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| Hippeastrum curupira Campos-Rocha & M.Peixoto. in Campos-Rocha, Meerow, Peixoto, Koch, Messias et Dutilh, 2023. A–C, E–I, K–L by Antonio Campos-Rocha; D, J, M–O by Mauro Peixoto. |
Abstract
Background and aims – The Atlantic Forest is among the five most important biodiversity hotspots in the world, harbouring one of the highest levels of endemism and species richness in the tropics. The region has been suggested as a centre of diversity for the genus Hippeastrum, which comprises about one hundred species distributed throughout the Neotropics. Due to its large and showy flowers, the genus is highly sought after by collectors and horticulturists around the world, with hundreds of hybrids produced and traded for centuries. However, most of its species are still known from only one or a few populations, and several are officially recognized as endangered. Monographic studies on the genus Hippeastrum in Brazil have revealed two likely microendemic new species from the Atlantic Forest.
Material and methods – The morphological descriptions of the new species are based on herbarium specimens and cultivated plants, as well as in situ observations. Descriptions and measures were taken following standard procedures. Preliminary conservation assessments followed IUCN guidelines and criteria.
Key results – Both species show typical morphology of the subgenus Hippeastrum, in which they should be placed. They can be distinguished from similar taxa, including some of the most widely distributed and known species of the genus, by several floral characters. Data on ecology, conservation, and photographs and illustrations are provided, as well as comparisons with related species. An identification key to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest species of Hippeastrum is provided, accompanied by photographs of these species in their natural habitats.
Conclusion – The new species are considered critically endangered due to their single known location and small population size. The findings reinforce the need for continued sampling across different regions of the Atlantic Forest, as well as the importance of systematic studies conducted by specialist taxonomists.
Keywords: Bahia, endemism, Hippeastreae, Santa Catarina, systematics, taxonomy, threatened species
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| Hippeastrum curupira Campos-Rocha & M.Peixoto. A. Sepals and petals. B. Flower with removed perigone, showing stamens and style. C. Detail of anthers and stigma. D. Stigma. E. Anthers starting to dehisce. F. Detail of spathe bracts and floral buds. G. Leaf apex. H. Point of insertion of the staminal filaments. I. Longitudinal section of the ovary. J. Detail of spathe bracts and pedicels. K. Detail of leaf venation, adaxial surface. L. Fully developed leaves. M. Habit. N. Apex of the lower petal. O. Inflorescences, frontal view. A–C, E–I, K–L by Antonio Campos-Rocha; D, J, M–O by Mauro Peixoto. |
Hippeastrum curupira Campos-Rocha & M.Peixoto, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Hippeastrum curupira may be related to H. puniceum (Lam.) Voss or H. reginae (L.) Herb., from which it is distinguished by the absence of a paraperigone and having a trifid stigma (vs paraperigone of fimbriae and stigma capitate to trilobed in H. puniceum and H. reginae).
Etymology: The specific epithet honours one of the most traditional and popular mythical characters of Brazilian folklore, the Curupira. Of indigenous origin, it is usually represented as a dwarf, with red hair and inverted feet. Curupira inhabits the interior of the most remote forests, avoiding getting close to highly disturbed or inhabited places (Cascudo 1998, 2002). The epithet is a reference to the bright scarlet red flower of the new species, unique among Brazilian species of Hippeastrum. It is also a reference to its forest habitat, as well as to its rarity. It even represents a call to protect the forest in Brazil, in a scenario of dismantling anti-deforestation policies (Menezes and Barbosa 2021; Vale et al. 2021; Agapito et al. 2022). Interestingly, the type locality is believed to be a magical place, inhabited by several characters of Brazilian mythology (Santos 2004; Sousa 2010). The specific epithet is treated as a noun in apposition, in line with Article 23.1 of the International Code of Nomenclature (Turland et al. 2018).
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| Hippeastrum laklano Campos-Rocha & M.Peixoto. A. Sepals and petals. B. Apex of the upper sepal. C. Apex of the lateral sepal. D. Flower with removed perigone, showing stamens and style. E. Detail of anthers and stigma. F. Detail of paraperigone. G. Anther. H–I. Stigma at different developmental stages. J. Inflorescence, top view. K. Leaf apex. L. Detail of leaf venation, abaxial surface. M. Detail of the spot at the base of the tepals. N. Inflorescence, frontal view. O. Longitudinal section of the ovary. P. Fully developed leaves. Q. Base of leaves and inflorescence. R. Bulb and bulblet. S. Habit. T–U. Detail of spathe bracts and bracteoles. V. Immature capsule. W. Mature capsule exposing the seeds. X. Seeds. Y–Z. Seedlings. A–L, N–Z by Antonio Campos-Rocha; M by Mauro Peixoto. |
Hippeastrum laklano Campos-Rocha & M.Peixoto, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Hippeastrum laklano is morphologically related to H. striatum (Lam.) H.E.Moore, from which it is readily distinguished by its paraperigone with conspicuous fimbriae and dark-vinaceous area at the base of the tepals (vs paraperigone absent and tepals greenish at the base in H. striatum).
Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the Laklãnõ people, member of the Southern Jê linguistic family, who inhabited vast areas of southern Brazil, including almost the entire northern plateau of Santa Catarina (Santos 1973). With the arrival of European settlers in the region, particularly between the mid-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Laklãnõ were severely decimated through actions supported by government authorities and private colonization companies (Santos 1973; Selau 2006; Wittmann 2007). The only known place of occurrence of the new species is located close to the limits of the Ibirama-Laklãnõ Indigenous Territory, where the main remaining Laklãnõ community is confined. Established in 1926 with an area of 20,000 hectares that would never be delimited, the indigenous land was expanded to around 37,000 hectares in 1999, and declared permanent indigenous possession by an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice four years later (Santos 1973; FIOCRUZ 2022). However, the indigenous land continued to suffer constant invasions by settlers and loggers, intensified from the 1950s, mainly for the purpose of exploiting its natural resources, which would result in the depletion of the juçara-palm (Euterpe edulis Mart.) and timber reserves (Santos 1973; Namem 1994; Nigro 2004). The Federal Supreme Court of Brazil is judging two lawsuits filed by the state government and environmental agency demanding the annulment of the Laklãnõ land demarcation process (FIOCRUZ 2022). One of the lawsuits was declared of general repercussion and will serve as a guideline for the federal government and all instances of justice with regard to demarcation procedure, placing the Laklãnõ people and their struggle at the heart of this issue in the country today (Silva and Souza Filho 2021; FIOCRUZ 2022). Laklãnõ is a self-denomination that gained momentum among indigenous people from the 1990s onwards, as part of an effort to revitalize their language, as opposed to the name Xokleng, that would have a pejorative meaning and would represent the colonizer’s view of the community (Gakran 2005, 2020). According to the Laklãnõ language, the word “laklãnõ” means “those of the sun clan” or “those who are descendants of the sun” (Gakran 2005).
Antonio Campos-Rocha, Alan William Meerow, Mauro Peixoto, Ingrid Koch, Patrícia Aparecida Messias and Julie Henriette Antoinette Dutilh. 2023. To Print in Red Ink: Two New Species of Hippeastrum (Amaryllidaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 156(2): 239-256. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.95601
