[1.5] Viola sect. Relictium

Viola Sect. Relictium J.M. Watson, A.R. Flores & Marcussen

in Watson et al., Viola Subg. Andinium: 192. 2021.

Type species: Viola huesoensis Martic.

Diagnostic characters.—Annual rosulate herbs. Cilia long, surrounding entire lamina margin, strongly deflexed.

Included species.—8. 

Viola dandoisiorum J. M. Watson & A. R. Flores, V. deflexa, ined., V. godoyae Phil., V. huesoensis Martic., V. johnstonii W. Becker, V. marcelorosasii J. M. Watson & A. R. Flores, V. ovalleana Phil., V. simulans, ined.

Distribution.—Northern Chile. An endemic Chilean section inhabiting the northern sector of the country from the central Coquimbo through Atacama to southern Antofagasta regions. It is limited to the littoral and immediate interior of the latter region and subandean elevations in Coquimbo and Atacama. The main concentration is found in Antfagasta and northern Atacama. 

Etymology: Relictium refers to its origin as the apparent fragmentation of an earlier more integrated alliance.

1. Marcussen, T. et al. A Revised Phylogenetic Classification for Viola (Violaceae). Plants 11, 2224 (2022). p. 40

2. Watson, J. M., Flores, A. R., Nicola, M. V. & Marcussen, T. Viola subgenus  Neoandinum preliminary monograph Published by Scottish Rock  Garden Club with International Rock Gardener ISSN 2053-7557. Int. Rock Gard. (2021). p. 193

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