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| Stachytarpheta odorata P.H.Cardoso & Salimena, in Cardoso, Salimena, Somavilla, Neto et Trovó, 2023. |
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
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| 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) |
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| 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
https://www2.ufjf.br/noticias/2023/08/09/ufjf-cultiva-planta-rara-recem-descrita-da-serra-do-cipo-mg/