The systematic position of tribe Paropsieae, in particular the genus Ancistrothyrsus, and a key to the genera of Passifloraceae

The members of tribe Passifloreae of the Passifloraceae are assumed to be originally all tendril-climbers. They have essentially axillary cymose inflorescences, and the vegetative ramification occurs always through the accessory bud. In tribe Paropsieae and Flacourtiaceae (mostly shrubs or trees, no tendril-climbers) the inflorescences are axillary, most likely essentially racemose, and the vegetative ramification is mostly through the axillary bud. The tendril-climbing neotropical genus Ancistrothyrsus appeared to belong to Passifloreae. Though the tribe Paropsieae remains to occupy an intermediate position between Passifloraceae and Flacourtiaceae, they can best be classified with the Passifloraceae. A new key is proposed for the distinction of both families and the genera of Passifloraceae.