The identity and application of Coletia madida and notes on the typification of Mayacaceae

A great deal of doubt surrounds the name Coletia madida concerning its identity, application and relation to Mayaca sellowiana. In order to better understand this issue we analyzed Vellozo's original description and plate, as well as the original description for M sellowiana. We conclude that C. madida is a synonym of M fluviatilis and that M sellowiana is the older name for the species with one-flowered inflorescences and anthers that are dehiscent through an apical tube. Also, we designate a lectotype and an epitype for C. madida and comment on the typification of M fluviatilis (the type of the family).