Flora of Ecuador, Volume 55, Parts 37-40: Molluginaceae, Aizoaceae, Portulacaceae, Basellaceae

• Description

The Molluginaceae of Ecuador are revised. Taxa are described and keys and specimen citations are given. The family is represented by one species of Glinus and two species of Mollugo. All species are widespread pantropical weeds. Some forms of M. flavescens of the Galpagos Islands are morphologically very close to the mainland species M. verticillata.

The Aizoaceae of Ecuador are revised. Taxa are described and keys and specimen citations are given. The family is represented by seven genera with one species each. Five genera (Aptenia, Carpobrotus, Drosanthemum, Mesembryanthemum, Tetragonia) are introduced. Two genera (Sesuvium, Trianthema) are indigenous with one pantropical species each. Seed characteristics of species of Sesuvium and Trianthema are demonstrated.

The Portulacaceae of Ecuador are Revised. Four genera are represented: Calandrinia (two species), Montia (one variable cosmopolitan species), Portulaca (six species, one cultivated and occasionally naturalized), and Talinum (two species). Taxa are described and keys and specimen citations are given.

The family Basellaceae in Ecuador is revised. Four genera with a total of ten species are treated, viz. Anredera (7 spp.), Basella (1 sp.), Tournonia (1 sp.), and Ullucus (1 sp.). Anredera ramosa ssp. aurea is described as a new subspecies. Descriptions, keys, specimen citations, and illustrations are provided for all taxa.