Nomenclatural updates in Vellozia : Typifications, and up‐to‐date list of accepted names with their nomenclatural types

Abstract

Vellozia is one of the most abundant and species‐rich endemic genera in the Campos Rupestres , a tropical ecosystem in the highlands of central‐eastern Brazil. As a result, it has been used as a model for numerous studies in the Campos Rupestres . However, Vellozia's last taxonomic revision was published almost 50 years ago. Here, we provide an update on the nomenclature of Vellozia , continuing the taxonomic work initiated by Smith, Ayensu, and Mello‐Silva. We acknowledge the immense contributions these scholars made to the taxonomy and nomenclature of Vellozia . Here, we are proceeding with the necessary nomenclatural actions to ensure the correct application of Vellozia names. There are 131 recognized Vellozia species, including 90 synonyms. We designate 12 lectotypes and 3 neotypes, and elevate one variety to species level. Vellozia is distributed from Panama in Central America to São Paulo, Brazil. There are 99 species in the state of Minas Gerais, primarily found in the Southern Espinhaço Range, half of them occurring between Serra do Cipó and the Diamantina Plateau.