2.5. 3. Heladena A. Juss., Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 2, 13: 321. 1840.

Figs 8 D, 10 O

= Henlea Griseb., Abh. Königl. Ges. Wiss. Göttingen 9: 37. 1860, syn. nov., nom. illeg., non Henlea H. Karst. ≡ Henleophytum H. Karst., Fl. Columb. 1: 158. 1861. Type species: Henleophytum echinatum (Griseb.) Small [≡ Heladena echinata (Griseb.) R. F. Almeida & M. Pell.].

= Malpigiantha Rojas Acosta, Cat. Hist. Nat. Corrientes: 55. 1897. Type species: Malpigiantha volubilis Rojas Acosta [= Heladena multiflora (Hook. & Arn.) Nied.].

Type species.

Heladena multiflora (Hook. & Arn.) Nied.

Notes.

Similar to Dinemandra and Dinemagonum, Heladena and Henleophytum are strongly supported as sister by molecular data, being exclusively distinguished by their fruit morphology ( Heladena having smooth mericarps and Henleophytum having setose mericarps). However, both genera share unique stalked peltate sepal glands, added to hairy petals, weakly coherent but soon separating styles, and stigmas elliptic and geniculate. Thus, we also propose the expansion of Heladena to include two currently accepted species (one threatened species; Suppl. material 1) of lianas endemic to the seasonally dry tropical forests of Cuba, Antilles, Central America, and South America (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) (POWO 2024).