Current knowledge and future directions in the taxonomy of Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae), with a new estimate of species number.

摘要

A summary of our current knowledge of the genus Cyrtandra is presented, including a new estimate of species numbers across its distribution. A substantial amount of taxonomic work will be necessary before a monograph of the genus can be considered. We propose a phylogenetically informed taxonomic strategy to tackle Cyrtandra and advocate for increased web-based access to specimens, collections data and taxonomic literature. Methodology described here is currently being used to address taxonomic revision in some regions where Cyrtandra is found. Remaining alpha taxonomic work will be addressed using this phylogenetically informed regional approach, with initial focus on Borneo, Sulawesi, New Guinea, and archipelagos in the Pacific. As a priority, a phylogeny of Cyrtandra is being developed through an international collaborative effort. To facilitate data sharing and communication in this collaboration, we advocate for increased digitization of herbarium collections and are exploring various cloud-based options for sharing and managing taxonomies and related data. With a robust phylogeny and increased access to data and collections, we aim to move closer to an infrageneric classification and to further the work that has already shown Cyrtandra to be a model genus for answering critical biological questions.