Distimake vitifolius (Convolvulaceae): reclassification of a widespread species in view of phylogenetics and convergent pollen evolution.

The article focuses on the taxonomic reclassification of the climbing plant species formerly known as *Camonea vitifolia* within the family Convolvulaceae. Through expanded molecular phylogenetic analyses, combined with morphological and palynological (pollen) data, the study demonstrates that this species is more accurately placed in the genus *Distimake*, leading to the new combination *Distimake vitifolius* (Burm.f.) Pisuttimarn & Petrongari. This reclassification challenges previous assumptions that hexazonocolpate pollen was a unique synapomorphy of *Camonea*, revealing instead that this pollen type evolved convergently in both *Distimake* and *Camonea*. The study also highlights the broader biogeographical and evolutionary implications, including a stronger presence of *Distimake* species in South-East Asia and increased diversity in pollen aperture patterns within the genus.