Muntingiaceae, a new family of dicotyledons with malvalean affinities

Summary Bayer, C., Chase, M. W. & Fay, M. F.: Muntingiaceae, a new family of dicotyledons with malvalean affinities. ‐ Taxon 47: 37–42.1998. ‐ ISSN 0040‐0262. The family Muntingiaceae, here described, includes the Neotropical, monotypic genera Muntingia and Dicraspidia, and probably Neotessmannia, which have previously been included in Elaeocarpaceae, Tiliaceae, or Flacourtiaceae. Morphological data discussed here and molecular data published elsewhere indicate that none of these families can be regarded as closely related to these genera. Muntingiaceae belong to a clade that comprises core Malvales (Sterculiaceae, Tiliaceae, Bombacaceae, and Malvaceae) and several other families. Within this alliance, relationships are presently unresolved.