Ficus sect. Americanae ser. Kinuppii : a ramiflorous group of Neotropical fig trees

This study reviews the Ficus americana species complex, a group mostly distributed throughout South America. Following the taxonomic analysis of approximately 60 names related to the group, we specify the new Kinuppii series of 9 species, a ramiflorous group which is delimited by the presence of spurs in the branches, a unique characteristic of the new taxon of Neotropical Ficus . Ficus longifolia and F. schippii are included in the new series, but have not previously been cited as part of the F. americana species complex. Ficus clusiifolia , F. fresnoensis , F. guianensis , F. mathewsii , and F. subapiculata are treated as accepted species names and no longer considered varieties of F. americana . Completing the new series are F. albert-smithii and F. sphenophylla . Epitypes were designated for F. clusiifolia and F. longifolia and a neotype for F. herthae . In this study, F. leiophylla is considered a synonym of F. mathewsii as the leaf shape varies considerably within the taxon. Synonyms, analysis of protologues, types, descriptions, taxonomic key, examined materials, and maps complete the analysis.