A Revision of the Solanum asterophorum Species Group (subg. Leptostemonum)

Abstract—

The Solanum asterophorum species group includes four species, all endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Species of this group are all prickly shrubs with zig-zag branches, paired leaves, reduced leaf-opposed inflorescences, and partially accrescent fruiting calyces. Two species, S. asterophorum and S. pilluliferum, are relatively widespread, while the other two, S. igniferum and S. sessilantherum, are narrow endemics in southeastern Brazil. We review the morphology, taxonomic history, nomenclature, distribution, and some ecological aspects of these species, and provide descriptions, distribution maps, photos, and assessment of conservation status of each species, as well as a dichotomous key for the group.