The subgenus Wichuraea of Bomarea (Alstroemeriaceae) was last revised by Baker (1888) as part of his revision of the genus Bomarea. Since then the number of validly published names has increased from seven to recently 50, indicating an urgent need for further revision. Extensive field studies in Peru (A. Hofreiter) and depth investigation of herbarium material have led to new insights into the subgenus. As a result a number of Bomarea species formerly placed under Wichuraea are relocated to another subgenus, a large number of names are placed into synonymy and one species, Bomarea vargasii Hofreiter sp. nova, and one subspecies, Bomarea andimarcana subsp. andimarcana Hofreiter comb. nov. und B. andimarcana subsp. densifolia Hofreiter comb. nov., are newly described. A key to the 16 species is given. Field studies revealed that even taxonomically valuable characters can be remarkably variable, even within a single population. This has demonstrably resulted in a high degree of taxa instability in the group. The typical habit and its variability, preferred habitats and the geographical distribution of each species is presented.
The leaf anatomy of Bomarea is described and related to ecological conditions. The principal architecture of all species is very similar; adaptations are developed in numerous differences, for instance degree of lignification. All species have inverse leaves, the adaxial side being the stomatous side. In most species, the leaves are resupinate, the lower surface being the adaxial. Theories for the cause of resupination are discussed.
The subgenus Sphaerine of Bomarea (Alstroemeriaceae) recently contains 33 validly published names. Extended field studies in Peru and extensive investigation of herbarium material revealed the urgent necessity for a revision. As a result, the number of species is reduced to 12, among them two species are newly described. 9 species are members of an other subgenus. A key to determine the species is given in English and Spanish. The typical growth form and its variability, habitat preferences and distribution are discussed separately for each species. Universitat, Menzingerstr. 67, 0-80638 Miinchen. Germany. E-Mail: hofreiter @reenet.de.
A. Hofreiter; Fakultat @r Biologie, Systematische Botanik, Ludwig-Maximilians-
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.