Morphological and anatomical features (including wood anatomy and pollen morphology) of the small neotropical genus
Pagameopsis (Rubiaceae-Rubioideae) are discussed and illustrated. The fused ovaries, fenestrate corolla tube, basally attached anther
filaments, and absence of raphides are especially noteworthy.
Pagameopsis is definitely not a member of the Psychotrieae because of significant differences in wood anatomy and gynoecial and fruit
structure. A close affinity with Gaertnereae seems doubtful for similar reasons. The taxonomic affinities of
Pagameopsis remain obscure. The genus shows similarities with several taxa of the Rubioideae, such as Coccocypseleae, Morindeae, Hedyotideae,
and
Metabolos. The absence of raphides, on the other hand, makes a position in the Rubioideae doubtful.
Key words anatomy - morphology -
Pagamea
-
Pagameopsis
- Psychotrieae - Rubiaceae - taxonomy