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| Bertolonia crassicaulis in Bisewski, Bacci, Amorim, Michelangeli et Goldenberg, 2025. |
Abstract
Bertolonia crassicaulis is described here as a new species from southeastern areas of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Diagnostic illustrations, field photographs, distribution map, recommended conservation assessment, and a discussion on putative related species based on morphological similarities are provided. This new species can be recognized by the thickened stems in part hidden in the leaf litter and probably with a water storage function, alternate leaves, light green leaf blades with a markedly cordate base, and main veins that are light pink on the abaxial surface. Bertolonia crassicaulis is suggested to be critically endangered (CR).
Atlantic Forest, Bahia, Bertolonieae, Critically Endangered, Microendemism, Eudicots
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| Bertolonia crassicaulis. A. Habit, Arrows indicating the aerial portion of the stem (blue) and the portion that grows parallel to the ground, covered by litter (red). B. Leaf blade, adaxial surface. C. Leaf base, abaxial surface. D. Trichomes on the adaxial leaf surface, with a white dot underneath (arrows). E. Inflorescence. F. Flower, top view. G. Stamen, lateral view H. Anther apex, ventral view. Photos: A by Lucas de Freitas Bacci; B–H by Gessica Bisewski. |
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| Bertolonia crassicaulis, herbarium specimen. A. Habit. B. Detail showing alternate phyllotaxy. C. Leaf base, adaxial surface. D. Trichomes on the abaxial leaf surface. E. Inflorescence. F. Flower bud apex, showing the tip of the petals with an apiculum and a trichome. G. Stamen, ventral view. H. Stamen, lateral view. [A–H: Bisewski, 56] |
Gessica C.A. BISEWSKI, Lucas F. BACCI, André M. AMORIM, Fabian A. MICHELANGELI and Renato GOLDENBERG. 2025. A New Species of Bertolonia with thickened stems, a rare feature in Melastomataceae living in dry areas. Phytotaxa. 691(1); 63-73. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.691.1.5 [2025-03-03]