Revision of the genus Fosterella L.B. Sm.

A comprehensive taxonomic revision of the neotropical genus Fosterella L.B. Sm. (Bromeliaceae) is presented, comprising all 31 currently accepted species and including a key to the species. The revision is based on traditional morphological examination of more than 800 herbarium specimens, about 150 living plants and own observations in the field. The genus Fosterella has been the focus of an interdisciplinary study covering molecular as well as anatomical, morphological and biogeographical analyses. The interest in Fosterella is fuelled by the ecological and biogeographical diversity of the genus. In the last few years, various molecular methods have been applied to investigate interspecific relationships within the genus Fosterella so that by now well-resolved phylogenies are available. To complement these molecular studies, an intensive search of additional specimens was advanced and exhaustive taxonomical studies were initiated. In the course of these studies, the morphological variability of taxa and plausible species boundaries could be revealed, eventually resulting in a substantiated taxonomic concept of the genus.