An updated infrageneric classification of Neotropical Magnolia (Magnoliaceae)

Background and Aims: The infrageneric classification of Magnolia has undergone constant revision leading to the development of two main approaches: 1) a unigeneric system, treating Magnolia in a broad sense (sensu lato) and subdividing it into subgenera, sections and subsections; and 2) a multigeneric system, elevating many of the aforementioned categories to genera, thereby modifying the family-level classification. Molecular evidence, particularly from plastome data, supports the monophyly of Magnolia s.l., although it does not support the monophyly of its three traditional subgenera. This evidence suggests a unigeneric framework with 15 sections. However, the multigeneric approach continues to be widely used, especially in Asia. Despite the significant species richness, Neotropical clades are underrepresented in current classifications. The objective of this study is to update the classification of Neotropical clades.Methods: The classification of Neotropical Magnolia was reassessed using previously published nuclear and plastid phylogenomic data, combined with morphological evidence. The analysis included a representative sample covering about one-third of the described species, including Asian and Nearctic taxa to encompass the entire genus.Key results: Two subgenera are recognised in the Neotropics: Magnolia subg. Magnolia and Magnolia subg. Talauma. Within the latter, Magnolia sect. Cubenses (renamed from Magnolia sect. Splendentes) and Magnolia sect. Talauma are revised, with each section now comprising two subsections. In Magnolia sect. Talauma, one subsection is newly described, and the other is reinstated based on phylogenetic evidence. Subgenus Magnolia sections Macrophylla and Magnolia maintain their current circumscriptions.Conclusions: Phylogenomic and morphological data support a stable unigeneric framework for Neotropical Magnolia, recognising two subgenera and four sections. The redefinition of M. sect. Cubenses and M. sect. Talauma refines previous infrageneric limits and provides an updated, phylogenetically supported basis for future taxonomic, biogeographic and conservation studies.