Kromer et al. 2012 (Article) Tillandsia

Taxonomic and Nomenclatural status of the Mexican species In the Tillandsia viridiflora complex (Bromeliaceae)

Author(s):—T. Krömer, A. Espejo-Serna, A.R. López-Ferrari, R. Ehlers & J. Lautner

Publication:—Acta Botanica Mexicana 99: 1-20. (2012)

Abstract:—Based on a systematic study of the Mexican species in the Tillandsia viridiflora complex, the taxonomic and nomenclatural status of these species is clarified. The former synonym T. macropetala is reestablished as a species. An identification key for the complex species (T. grandis, T. macropetala and T. viridiflora), as well as a complete synonymy and detailed descriptions of the taxa are included.

Taxonomy:—Tillandsia billbergiae Finally, we suggest that the name Vriesea billbergiae Lem. (Tillandsia billbergiae (Lem.) Baker) should probably be excluded from the synonymy of T. viridiflora because the original description of the former mentioned the presence of a “gland” at the base of petals: “... [segmentis] internis basi ima glandula maxima rotundato-biloba tenuissima instructis ...”. This character is not present in any species of Tillandsia and we think that this name eventually will be assigned to some species of Vriesea Lindl., as this genus in its current circumscription is separated from Tillandsia solely on floral characters (Till, 2000). However, as the description could be wrong, it will be necessary to study the type specimen (Type: Ghiesbreght in Verschaffelt Hortus, Ghent, no date, Mexico) in order to confidently exclude the name. (p.99: 16).—Tillandsia macropetala Was resurrected from synonymy of Tillandsia viridiflora (as in Smith & Downs) (p.99: 8).—Tillandsia macropetala Lectotype (designated here): Figure 50 in Wiener Ill. Gart.-Zeitung 12: 241 (1887); Epitype (designated here): Krömer & Otto2866 (epi UAMIZ) (p.99: 8).