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| Paepalanthus mellosilvae Trovó in Trovó, 2021. |
Abstract
Paepalanthus mellosilvae is here described and illustrated as a new species of Eriocaulaceae from the Atlantic Forest domain in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The new species is known from a single locality in the Mantiqueira Range, growing along trails through cloud forests. According to the IUCN criteria, it is suggested here as critically endangered. Paepalanthus mellosilvae is compared to P. harmsii, a morphologically similar species also growing in the Mantiqueira Range, being mainly distinguished by the presence of a rhizome, narrower leaves, more numerous scapes, narrower capitula, sparsely pilose involucral bracts, and obdeltate floral bracts. Additional comments on the taxonomy, morphology, and distribution of the species, along with illustrations are provided. The specific epithet is a tribute to Prof. Dr. Renato de Mello-Silva.
Keywords: Atlantic Forest, Endemism, Poales, Taxonomy, Tribute, Monocots
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| Figure 1. Paepalanthus mellosilvae Trovó. A. Habit detail. B. Capitulum detail. C. Outer involucral bract, abaxial surface. D. Floral bract, abaxial surface. E. Staminate flower. F. Staminate flower with opened corolla and sepals removed. G. Pistillate flower. H. Pistillate flower with sepals removed, evidencing the gynoecium. (line drawing: Klei Sousa). |
Paepalanthus mellosilvae Trovó, sp. nov.
Etymology:— The epithet “mellosilvae” is a tribute to Prof. Dr. Renato de Mello-Silva, who collected a very complete set of specimens of this new species, which was selected as the type collection. Renato was a tenacious botanist, an inspiring professor, and a good friend.
Marcelo Trovó. 2021. Paepalanthus mellosilvae (Eriocaulaceae), A New Species from the Mantiqueira Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Phytotaxa. 500(3); 248–252. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.500.3.9
