New taxa and nomenclatural changes in Bredia (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae)

A recent phylogenomic analysis has unveiled the first highly resolved phylogeny for the genus Bredia, clarifying long-standing uncertainties in species boundaries among taxonomically debated groups. Based on these findings, we propose a taxonomic revision encompassing the following updates: (1) B. latisepala, B. longearistata, and B. longiradiosa are synonymized under B. esquirolii; (2) B. dulanica C. L. Yeh, S. W. Chung & T. C. Hsu is incorporated within B. hirsuta; (3) two new combinations are established, alongside the formal recognition of three new species and one new variety (Suppl. material 1); (4) Bredia bullata S. Jin Zeng & N. H. Xia is regarded as a later homonym and therefore illegitimate name for B. bullata J. H. Dai & Ying Liu.

Morphological descriptions, color plates, and updated distribution maps are provided for relevant taxa, supplemented by a key to all recognized Bredia species.