A revision of Pholidostachys (Arecaceae)

A taxonomic revision of the neotropical palm genus Pholidostachys based on morphological data and morphometric methods was carried out. Two hundred and eighty-eight herbarium specimens were scored for five qualitative variables and 25 quantitative variables. Qualitative variables were divided into four characters and one trait. Using the Phylogenetic Species Concept, characters were used to recognize seven species. These are widely distributed in Central and northwestern South America from Nicaragua to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. Analysis of each species for geographic distribution and quantitative variables led to recognition, in one species, of two subspecies, giving a total of eight taxa. Four new species (P. amazonensis, P. occidentalis, P. panamensis, P. sanluisensis) are described. Two new combinations are made. Nomenclature, descriptions, and distribution maps are provided for each species and subspecies. Images of the type specimens of all new taxa are also provided.