Taxonomy of Sinningia Nees (Gesneriaceae) in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil

ABSTRACTThe genus Sinningia belongs to the Neotropical tribe Gesnerieae, subtribe Ligeriinae, presently consisting of only three genera, Paliavana, Sinnigiaand Vanhouttea. These genera were separated from a larger concept of tribe Gloxinieae based on phylogenetic studies with molecular data. In Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, 12 species and one natural hybrid of Sinningiahave been recorded. Species of Sinningia in this area are erect or ascending herbs or subshrubs arising from underground or partially exposed tubers. They grow in very distinct ecological conditions, from water-saturated m...