Revision of the Aechmea multiflora complex (Bromeliaceae)

A taxonomic revision of the Aechmea multiflora complex (Bromeliaceae) is presented. The complex currently com- prises four species belonging to the subgenus Chevaliera. In this study, we document morphological variation in her- barium and living plants in order to improve the delimitation of species in the genus Aechmea. Three species were recognized: A. multiflora, A. depressa, and A. saxicola. We propose A. hostilis to be a synonym of A. saxicola. These species are restricted to the eastern coast of Brazil, and are known from only a few herbarium collections. The con- servation status of these species is 'vulnerable' according to IUCN criteria. We present a key, descriptions, typifica- tion, drawings, photographs and a map of distribution. © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 143, 189-196. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: Brazil - Bromelioideae - Chevaliera - conservation - morphology - taxonomy.