Phylogenetics of <i>Serjania</i> (Sapindaceae-Paullinieae), with emphasis on fruit evolution and the description of a new species from Michoacán, Mexico

Serjania is among the largest Neotropical genera of Sapindaceae and comprises ∼240 species. Traditionally, genus has been defined by its schizocarpic fruits separating into three distally winged mericarps. However, recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that fruit type not consistent within it also includes a few species having capsular were previously placed in other genera. A analysis presented based on nuclear ITS chloroplast trnL-F sequences. The ingroup consisted 48 broadly sampled from across geographic range taxonomic spectrum focusing with atypical fruits. An ancestral character state reconstruction was performed demonstrated strongly supported to be schizocarp, but there are at least five independent derivations one transition back capsules schizocarps. Also, transitions wingless mericarps occurred twice. Infrageneric classification problematic all sections represented more than come out as poly- or paraphyletic. Our limited sample taxa precludes possibility new present broader will needed understand relationships determine which lineages warrant formal recognition. In addition study, frutescens, capsular-fruited Michoacán, Mexico, described, illustrated, compared putative closest relatives. key provided differentiate this Mexican fruits, synonymies lectotypifications associated tortuosa S. sonorensis established. Phylogenetic results suggest these two cryptic superficially indistinguishable morphology.