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Reinstatement of Sabdariffa and new combinations to support a monophyletic concept of Hibiscus (Malvaceae: Hibisceae)

Russell Barrett , Vania Yoshikawa, Todd McLay, Marília Duarte, Geoffrey Mwachala, Margaret Hanes

Abstract

Recent phylogenetic studies have demonstrated that Hibiscus L. as traditionally defined is grossly polyphyletic. In a major step towards making Hibiscus monophyletic, the genus Sabdariffa (DC.) Kostel. is here reinstated for Hibiscus section Furcaria DC. One hundred and twenty-three new combinations are provided (for 117 species and 6 subspecies). Numerous lectotypes are designated. Sabdariffa has a pantropical distribution, with relatively high species diversity in tropical Africa, tropical America and northern Australia. False Roselle (Sabdariffa acetosella (Welw. ex Hiern) M.M.Hanes & R.L.Barrett), Kenaf (Sabdariffa cannabina (L.) M.M.Hanes & R.L.Barrett) and Roselle (Sabdariffa gossypifolia (Mill.) M.M.Hanes & R.L.Barrett) are all of global economic significance. Ma`o hau hele (Sabdariffa brackenridgei (A.Gray) M.M.Hanes & R.L.Barrett) is the official state flower of Hawai’i. Full synonymy and type details are included, along with distributions and references to existing descriptions for all species. A series of regional keys to species are presented here with current names in Sabdariffa.

SB24013  Accepted 12 March 2025

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