Abstract
The subgenus Ligustrina is characterized specially by the glands, generally cylindric, situated laterally at the base of the petiole and frequently in the rachis of the inflorescence and for the style terminated in one pre-stigmatic funnel - shaped hollow and by a sublunar disk laterally eleved that surrounds the ovary basis. The subgenus Ligustrina is restrieted to the South America. A detailed analysis of the floral and vegetative morphology characteristics of the subgenus, was realized, with the aim of to obtain a better delimitation of the taxa. It includes observations about the epidermis and leaf blade venation; the seeds are examined at scanning eletronic microscope. The specific and infraspecific taxa are described, illustrated, commented and discussed with relation to the taxonomic and nomenclatural questions. An identification key for the species and subgenus Ligustrina comprises 11 species and seven varieties. Among these taxa, a new species and three varieties are described. The species P. bangiana e P. insignis are restablished; P. autranii is redefinided as one variety and P. sinuata is proposed as a new synonym of P. laureola.
Key words:
Polygala; Polygalaceae; taxonomy; flora; South America