Systematics of the Genus <I>Potentilla</I> L. - (Rosaceae Juss.) - Its Infrageneric Classification and Evolutionary Trends

The genera Argentina J. Hill, Pentaphylloides Duhamel, nom. illeg'. (=Dasiphora Rafin.) and Duchesnea Smith are treated as congeneric synonyms of Potentilla L. sens, stricto ; nine subgenera are recognised with keys to their identification and nomenclatural set up. The origin of the genus Potentilla L. is discussed and evolutionary trends within the subgencra hypothesized.