Vireya Rhododendrons: their monophyly and classification (Ericaceae, Rhododendron section Schistanthe)

Further investigation into the evolutionary relationships of the vireya group of Rhododendron, utilising nuclear DNA sequence data, has demonstrated that this group of species is monophyletic, and a revised classification is presented. The name Vireya is predated at sectional level by several other valid names and the correct name for the section is now Schistanthe. Within Schistanthe, four subsections are recognised: Discovireya, Euvireya, Malayovireya and Pseudovireya. Revised identification keys are provided. Some morphological features of value for classification and/or species delimitation are briefly discussed.