Additions and changes in the Neotropical Convolvulaceae--Notes on Merremia, Operculina, and Turbina

Since 1978 we have been preparing the first portion of the family Convolvulaceae for Flora Neotropica. To date 17 genera and about 120 species have been examined. During this study various nomenclatural changes and additions have been necessary (Austin & Staples, 1980, 1981; Staples & Austin, 1981); further work has revealed the need for additional changes, and several new taxa require comment. Merremia Dennst. is represented in the New World by almost 30 species, and there are several others in the Old World. Division of this genus from both Ipomoea L. and Operculina Silva Manso has been debated for generations, but our own studies (Austin, 1979; Austin & Staples, 1980, 1981; Staples, 1979; Staples & Austin, 1981) have convinced us that they are best treated separately.