[Botany • 2025] Lippia domingeziorum (Verbenaceae: Lantanae) • A New Species from the Sierra de La Giganta, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Lippia domingeziorum León-de la Luz, 

in León-de la Luz. 2025. 

REVISTA MEXICANA DE BIODIVERSIDAD. 96;  

DOI: doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2025.96.5610 

Abstract

We describe and illustrate Lippia domingeziorum, a new species of Verbenaceae from the southern tip of the Sierra La Giganta, Baja California peninsula, Mexico. Currently, it is known only from the rocky-sandy arroyos at the foothills of Cerro Cabeza del Mechudo in La Paz Bay. This novelty appears to be closely related to L. palmeri, which it distinguishes because its flower and corresponding floral bract are almost twice as large. Both taxa are sympatric and share some features, such as the abundant oil glands on the indumentum, but those of this new species lack the typical oregano scent that characterizes L. palmeri. A detailed botanical description and illustrations of this new taxon are presented. The relationships of this novelty within the genus Lippia is still in an open issue, but future cytogenetic and molecular insights might help to address this matter.

Keywords: La Paz Bay, Biodiversity, El Mechudo, Oregano

Lippia domingeziorum León-de la Luz sp. nov. 

 Diagnosis. Lippia domingeziorum seems to be close to L. palmeri, but it differs in the greater size of the f lowers (4 × 4 mm vs. 2 × 3 mm), the greater length of the floral bracts (5-8 mm vs. 3-4 mm), the greater size of the floral peduncle (10-12 mm vs 1-3 mm), and the shorter length of the leaves (10-18 mm vs 10-25 mm), as well because the oil of the glands of the vestiture trichomes is not aromatic.

José Luis León-de la Luz. 2025. A New Species of Lippia (Verbenaceae: Lantanae) from the Sierra de La Giganta, Baja California Sur, Mexico. REVISTA MEXICANA DE BIODIVERSIDAD. 96;  DOI: doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2025.96.5610 

[Botany • 2024] Lippia aonae (Verbenaceae: Lantaneae) • A New Species from the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Lippia aonae Zavatin & P.H.Cardoso,  

in  Zavatin, Ramos, Salimena et Cardoso, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1677-941X-ABB-2024-0024 

 Researchgate.net/publication/386062849

Abstract

Lantaneae stands out as the largest lineage within the Verbenaceae, and advancing systematic and taxonomic studies within this tribe is crucial to clarify the circumscription of non-monophyletic genera and elucidate its species richness. In Brazil, the taxonomic knowledge of Lantaneae is still in progress, particularly regarding the genera Lantana and Lippia. Here, we describe Lippia aonae, a new species from the campos rupestres of the Espinhaço Range, Cerrado domain, in the north of Minas Gerais state. It is a subshrub 0.4‒0.6 m tall, with viscous and aromatic leaves, inflorescences with small bracts and corollas, and drupaceous fruits. A detailed description, illustrations, comparison with morphologically related species, and a geographical distribution map are provided for its recognition. Following the IUCN criteria, Lippia aonae can be considered as Vulnerable (VU).

Keywords: campos rupestres; conservation; endemism; Flora of Brazil; Lamiales

Lippia aonae. 
 (A) Habit. (B) Magnification of the adult branch. (C-D) Branch with inflorescence. (E) Leaf, adaxial surface. (F) Leaf, abaxial surface. (G-I) Inflorescence, showing peduncle, bracts, and corollas. (J) Magnification of the inflorescence. (K) Corolla lobes, frontal view. (L) Dissected fruit.

Voucher: Zavatin et al. 2085. Photos: D.A. Zavatin (A-K) and L.J. Sauthier (L).  

Lippia aonae.
(A) Branch with inflorescence. (B) Detail of the young branch. (C) Leaf, adaxial surface. (D-E) Leaves, abaxial surface. (F) Detail of petiole and leaf base, adaxial surface. (G) Detail of the leaf abaxial surface, showing sessile glandular trichomes. (H) Inflorescence. (I) Bract, abaxial surface. (J) Magnification of the bract vestiture. (K) Corolla. (L) Bracts and fruits. (M) Fruit within the accrescent calyx. (N) Fruit, accrescent calyx removed.

Voucher: Zavatin et al. 2085. Drawn by Suzana Souza.

Lippia aonae Zavatin & P.H.Cardoso, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A species more similar to Lippia raoniana P.H.Cardoso & Salimena, but differs by being a smaller plant, with non-sulcate branches, leaves with shorter petioles and blades, orbicular, ovate, or obovate, with glabrescent adaxial surface, lustrous in vivo, and bracts with longer and spreading hairs along the margins, sericeous on the adaxial surface.

Etymology: The specific epithet is an homage to our dear friend, Dr. Lidyanne Yuriko Saleme Aona Pinheiro, an exceptional Brazilian botanist whose career is dedicated to studying Commelinaceae and Cactaceae. Lidyanne currently holds the position of a professor at Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia and curator of the HURB herbarium. This tribute represents a form of gratitude for Lidyanne’s significant contributions to Brazilian botany.

Danilo Alvarenga Zavatin, Renato Ramos, Fátima Regina Gonçalves Salimena and Pedro Henrique Cardoso. 2024. A New Species of Lippia (Verbenaceae) from the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil.  Acta Bot. Bras. 38; DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1677-941X-ABB-2024-0024    

  Researchgate.net/publication/386062849_A_new_species_of_Lippia_from_the_Espinhaco_Range_MinasGerais_Brazil

  www.instagram.com/p/DC2H1zIx56P

[Botany • 2021] Lippia raoniana (Verbenaceae) • Checklist and A New Species of Lippia from the Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Lippia raoniana P.H.Cardoso & Salimena

in Cardoso, Neto, Trovó et Salimena, 2021. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2021.733.1219  

 Researchgate.net/publication/348844505

Abstract

The Diamantina Plateau is located in the central region of the Espinhaço Range, in the State of Minas Gerais, which is dominated by campo rupestre formations. We describe a new species of Lippia L., endemic to the Diamantina Plateau, and provide an annotated checklist and identification key for the 17 species of the genus occurring in the area. Lippia raoniana P.H.Cardoso & Salimena sp. nov. is mainly distinguished by its ovate leaves with adaxial and abaxial surfaces densely covered by sessile glandular trichomes, and drupaceous fruits with two pyrenes. It is known only from two populations, and thus can be provisionally considered as Critically Endangered. Details on the species’ ecology, as well as a comparison with morphologically similar species, a distribution map, and field photographs, are provided. In this work, we also present pictures of the 17 species in their habitats, and we hope that these illustrations will help in the identification and conservation of these taxa.

Keywords: endangered species, endemism, Espinhaço Range, Lamiales, Lantaneae

Lippia raoniana P.H.Cardoso & Salimena sp. nov.
A. Habit. B–C. Branch with inflorescence. D.  Inflorescence  frontal  view.  E-G.  Drupaceous  fruit.  E.  Overview.  F.  Longitudinal  section  showing  two pyrenes. G. Cross section showing two pyrenes and seeds.

Scale bars: E–G = 1 mm. Photos: A–D by Pedro Henrique Nobre; E–G by Nádia Silvia Somavilla.

Class Magnoliopsida Brongn.

Order Lamiales Bromhead

Family Verbenaceae J.St.-Hil.

Genus Lippia L.

Lippia raoniana P.H.Cardoso & Salimena sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species is similar to Lippia spiraeastrum (Mart. & Schauer) T.R.S.Silva, but differs by ovate leaves (vs oblong or oblong-elliptic), slightly discolorous (vs strongly discolorous), matte adaxial surface (vs shiny), glandular abaxial surface (vs tomentose-glandular), shorter peduncle (0.8‒1.3 vs 3.2‒10.5 cm long) and slender (vs thick), ovate bracts (vs lanceolate). 

Etymology: The specific epithet is in homage to Raoni Metuktire, an important indigenous leader of Brazil, internationally known as a symbol of environmental preservation. Raoni is dedicated to the fight for the rights of native indigenous people and conservation of the tropical forest, mainly Amazonia. His legacy is a symbol of the daily struggle for Brazilian biodiversity, constantly threatened.

 

Pedro Henrique Cardoso, Luiz Menini Neto, Marcelo Trovó and Fátima Regina Gonçalves Salimena. 2021. Checklist and A New Species of Lippia (Verbenaceae) from the Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais, Brazil. European Journal of Taxonomy 733; 42-55. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2021.733.1219

 Researchgate.net/publication/348844505_a_new_species_of_Lippia_from_the_Diamantina_Plateau_MinasGerais_Brazil

[Botany • 2023] Stachytarpheta meninii (Verbenaceae) • A New micro-endemic and Threatened Species from the Diamantina Plateau in Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Stachytarpheta meninii  P.H.Cardoso, 

in Cardoso, Gonzaga et Trovó. 2023. 

  

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04200  

Researchgate.net/publication/376243593

Abstract

Stachytarpheta is mainly distributed in Brazil, where the knowledge of species richness is still in progress. Here, we describe Stachytarpheta meninii, a new micro-endemic species from the Diamantina Plateau, Espinhaço Range. It is a shrub that can reach up to 1.8 meters in height, with abundant pedicellate glandular trichomes, viscous, aromatic leaves, inflorescences with oblong-triangular bracts, and blue corollas, with a tube that is barely exserted from the calyx. The new species has been recorded from two gatherings from the same locality in the municipality of Serro, Minas Gerais state, and can be considered Critically Endangered (CR). Illustrations and a distribution map are provided for the recognition of S. meninii, along with an identification key for species of the genus found in Diamantina Plateau.

Keywords: Brazilian flora, conservation, endangered species, endemism, Espinhaço Range

 Stachytarpheta meninii sp. nov.
(a) Branch with inflorescence, (b-c) leaf, abaxial surface, (c) detail of indument, (d-e) leaf, adaxial surface, (e) detail of indument, (f ) flower with bract, (g) bract, abaxial surface, (h) calyx, adaxial view, (i) corolla tube, (j) dissected corolla, showing the androecium, gynoecium and indument, (k) fruit.

(P. H. Cardoso and W. Picanço 88 -CESJ. Illustrated by Samyra Furtado).

  Stachytarpheta meninii sp. nov.
(a) Habitat and habit, (b) branch with inflorescence, (c-d) inflorescences, (e) detail of indument of the bract and calyx, (f ) detail of the corolla and calyx.

Stachytarpheta meninii P.H.Cardoso sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: A species similar to S. hispida Nees and Mart., but differing in having viscous branches, leaves, bracts, and calyces, with abundant pedicellate glandular trichomes, oblong-triangular floral bracts, shorter calyx and corolla tube, and narrower corolla lobes.  

 

Pedro Henrique Cardoso, Diego Rafael Gonzaga and Marcelo Trovó. 2023. Stachytarpheta meninii (Verbenaceae), A New micro-endemic and Threatened Species from the Diamantina Plateau in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.04200

  Researchgate.net/publication/376243593_Stachytarpheta_meninii_a_new_micro-endemic_species_from_the_Diamantina_Plateau_Brazil

[Botany • 2023] Stachytarpheta odorata • Verbenaceae from the Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Recognition of the New and Rare Species and An Update of the Species Richness

Stachytarpheta odorata P.H.Cardoso & Salimena, 

in Cardoso, Salimena, Somavilla, Neto et Trovó, 2023.

DOI: 10.1007/s12042-023-09334-0 

Researchgate.net/publication/372158273

Abstract

The flora of the Serra do Cipó (Minas Gerais state, Brazil) has been extensively surveyed and documented in the past decades. Taxonomic novelties are still being revealed from this region, including Stachytarpheta odorata, a new species of Verbenaceae here described and illustrated. This species is a sticky and heavily aromatic shrub, with abundant pedicellate glandular trichomes, and inflorescences with calyx deeply immersed in excavations in the rachis. For its recognition, we provide photographs, a geographic occurrence map, comparisons with the morphologically related species, as well as ecological and taxonomic notes. Stachytarpheta odorata was collected only once in its natural habitat. Expeditions to its type locality and surroundings were carried out with the aim to recollect it but were unsuccessful. Still, fortunately, some individuals of S. odorata are kept cultivated ex situ at a greenhouse of Federal University of Juiz de Fora (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Following the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, the new species may be considered Critically Endangered (CR). If S. odorata is not rediscovered in its natural habitat in the near future, these cultivated individuals could be potentially utilized for reintroduction programmes. Finally, the Verbenaceae richness in Serra do Cipó is updated through a checklist and an identification key with the recognition of six genera and 29 taxa.

Keywords: Brazilian flora, Cerrado, Conservation, Endemism, Espinhaço Mountain Range

Stachytarpheta odorata P.H.Cardoso & Salimena.
 a habit. b detail of the indument of branches. c leaf, abaxial view. d leaf, detail of the abaxial surface showing the indument. e leaf, detail of the adaxial surface showing the indument. f bract, abaxial surface showing the indument. g flower, showing the calyx and corolla. h dissected immature and mature calyces, showing the indument and lacinia (external and, respectively, abaxial and adaxial views). i corolla, detail of the lobes. j dissected corolla, showing the androecium and internal indumentum. k gynoecium. l detail of the stigma. m fruits (external and respectively abaxial and adaxial views).

 Specimen P.H.Cardoso 67 (CESJ)

Stachytarpheta odorata P.H.Cardoso & Salimena.
 a branch with inflorescence. b branch detail. c leaf blade, abaxial surface. d leaf blade, adaxial surface. e inflorescence showing bracts, calyces, and corolla. f corolla

 Specimen P.H.Cardoso 67 (CESJ)

Stachytarpheta odorata P.H.Cardoso & Salimena 

Etymology: According to Atkins (2004), species of Stachytarpheta may be occasionally aromatic, while Atkins (2005), in a Brazilian species review, states that the species are not aromatic. The new species is strongly aromatic (lemon-like aroma), and this feature was chosen to represent its specific epithet.

Pedro Henrique Cardoso, Fátima Regina Gonçalves Salimena, Nádia Somavilla, Luiz Menini Neto and Marcelo Trovó. 2023. Verbenaceae from the Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Recognition of the New and Rare Stachytarpheta odorata and An Update of the Species Richness. Tropical Plant Biology. 16; 123–134. DOI: 10.1007/s12042-023-09334-0

 Researchgate.net/publication/372158273_Stachytarpheta_odorata

https://www2.ufjf.br/noticias/2023/08/09/ufjf-cultiva-planta-rara-recem-descrita-da-serra-do-cipo-mg/ 

[Entomology • 2023] Macaria garupa • A New Species for the Genus Macaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) and the report of its host plant in Argentina

Macaria garupa 

Figueredo, Chalup & Fernández Díaz, 2023

 

DOI: 10.30550/j.azl/1782

Abstract

In Argentina, the real diversity of the Geometridae family is greatly underestimated due to insufficient sampling and fragmented studies. Within highly diverse genera such as Macaria (Curtis, 1832), which includes around 330 species and subspecies with similar color patterns, there is the potential for the existence of as yet undiscovered species. A new species for the genus Macaria (Geometridae: Ennominae: Macariini) is described and illustrated in Argentina, based on specimens collected in the city of Garupá, Misiones. The male genital morphology and wing pattern of Macaria garupa sp. nov. are similar to those of Macaria rigidata, Guenée, [1858], but the diagnostic characters of the new species allow easily differentiation. The immature stages of M. garupa are associated with Duranta erecta L. (1758) (Verbenaceae). The significance of this discovery lies in the the description of a new species belonging to a poorly studied genus in the region, the characterization of its natural history, and the determination of its degree of synanthropy. 

Keywords: Taxonomy, Macaria, new species, Duranta erecta

Adult male specimen of Macaria garupa sp. nov.:
 a) male in dorsal view b) male in ventral view. Scale = 10 mm.

Macaria garupa sp. nov.

  

 Hernán S. Figueredo, Adriana E. Chalup and Cecilia Fernández Díaz. 2023. Description of A New Species for the Genus Macaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) and the report of its host plant in Argentina. Acta Zoológica Lilloana. 297–309. DOI: 10.30550/j.azl/1782

 facebook.com/100065411733472/posts/642125354644517

  Researchgate.net/publication/372087508_Descripcion_de_una_nueva_especie_para_el_genero_Macaria

[Botany • 2019] Stachytarpheta atkinsiae (Verbenaceae) • A New Species endemic to the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil

Stachytarpheta atkinsiae Harley & Giul.

in Harley, Antar & Giulietti, 2019. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.401.2.4 

Abstract 
Stachytarpheta atkinsiae, belonging to the Radlkoferiana group from the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia state Brazil, is here described. It is a red-flowered species, and unusual in being a large, much-branched shrub, with densely lanate indumentum. The species shows similarities with S. froesii and S. radlkoferiana, but differs from both vegetative and floral characters. We provide a full description of the species, together with illustrations, a conservation status assessment, and a distribution map.

Keywords: “campo rupestre”, endemic species, Serra do Espinhaço, taxonomy

FIGURE 1. Stachytarpheta atkinsiae.
a. Habit. b. Leaf, adaxial surface. c. Leaf, abaxial surface. d. Leaf, detail of revolute margin. e. Inflorescence. f. Flower, including calyx, corolla, bract. g. Corolla tube detail with gland-tipped trichomes. h. Bract, adaxial surface. i. Calyx lobe, internal surface. j. Dissected corolla. k. Detail of the trichome of corolla. l. Anther. m. Style apex with capitate stigma. All from Harley et al. 55488 (type).

 Drawn by João Silveira.

Figure 2. Stachytarpheta atkinsiae. A. Branch with flowers. B. Habit. C. Habitat.

Photos by Raymond M. Harley.

Stachytarpheta atkinsiae Harley & Giul. sp. nov. 

Type:— BRAZIL. Bahia: Mucugê, Serra do Gobira, ca. 8,4 km ao sul de Mucugê em linha reta, na última subida próxima ao cume, ...., 1555 m. Campo rupestre entre pedras, 19 January 2005, R.M. Harley, A.M. Giulietti & E. Ribeiro 55488 (holotype HUEFS; Isotypes K, MG, SPF).

Stachytarpheta atkinsiae is morphologically similar to S. froesii Moldenke, S. radlkoferiana Mansfeld var. radlkoferiana and S. radlkoferiana var. lanata S.Atkins. All taxa are red-flowered and those species are the only ones to share with S. atkinsiae the discolorous leaves, ± glabrous on adaxial surface and white-lanate on abaxial surface and with a revolute margin. S. atkinsiae has leaves sessile or with petiole up to 2 mm long, lamina 2.0–3.7 × 1.0–2.3 cm, elliptic, apex obtuse; bracts linear, 10–12.5 mm long; base of flowers obscured by lanate indumentum. S. froesii differs from the new species as follows: it has leaves with petiole 5–8 mm long, lamina 1.5–2.8 × 1.4–2.5 cm, broadly obovate, apex rotund to truncate, base of flowers not obscured by lanate indumentum and especially because the bracts which are linear as in S. atkinsiae, measure only c. 4 mm long. S. radlkoferiana var. radlkoferiana and var. lanata differ from the new species as both possess obovate and not linear bracts, as well as having much smaller, sessile leaves. S. radlkoferiana var. radlkoferiana has imbricate leaves on the young shoots, 0.7–1.5 × 0.4–0.8 cm., linear-elliptic to long-triangular or narrowly oblong, while S. radlkoferiana var. lanata has ovate leaves, which measure 1.0–1.4 × 0.5–0.7 cm.

Distribution and ecology:— S. atkinsiae is known only from the Serra do Gobira, in the municipality of Mucugê, in Bahia (Map 1). The species occurs only in campo rupestre vegetation in sandy rocky dry soils. It is recorded from high elevation areas (1400 to 1570 m) in campo rupestre vegetation, in sandy rocky dry soils. Flowers and fruits were registered in September and January (most collections in this month).

Etymology:— The specific epithet honors Sandy Atkins who worked at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Sandy Atkins is the author of the revision of Stachytarpheta in Brazil (Atkins 2005), a superb work that is currently the most up-to-date and important contribution to our knowledge of the genus.


Raymond M. Harley, Guilherme Medeiros Antar and Ana Maria Giulietti. 2019. Stachytarpheta atkinsiae, A New Species of Verbenaceae endemic to the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. Phytotaxa. 401(2); 127–132.  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.401.2.4

Resumo: Nesse trabalho está sendo descrita Stachytarpheta atkinsiae pertencente ao Grupo Radlkoferiana e de ocorrência na Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brasil. É uma espécie vistosa, com flores vermelhas, e bem distinta por ser um arbusto alto, robusto e ramificado, com ramos densamente lanados. A espécie tem semelhanças com S. froesii e com S. radlkoferiana, mas difere por caracteres vegetativos e florais. É apresentada descrição detalhada, ilustrações, fotos em campo, análise do estado de conservação, e mapa de distribuição. 

[Botany • 2018] Citharexylum peruvianum (Verbenaceae) • A New Species of Citharexylum from the Andean Foothills of Peru

Citharexylum peruvianum  N.O’Leary & Frost

in O'Leary & Frost, 2018. 

   DOI: 10.1600/036364418X697733 

 twitter.com/FunauntLaura

Abstract

A new species of Citharexylum from the foothills of inter-Andean dry valleys in Peru, Citharexylum peruvianum, is described and illustrated herein. It is distinguished from other closely related species with caulinar spines (C. andinum, C. flexuosum, C. herrerae, C. montevidense, and C. weberbaueri), by inflorescence morphology, leaf size, and pubescence. The newly defined taxon has 15–40 flowered racemes, rachis 7–12 cm long, and coriaceous leaves, with the leaf blade being 4–6(8) × 2–3 cm and densely hirsute on the abaxial surface. A brief discussion on closely related species is provided. Citharexylum peruvianum is known exclusively from northwestern Peru, from the departments of Cajamarca, Lambayeque, and La Libertad. The species grows in the Andean foothills at mid-elevations between 1400 and 3000 m a. s. l., in rocky soils and on steep slopes with thorny scrubland. It is occasionally found in moist areas. This species has a restricted distribution and limited numbers of individuals, which will likely result in threatened status following formal review.

Fig. 2. Citharexylum peruvianum.
A–B. Habitat. C–D. Fruiting individuals. E. Fruiting raceme, large fruits plus one small bright orange fruit. F. Axillary racemes, recently fallen flowers, not congested, distanced. G. Spiny stem with flowering racemes. H. Flowering raceme. A, C, E from Frost and Tyson 99 (WTU); B, D from Frost and Tyson 121 (WTU); F, G, H from Frost and Tyson 100 (WTU).

Citharexylum peruvianum N.O’Leary & Frost, sp. nov.  

Etymology— The specific epithet refers to the species distribution in Peru, not having been found in other countries at the moment.

Nataly O'Leary and Laura Frost. 2018. A New Species of Citharexylum (Verbenaceae) from the Andean Foothills of Peru. Systematic Botany. 43(4); 1046-1051.  DOI: 10.1600/036364418X697733

twitter.com/FunauntLaura/status/1085679661231861761