Synopsis and distrihution of the genus Micromeria Bentham

Abstract

MORALES VALvERDE, R. Synopsis and distribution of the genus Micromeria. Bat. Comp/u¡casis 18: 157-168 Micrameria is a large genus with about 90 species, inhabiting the temperate rcgions of Eurasia, Africa and North and South America. The genus displays its rnaximum diversity in tlw Mediterras~easi and Macaronesian reginos. Section Micromejia is weU represcoted in Soutbern Europe and Northern Africa, with nearly 30 species occuring in this arca. There is an example of adaplalive radiation in rhe Canary lslands, where 15 endemic species are found. Section Pseodomelissa, with 14 species, extends from India to the East of the Iberian Peninsula and Southeaslern Africa. Section Cymularia contains a single annual species, restricted lo Tui-key. Section Pinealentia is endernic to the Gran Canaria island. Seclions Xenapa¡na and Hesperothymus are from America, and Ihe last one has also two Southafrican species. Six new combinations are proposed. The mosí. conlmonly recordcd chromosome numbers within seclion Micramerio aje 2n=30 ond 2n=6O. Wilhin section Pseudamelisso, the nurnbers 2n=2t) and 2n=22 have been reponed.