Nord. J. Bot.- Section of tropical taxonomy Revisions of Pterogastra and Schwackaea (Melastomataceae: Melastomeae)

The closely related neotropical melastomean genera Pterogastra and Schwackuea are revised, the species illustrated, and their distribution mapped. Schwackaea is main-tained as a monotypic genus because it is readily distinguished from all other mela-stomes by its 8-winged capsule. This weedy little plant occurs from Mexico throughout Central America, chiefly on the Pacific slope, to northern Colombia and on COCOS Island and grows in natural or man-made savannas from sealevel to 2000 m altitude. Two species are recognized in Pterogastra and one new combination, P. divaricuta spp. glubra, is made. Pterogastra is characterized by distinctly 4- or 5-winged cap-sules, unlike those of Schwackuea or any other New World melastome. The mor