Transfer of three species of Cayratia Juss., to Causonis Raf.(Vitaceae)

Abstract

Phylogenetic studies have shown that Cayratia Juss is not monophyletic. Cayratia s.str. is now confined to those species with a U-shaped endosperm rather than a T-shaped endosperm. The latter are now in three genera Causonis Raf., Pseudocayratia J. Wen, L.M. Lu & Z.D. Chen, together with an undescribed African genus. As a result, new combinations are required for three species occurring in Australia: Causonis clematidea (F. Muell.) Jackes, C. eurynema (B.L.Burtt) Jackes and C. maritima (Jackes) Jackes. Cayratia japonica (Thunb.) Gagnep., and Cayratia trifolia (L.) Domin, have been transferred to Causonis, as Causonis japonica (Thunb.) Raf., and Causonis trifolia (L.) Mabb. & J. Wen.