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| Miconia bahiana R.Goldenb. & J.Coelho, Goldenberg, Jesus et Amorim, 2020. |
Abstract
Background – Recent collection efforts in semideciduous forests from Bahia, Brazil, provided material that belongs to a species of Miconia (Melastomataceae) not yet described scientifically. Here, we describe this new species and compare it to four species in the “Miconia discolor group” that share morphological similarities. We also provide illustrations, photographs, a distribution map and conservation assessment for the new species.
Background – Recent collection efforts in semideciduous forests from Bahia, Brazil, provided material that belongs to a species of Miconia (Melastomataceae) not yet described scientifically. Here, we describe this new species and compare it to four species in the “Miconia discolor group” that share morphological similarities. We also provide illustrations, photographs, a distribution map and conservation assessment for the new species.
Methods – This study was based on specimens from several herbaria and field collections, which resulted in photographs and ethanol-preserved material, as well as information about the environment where the plants were found. The conservation assessment is based on field observations and spatial analyses (i.e., extent of occurrence, area of occupancy), following IUCN guidelines and criteria.
Results – Miconia bahiana has been collected ten times in four localities since 2001, ranging from 800 to 1041 m elevation. The species resembles a group of species endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (M. capixaba R.Goldenb., M. cubatanensis Hoehne and M. setosociliata Cogn.), all of them with abaxial leaf surfaces densely (seldom moderately) covered with branched trichomes, inflorescences with paraclades with a first dichasial branching, then uniparous (scorpioid) branchings, and white, glabrous stamens lacking appendages or with dorsal ones, the anthers with a moderate to large pore. It differs from the above cited species by the rounded to subcordate leaf bases, and the persistent calyx with a truncate inner membrane, lacking well-defined lobes. This new species is described, illustrated, and compared with the species mentioned above. According to IUCN guidelines and criteria, we recommend to assess M. bahiana as Endangered (EN).
Keywords: Atlantic Forest, Melastomataceae, Miconia, seasonal forest, taxonomy
Keywords: Atlantic Forest, Melastomataceae, Miconia, seasonal forest, taxonomy
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| Miconia bahiana, living plants. A. Old branch. B. Leaf adaxial view. C. Leaf base, adaxial view. D. Leaf base, abaxial view, with the detail of the margin. E. Inflorescence branch with a flower and pre-anthesis buds. F. Pre-anthesis buds. G. Flower. H. Fruits. A-G from Amorim 10459 (CEPEC). H from Goldenberg 1792 (NY). Photographs A-G by André Amorim and H by Renato Goldenberg. |
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| Miconia bahiana. A. Fertile branch. B. Detail of the nodal region of a young branch. C. Leaf base, abaxial view. D. Branch with fruits. E. Flower bud, with bracteoles and the short pedicel. F. Petal, adaxial view. G. Flower, top view. H. Flower, lateral view. I. Antepetalous stamens, lateral (left) and dorsal (right) views. J. Antesepalous stamens, lateral (left) and dorsal (right) views. K. Flower, longitudinal section, petals and stamens removed. L. Fruits. A-C from Goldenberg 1792 (NY). D from Fiaschi 1394 (NY). E-K from Amorim 10459 (CEPEC). L from Coelho 161 (ALCB). Illustration by Diana Carneiro. |
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| Miconia bahiana, living plants. E. Inflorescence branch with a flower and pre-anthesis buds. F. Pre-anthesis buds. G. Flower. H. Fruits. A–G from Amorim 10459 (CEPEC). H from Goldenberg 1792 (NY). Photographs E–G by André Amorim and H by Renato Goldenberg. |
Miconia bahiana R.Goldenb. & J.Coelho, sp. nov.
Diagnosis – Miconia bahiana differs from M. capixaba R.Goldenb. due to its rounded to subcordate or seldom ob- leaf bases (vs. cuneate and shortly decurrent in M. capixaba), persistent calyx (vs. caducous) with a truncate inner membrane, lacking well-defined lobes (vs. with well defined, triangular lobes) and stamens with dorsally append-aged connectives (vs. lacking dorsal appendages).
Renato Goldenberg, Jôane Coelho de Jesus and André M. Amorim. 2020. Miconia bahiana (Melastomataceae, Miconieae), A New Species from semideciduous forest in Bahia, Brazil. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 153(1); 152–159. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.2020.1659
