On the identity and typification of Violatenuis Bentham (Violaceae).

Abstract

Violatenuis Benth. was first described by George Bentham in 1842, without any type specimen designated, but with a collection record by Richard Brinsley Hinds in 1841. Currently, Violatenuis is considered a synonym of another species according to Plants of the World Online (POWO). However, based on a combination of morphological and molecular evidence, we propose reinstating Violatenuis as a distinct species. Our analysis places it within Violasect.Plagiostigmasubsect.Diffusae, where it shows morphological similarities to five other species endemic to Guangdong Province, China. We designated the type of V.tenuis here and assigned additional KFBG specimens to the species.