Systematics of "horned" dodders: Phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy, and two new species within the Cuscuta chapalana complex (Convolvulaceae)

The Cuscuta chapalana complex (Convolvulaceae) is a recently circumscribed clade within the subgenus Grammica that includes several little-known species from Mexico and Central and northern South America characterized by the presence of peculiar subapical multicelullar appendages on the corolla and often on the calyx lobes. Basic morphology, scanning electron microscopy, and DNA sequence data from the plastid trnL-F region and the 26S rDNA and internal transcribed spacer nuclear regions were used to investigate the phylogenetic relationships within the group and to test the species limits. Multicellular appendages are horn-like or tubular in shape and bear one or more stomata at their tips; hence the vernacular name "horned" dodders. Eight lineages were reconstructed; two of them, both from Mexico, were described as new species: Cuscuta bonafortunae Costea & I. García, sp. nov., and Cuscuta carnosa Costea & Stefanović, sp. nov. Cuscuta pringlei is redefined as a variety of Cuscuta strobilacea. A taxonomic treatment with an identification key, descriptions, and illustrations is provided.