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| Magnolia poqomchi M.J.Serrano & A.Vázquez in Serrano, Grajeda-Estrada, ... et Vázquez-García, 2020. |
Abstract
In the last decade, several species of magnolias have been described for Guatemala, five of which are found in Alta Verapaz, where, during an exploratory survey, we found a specimen that did not correspond morphologically to any previously reported species. To obtain material and determine phenology, several individuals were monitored for a year. Here, we describe this as a new species of Magnolia subsection Magnolia (Magnoliaceae). It is distributed in the cloud forest of San Cristóbal Verapaz, Alta Verapaz, and is culturally important for the local villagers. It differs from other similar species, M. montebelloensis and M. tribouillierana, in having an abruptly acuminate leaf apex (drip tip), larger flowers, purple staminophores and more stamens, among other traits. According to IUCN criteria, Magnolia poqomchi is critically endangered [B1ab (iii), B2ab (iii)]. Additionally, we include a dichotomous key and distribution map for the genus in Guatemala. Taking this record into account, there are a total of ten native species reported for Guatemala, making it an important centre of species diversity for magnolias.
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| FIGURE 2. Magnolia poqomchi M.J.Serrano & A.Vázquez. A. Tree, standing below is Rafael Grajeda-Estrada. B. Andrés Villalobos & Marcelo J. Serrano collecting flowering material. C. Leaves and stipules at the treetop. D. Flower bud with spathaceous bract and axillary stipules. Photographs by Rafael Grajeda-Estrada of the holotype individual. |
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| FIGURE 4. Magnolia poqomchi M.J.Serrano & A.Vázquez. A. Flower bud with hirsute spathaceous bract. B. Closed flower. C. Flower during male phase. D. Flower after male phase, dropping the stamens. E. Late flower, after male phase. F. Gynoecium with yellowish green stigmas. Photographs by Rafael Grajeda-Estrada from holotype. |
Magnolia poqomchi M.J.Serrano & A.Vázquez, sp. nov.
Magnolia poqomchi resembles M. montebelloensis in the size of their leaves, similar stipules and the number of
carpels in the fruit. However, it differs from the latter in having an abruptly acuminate a leaf apex (drip-tip) vs. acute;
more numerous lateral leaf vein pairs, 13–17 vs. 11–12; longer peduncular internodes in mature polyfollicles, 1.9–2.6
vs. 1.0–1.5 cm; spathaceous bracts 2 vs. 3; wider sepals, 3.7–4.6 vs. 2.7–2.8 cm, and tepals, 3.0–5.7 vs. 2.0–2.7
cm; staminophores purple vs reddish, more numerous stamens, 92–94 vs. (53)60–66(85) and shorter polyfollicles,
3.8–5.2 vs. 5.4–6.3 cm. It also differs from M. tribouillierana in having a leaf apex abruptly acuminate (drip tip) vs.
acute; larger leaves, 15.7–22.5 × 5–8.2 vs. 6.0–10.0 × 3.0–5.0 cm; spathaceous bracts pubescent vs. glabrous; longer
sepals, 4.7–5.8 vs. 4.0–4.5 cm, and tepals, 4.7–7.4 vs.4.4–5.4 cm, more numerous stamens, 92–94 vs.80–90; shorter
polyfollicles 3.8–5.2 vs.5.0–7.5 cm and fewer follicles 22–38 vs. 42–46.
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Eponymy:— Named after the Poqomchi’ Mayan people, for whom it is culturally important. This ethnic group
lives in several municipalities of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz Departments including the complete known distribution
of this species. It is traditionally used as ornament, for construction of doors and furniture and as a source of general
timber because of its durable wood.
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| FIGURE 5. Magnolia poqomchi M.J.Serrano & A.Vázquez. A–C. Fruit maturation to dehiscence. Photographs by Rafael Grajeda-Estrada & Marcelo J. Serrano, A & C from the holotype; B from paratype. |
Marcelo José Serrano, Rafael Grajeda-Estrada, Andrés Villalobos, María Renée Álvarez-Ruano and J. Antonio Vázquez-García. 2020. Magnolia poqomchi, A New Species of Subsection Magnolia (Magnoliaceae) from San Cristóbal Verapaz, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. Phytotaxa. 454(4); 231–243. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.454.4.1
