Notes:
Traditionally considered closely-related to the genus Hydrocotyle (even united as a single genus by some authors), recent molecular work supported by micro-morphological and caryological data suggest that the similarities between the two are superficial (Nicolas & Plunkett, 2009), and the latter is placed in the Araliaceae. The 4 spp included here all belong to the C. asiatica complex which is widespread through the tropics and sub-tropics and taxonomically very problematic. They are provisionally maintained, pending the results of further studies. The origins of the spp are also unclear, some forms certainly have weedy tendancies, suggesting them to be naturalized exotics, while others are presumed to be native.
|