Nomenclatural and taxonomic changes in Paepalanthus (Eriocaulaceae) from São Paulo and Minas Gerais, Brazil

The largest genus of the Eriocaulaceae, Paepalanthus, presents many taxonomic problems. Some of these were identified during studies of Eriocaulaceae from the flora of São Paulo State and Caparaó National Park. Here, we propose changes in nomenclature as a solution to such issues, based on type collections, recent collections and field observations. These changes are in agreement with the taxonomic species concept, and the rules established by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. We define six lectotypes: P. gneissicola, P. caparoensis, P. caldensis, P. lundii, P. oerstedianus and P. striatus, and six synonyms: P. gneissicola = P. acantholimon, P. loefgrenianus = P. aequalis, P. multicostatus = P. calvus, P. scopulifer = P. caparoensis, P. neocaldensis = P. flaccidus and P. macrotrichus = P. lundii. We also present comments on morphology, protologue and type collections.