Revision of Manettia (Rubiaceae) in Paraguay

Manettia Mutis is a Neotropical genus comprising over 100 species, many of which are only known from their original descriptions or, at most, from revisions dating back over 100 years. Recent review studies have remained unpublished for several years. Conventional taxonomic methods are followed. Here, we present a brief history of Manettia and its current taxonomic status in the Flora of Paraguay. As a result of taxonomic and morphological studies, four species are recognised: Manettia cordifolia, M. paraguariensis, M. rojasiana and M. tweedieana. A dichotomous key for identification, distribution data and preliminary assessments of their states of conservation in Paraguay are presented. A complete description of M. rojasiana is also provided, confirming the presence of distyly.