A revision of Desmoncus (Arecaceae)

A taxonomic revision of the Neotropical palm genus Desmoncus based on morphological data and morphometric methods was carried out. Eight hundred and fifty-one herbarium specimens were scored for 16 qualitative variables and 16 quantitative variables. Qualitative variables were divided into 15 characters and one trait. Using the Phylogenetic Species Concept, characters were applied to recognize 24 species. These are widely distributed in Central and South America from southern Mexico to Bolivia and Paraguay, and to Trinidad, Tobago, and the Lesser Antilles. Analysis of each species for geographic distribution and quantitative variables led to recognition of 9 subspecies in two of the species, giving a total of 31 taxa. Seven new species (D. kunarius, D. interjectus, D. loretanus, D. madrensis, D. moorei, D. obovoideus, D. osensis) and two new subspecies (D. horridus subsp. occidentalis, D. mitis subsp. ecirratus) are described. Five new combinations are made. One of the most variable species is considered to be a species complex and is divided into morphotypes: groups of similar specimens without formal taxonomic status. Nomenclature, descriptions, and distribution maps are provided for each species and subspecies. Images of type specimens of all new taxa are also given.