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| Lippia raoniana P.H.Cardoso & Salimena in Cardoso, Neto, Trovó et Salimena, 2021. |
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
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| 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
