Paradrypetes

Abstract: ABsTsRicr. Paradrypetes, a small genus known only from Brazil, has been placed near Drypetes in subfam. Phyllanthoideae, in subfam. Oldfieldioideae, and even excluded from the Euphorbiaceae altogether. In light of recent studies of the Oldfieldioideae, the morphology of Paradrypetes, particularly of its leaves and pollen, suggests that this genus is a primitive member of that subfamily. Its closest relative appears to be Podocalyx, in the tribe Podocalyceae, but numerous differences between these genera justify placing Paradrypetes in its own subtribe, the Paradrypetinae, G. Levin newly described herein. Two species of Paradrypetes are recognized, including a new species, Paradrypetes subintegrifolia. Paradrypetes Kuhlmann is a small Brazilian genus of Euphorbiaceae that has long been regarded as of uncertain relationships. When Kuhlmann (1935) described P. ilicifolia, heretofore the sole known species, he placed the genus in the subfam. Phyllanthoideae Webster because of its biovulate locules. He noted that the genus differed strikingly in its opposite leaves and epipetiolar inflorescences from all other members of the subfamily known to him. Despite these differences he suggested that it was related to Drypetes M. Vahl, which he stated was generally similar morphologically and specifically shares drupaceous fruits. The accompanying anatomical study by Milanez (1935) was interpreted to reinforced these conclusions but added further differences between the genera, particularly the presence of raphides, a crystal type otherwise absent in the Euphorbiaceae, throughout the primary tissues of Paradrypetes.