 |
| Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis Leme, J.L.Lobo, O.B.C.Ribeiro & A.P.Gelli, in Castro, Ribeiro, Leme, Almeida et Faria, 2025. |
Abstract
A new species of Hoplocryptanthus, a member of the bromelioid “Cryptanthoid complex”, is described based on plants discovered in a ferruginous rupestrian grassland located in the southern Iron Quadrangle region, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis is endemic to the Pires Range, a region under strong threat by mining exploitation. The morphological characters of H. serrapiresensis are discussed in comparison with H. knegtianus and H. tiradentesensis. This microendemic species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR), reinforcing the need for a strategy to protect the biodiversity of the region. Characters related to leaves proved useful in the taxonomic delimitation of this new species. Morphological analyses also validated and reinforced the diagnostic floral and inflorescence characters used in the circumscription of Hoplocryptanthus.
bromeliads, conservation, Espinhaço Range, morphology, Monocots
 |
| A–L. Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis (Leme 10355). A. Habit. B. Frontal view of the corolla. C. Lateral view of the corolla.D. Flower. E. Abaxial view of sepals connate at the base. F. Petal, filaments, and style forming a common basal tube which is typical for Hoplocryptanthus. G. Details of the basal portion of the leaf blades with pronounced marginal spines. H. Floral bract. I. Longitudinalsection of the ovary. J. Stigma. K. Frontal view of the anther. L. Dorsal view of the anther. Photographs by E. Leme. Bars = 5 mm (A–D,F–G). Bars = 1 mm (E, H–L). |
Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis Leme, J.L.Lobo, O.B.C.Ribeiro & A.P.Gelli, sp. nov.
 |
| A. General view of the ferruginous rupestrian fields of Pires Range, situated in the Congonhas municipality, at the southernend of the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. B. Details of large banded itabirite blocks which occur randomly dispersed throughout the area. C. The saxicolous habit of Hoplocryptanthus serrapiresensis at type locality. D. Presence of intense mining activityextending to the limits of the Pires Range. Photographs by P. H. Nobre. |
 |
| A–G. Hoplocryptanthus knegtianus (Leme 9322). A. Habit. B. Frontal view of the corolla. C. Lateral view of the corolla.D. Details of the basal portion of the leaf blades and the marginal spines. E. Stigma. F. Frontal view of the anther. G. Dorsal view of theanther. H. Habit of Hoplocryptanthus tiradentesensis (Leme 5819). Photographs by E. Leme. Bars = 5 mm (A–B, D, H). Bars = 2 mm(C), Bars = 1 mm (E–G) |
JOÃO LUÍS L. M. DE CASTRO, OTÁVIO B. C. RIBEIRO, ELTON M. C. LEME, PEDRO S. DE ALMEIDA and ANA PAULA G. DE FARIA. 2025. Doomed to Extinction by Mining: A New Species of Hoplocryptanthus (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) from Congonhas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Phytotaxa. 732(1); 57-66. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.732.1.5 [2025-12-03]
