Reappraisal of Tashiroea as a genus independent of Bredia (Melastomataceae) based on molecular data

Molecular phylogenetic analyses using ITS sequences were used to reconsider the taxonomic validity of Bredia okinawensis , B . yaeyamensis , and B . sinensis as an independent genus Tashiroea . The result showed that the three species formed a different phylogenetic lineage from other species of Bredia including its type species. We suggest that B . okinawensis , B . yaeyamensis , and B . sinensis should be treated as T . okinawensis , T . yaeyamensis , and T . sinensis , respectively, following Ito and Matsumura (1899) and Diels (1924).