopsis of this series is presented herein. Homostylium is recognized and described as a distinct genus (Astereae, Asteraceae) to accommodate 7 shrubby species (6 endemic to China) formerly placed in Aster ser. Albescentes. A total of 19 new combinations are proposed, e.g., Homostylium albescens (DC.) Z.X.Fu, comb. nov. (incl. 10 varieties), Homostylium argyropholium (Hand.-Mazz.) Z.X.Fu, comb. nov. (incl. 2 varieties), Homostylium fulgidulum (Grierson) Z.X.Fu, comb. nov., Homostylium hypoleucum (Hand.-Mazz.) Z.X.Fu, comb. nov., Homostylium lavandulifolium (Hand.-Mazz.) Z.X.Fu, comb. nov., Homostylium motuoense (Y.L.Chen) Z.X.Fu, comb. nov., and Homostylium polium (C.K.Schneid.) Z.X.Fu, comb. nov. Formal typifications, synonyms, illustrations, distribution maps, and an identification key to the species of Homostylium are also provided herein.