Resolving the taxonomy of Leea trifoliata (Leeaceae, Vitales): Reinstatement and typification
<i>Leea trifoliata</i> M.A.Lawson has long been considered conspecific with <i>L. compactiflora</i> Kurz. Detailed examination of live materials and herbarium specimens suggests that both species are distinct, differing in habit, leaf architecture, and inflorescence and bract morphology. This contribution presents morphological evidence for the reinstatement of <i>L. trifoliata</i>, including its taxonomic description, illustration, distribution maps, notes on habitat, and conservation status assessment using the IUCN criteria. In addition, A neotype was selected for <i>L. compactiflora</i>.
Authors
- Nikhil Krishna (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2616-9854)
- Jun Wen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6353-522X)
- AYILLIATH KUTTIYERI PRADEEP (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0994-5599)
- Amrutha Athalappil (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3579-0060)
Institutions
- Smithsonian Institution (US)
- University of Calicut (IN)
- National Museum of Natural History (US)
- Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science (IN)
- Ministry of AYUSH (IN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PhytoKeys
- Published
- 2025-11-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.173605
- Primary Topic
- Plant Diversity and Evolution
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00