A revision of Meriania (Melastomataceae) in the Greater Antilles with emphasis on the status of the Cuban species

The genus Meriania is represented in the Greater Antilles by nine species. Each species is endemic to only one island with five present in Hispaniola, two in Jamaica and two in Cuba. Meriania is absent from Puerto Rico. The two species in Cuba have been traditionally considered as a distinct variety or subspecies of a species also found in Jamaica (M. leucantha), but this study concluded that both deserve status as separate species. Careful examination of the types showed that the most commonly collected Meriania in Cuba had never been formally recognized as a distinct taxon, and it is here described as Meriana albiflora. The other Cuban taxon is here given species status as Meriania angustifolia. We provide a key to species of Meriania in the Greater Antilles, along with complete descriptions and updated nomenclatural and taxonomic notes. Lectotypes are designated for Meriania angustifolia, Meriania bullifera, and Meriania purpurea.