Current Taxonomic and Systematic Knowledge on South American Species of Myrtaceae: A Review

The Myrtaceae family, renowned for its ecological and economic significance, comprises approximately 130 genera and over 6,500 species, predominantly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. This review synthesizes current taxonomic, phylogenetic, and ecological research on South American Myrtaceae, with a focus on the hyper-diverse tribe Myrteae. Recently, species delimitation has been made particularly in genera such as Myrcia, Eugenia, and Myrciaria, while highlighting persistent gaps in understudied regions like the Amazon Basin and the Guiana Shield. Phylogenomic approaches have resolved long-standing complexities, yet challenges remain in reconciling plastid and nuclear data. Ecological studies underscore the family’s adaptability to geoclimatic variables and its role in ecosystem resilience, particularly in fragmented habitats like the Atlantic Forest and Andean Dry Forests. Conservation priorities include habitat protection, sustainable resource management, and genomic assessments of threatened taxa. The review calls for integrated methodologies, expanded fieldwork, and cross-border collaborations to address knowledge gaps and safeguard this vital plant family amid anthropogenic threats.