BOURNEA IS NOT SUPPORTED AS SEPARATE FROM OREOCHARIS(GESNERIACEAE)

The genus Bournea Oliv., established in 1893 and comprising two morphologically very similar species with actinomorphic flowers, was included in Oreocharis Benth. in 2011, essentially based on molecular data. However, a recent publication has suggested that Bournea should be maintained as a genus distinct from Oreocharis, based on morphological, palynological and DNA sequence data. By contrast, in another recent publication also based on DNA sequences, Bournea is placed within Oreocharis. The morphological, palynological and published molecular phylogenetic data are discussed here. The conclusion is that the overall evidence available is insufficient to support an independent genus, Bournea.