 |
| Cremospermopsis galaxias J.L. Clark & Clavijo |
Abstract
Cremospermopsis galaxias, a new species from the eastern slopes of the Central Cordillera in the department of Antioquia, Colombia, is described and illustrated. Morphological affinities with its congeners are discussed, and a dichotomous key is provided to identify the three species of Cremospermopsis. The new species is distinguished by the presence of obovate bullate leaves with large white spots on the bullae, tomentulose inflorescence bracts, and calyx lobes with scattered short glandular trichomes.
Keywords: Cremospermopsis, Colombia, Gesneriaceae, Taxonomy, Eudicots
 |
| FIGURE 2. Cremospermopsis galaxias. A. Lateral view of inflorescence showing bracts. B. Front view of a flower. C. Lateral view of inflorescence showing pairs of bracts. D. Lower view of larger pair of inflorescence bracts. E. Habit showing bullate leaf surface with large white spots on bullae (from the holotype, J.L. Clark et al. 12890). |
Cremospermopsis galaxias J.L. Clark & Clavijo, sp. nov.
Differs from other congeners by obovate leaf blades with ciliate margin; bullate leaf surface with white large white spots on the bullae; peduncle glabrate; inflorescence bracts tomentulose; and glabrate calyx with scattered short glandular trichomes abaxially.
Type:— COLOMBIA. Antioquia: Municipio San Luis, Eastern Slopes of the Cordillera Central. Small trail near bridge over Quebrada Josefina along Highway Medellín–Bogotá, ...., 838 m, 13 May 2012 (fl), J.L. Clark et al. 12890 (holotype COL!, isotypes HUA!, MO!, NY!, US!, UNA!).
Etymology:— The specific epithet, galaxias, is in reference to the combination of bullate leaf surfaces and large white spotting that resembles the Milky Way of our Solar System’s galaxy.
Distribution and habitat:— Cremospermopsis galaxias grows in abundant and scattered populations of 30+ individuals in shady areas along streams. The vegetation is intact along the streams, but is mostly bordered by areas that are under cultivation (e.g., cow pastures and agriculture). It has been collected in one locality along the eastern slopes of the Central Cordillera in the department of Antioquia in a Montane forest.
Distribution and habitat:— This species has not been found in any formally protected area. According to the IUCN Red List criteria (IUCN 2001) for limited geographic range (B2a, less than 10 km2 and known to exist at only a single location) and considering the uncertain future of habitat conservation of the type locality, Cremospermopsis galaxias should be listed in the category CR (Critically Endangered).
John L. Clark and Laura Clavijo. 2017. Cremospermopsis galaxias (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from northwestern Colombia. Phytotaxa. 323(3); 282-288. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.323.3.7
