A new endemic species of Sesuvium (Aizoaceae: Sesuvioideae) from the Caribbean Basin, with further notes on the genus composition in the West Indies

A distinctive new species, Sesuvium curassavicum Sukhor. (Aizoaceae: Sesuvioideae), restricted to the Caribbean Basin (Kingdom of Netherlands: Curaçao and Bonaire Islands, North Colombia: La Guajira Department, Venezuela: Falcón State), is described illustrated. It differs from all other perennial species growing in West Indies by its papillate stems wrinkled seeds. Based on molecular phylogenetic analysis nrDNA (ITS) three plastid regions (rps16 gene intron, atpB-rbcL trnL-trnF intergenic spacers), S. included ‘American’ clade, but relationships are not fully resolved. The samples plants known as microphyllum fall within ‘Sesuvium portulacastrum’ for that reason this considered here a synonym portulacastrum being an ecological form latter species. revolutifolium, ortegae revolutum, cultivated established earlier synonyms verrucosum, which revolutifolium has priority proposed correct name. These names seem share same provenance cannot be Cuba, stated protologue rather Mexico. name sessile discussed merged with portulacastrum. diagnostic key provided. In total, we accept following species: curassavicum, humifusum, maritimum, rubriflorum. origins collections neotype Radiana petiolata holotypes spathulatum clarified.