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| Rhodospatha rubrinervis M.Cedeño, O.Cubero & O.Ortiz, in Cedeño-Fonseca, Cubero-Vásquez, Ortiz, Rodríguez-Arias, Serna-Sánchez, Trujillo-Trujillo, Jiménez, Zuluaga et Hay, 2025. |
Abstract
A recent floristic survey in the Pacific slope of the Talamanca Mountain (Costa Rica), has revealed a new species of Rhodospatha, characterised by a bracteolate inflorescence. We describe and fully illustrate Rhodospatha rubrinervis from the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve. A detailed taxonomic description, as well as its distribution, ecology, phenology and conservation assessment are provided, along with a comparative discussion of its morphological affinities with R. forgetii and R. wendlandii. In addition, we present a brief discussion on the presence of a bracteole in Rhodospatha, a morphological character that, although illustrated by H.W. Schott 160 years ago, has not previously been described in detail.
Key words: Cloudbridge Nature Reserve, Monsteroideae, Pérez Zeledón, Talamanca, taxonomy
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| Rhodospatha rubrinervis. A. Developing inflorescence; B. Spadix in female anthesis; C. Inflorescence with spathe, in female anthesis; D. Inflorescence with open spathe (back view); E. Stylar plate with stigma (left) and one stamen (right); F. Fertile flower, in lateral view; G. Bracteole at the apex of the peduncle; H. Portion of spadix with stigmas in female anthesis; I. Pre-adult plant; J. Portion of adult plant; K. Mature infructescence; L. Seeds; M. Spadix with pink sterile region at the apex; N. Juvenile plant; O. Transversal section of the ovary with two locules. Photos A–D, I, J, K, L by O. Cubero; E–H, K–O M by M. Cedeño. O. Cubero 005 (USJ). |
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| Rhodospatha rubrinervis. A. Adult plant with inflorescence in male anthesis without spathe; B. Portion of the petiole with green punctuations and persistent petiolar sheath; C. Mid-rib convex abaxially and primary lateral veins with bright pink colour up to the middle; D. Geniculum dark purple; E. Abaxial surface light green with lilac and white punctuations; F. Longitudinal section of ovary showing 30 ovules per locule along axile placentas. Photos A by O. Cubero; B–E by M. Cedeño; F by A. Serna. |
Rhodospatha rubrinervis M.Cedeño, O.Cubero & O.Ortiz, sp. nov.
Etymology. The species epithet “rubrinervis” refers to the distinctive reddish colouration of the mid-rib and primary lateral veins. This striking venation not only serves as a key diagnostic character in the field, but also highlights the aesthetic appeal and uniqueness of the species within the genus Rhodospatha.
Marco Cedeño-Fonseca, Oscar Cubero-Vásquez, Orlando O. Ortiz, Marilyn Rodríguez-Arias, Maria Alejandra Serna-Sánchez, Edwin Trujillo-Trujillo, José Esteban Jiménez, Alejandro Zuluaga and Alistair Hay. 2025. An overlooked Morphological Feature in the Genus Rhodospatha (Araceae, Monsteroideae, Anepsiadeae) revealed through international collaboration, with the Description of A New endemic Species from Costa Rica. PhytoKeys. 260: 185-199. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.260.154762
