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The subfamily Polygonoideae has a world‐wide distribution and is an important component of many countries’ floras. In this study we present the most comprehensive sampling available to date, including data from three chloroplast genes (matK, ndhF, rbcL) for 82 species in Polygonaceae (54 from Polygonoideae). Based on our results, we propose a new taxonomic classification for Polygonoideae that includes five well‐supported tribes: Calligoneae, Fagopyreae, Persicarieae, Polygoneae, and Rumiceae. Overall, the results from molecular data represent significant progress in understanding the evolutionary relationships of major groups within the family. This classification also provides an assessment of diagnostic morphological characters for the tribes. The present work will promote reevaluation of morphological characters within this diverse group, especially synapomorphies for Polygonoideae, and for tribes with a particularly complex history such as Fagopyreae, Persicarieae, and Polygoneae. A new combination, Fagopyrum tibeticum, is proposed.

Traditional characters used to delimit Coccolobeae and Triplarideae are not useful for defining monophyletic groups. The six-tepal condition is derived from the five-tepal condition, and unisexual flowers have arisen multiple times in different sexual systems. Ruminate endosperm has arisen multiple times in the family, suggesting this character is highly plastic.

Corallita (Antigonon leptopus) is a perennial vine, lauded as an ornamental for its vigorous growth, and plentiful (usually) pink flowers, and even its ability to smother unsightly landscapes. In the United States it thrives in horticultural zones 8 to 10, and also is successfully grown worldwide in tropical climates. When corallita is neglected, it can grow quickly over other vegetation, spreading beyond its area of introduction. Once established, it is difficult to eradicate because it produces many tuberous roots that can propagate vegetatively. Its fruits are buoyant, allowing for successful seed dispersal in water. The islands of Guam (South Pacific Ocean) and St. Eustatius (Caribbean Sea) represent two regions where corallita has become so pervasive that it threatens local diversity. In Florida, already it is classified as a Category II invasive. Our report reviews the literature and past studies of corallita, in addition to adding new taxonomic and distribution information from herbarium specimens to clarify the identity and geographic range. It is recommended that introductions of this plant by the horticultural industry in both tropical and temperate regions be closely monitored to prevent spread. On tropical island nations, we advise against any new introductions.

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Abstract—Species in the genus Coccoloba are trees, shrubs, and lianas present in low elevation tropical and sub-tropical forests. Since 1756, well over 400 taxa have been described for Coccoloba. Coccoloba species are natively distributed throughout the New World in a variety of habitats. Despite being distributed throughout the Neotropics, the concentration of Coccoloba species in a given area varies considerably, with four centers of diversity for the genus: southern and coastal Brazil, the West Indies, Mesoamerica, and Amazonia. We here present the first molecular phylogeny of Coccoloba and use this phylogeny to investigate geographic patterns of diversity within the genus. The topology of the phylogeny and the closest related genera to Coccoloba suggest a Mesoamerican origin for the genus. The South American species are recovered as the crown group of the phylogeny with one instance of a separate migration event from Mesoamerica to South America. Coccoloba species in Mesoamerica and the Caribbean show little to no geographic pattern to their diversification. Mesoamerica and the Caribbean are best considered as one phytogeographic region for Coccoloba.

The eastern slopes of the Andes harbor some of the greatest amount of biodiversity, much of which remains undescribed in the scientific literature. Here, we describe six new species of Miconia from the Andes, encompassing the southernmost extent of the mountain range from Peru to Bolivia. The new species include Miconia cernuiflora, Miconia cinnabarina, Miconia dimorphotheca, Miconia dulcis, Miconia farfanii, and Miconia paucartambensis. Each species is compared with similar species. For each species, we include a diagnostic illustration, conservation assessment and range map. The number of species described underscores the continued need for exploration and field studies, especially as many of these species have extremely restricted distributions.