Synopsis of Chrysochlamys (Clusiaceae: Clusioideae: Clusieae) in Mesoamerica

Delimitation of genera in the Tovomita group of tribe Clusieae has fluctuated, in Central America. with almost every new floristic work. Nevertheless, with some aberrations, the theme of a unified Chrysochlamys/Tovomitopsis has persisted and is here supported by concurring with Bentham and Hooker's placement of Tovomitopsis in synonymy of Chrysochlamys. The strictly South American Balboa is also placed in synonymy of Chrysochla mys; this action necessitates a new name (here provided) for its only species. A key to the 13 species of Chrysochlamys recognized for Mexico and Central America is provided. An annotated list of all Mesoamerican Chrysochlamys, including brief descriptions, taxonomic and nomenclatural notes, five new combinations, and two new species, elucidates the generic concept and provides a rationalized nomenclature for use in numerous regional floras. Tovomita croatii Maguire, a somewhat problematic species, transferred to Tovomitopsis by D'Arcy, is included in the key to Chrysochlamys and fully discussed.