Taxonomic revision of Phyllanthus sect. Gladiatus Orlandini, Cordeiro & V.C.Souza (Phyllanthaceae): A small group exclusive from the Atlantic Rain Forest areas, Brazil

Phyllanthaceae, with a pantropical distribution, has recently undergone significant changes in the composition of its genera. Among these, Phyllanthus is notable for its vast number of species, currently the second-largest genus in the family, and its remarkable morphological diversity. Brazil is home to approximately 100 Phyllanthus species, some of which exhibit a distinctive morphological adaptation: phylloclades, found in multiple taxonomic sections. With the establishment of a new section exclusive to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, this study provides a comprehensive contribution, including morphological descriptions of the section and its three constituent species, a key for species identification, detailed illustrations, field photographs, and distribution maps. Additionally, it offers taxonomic notes and evaluates the conservation status of the species using the updated IUCN criteria.

Keywords:
Brazilian Flora; Malpighiales; Phyllantheae; Taxonomy