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| Puya vallis-colcaensis Treviño & Gouda, in Treviño-Zevallos, Gouda, Quipuscoa et Bravo, 2025. |
Abstract
A new Puya species, Puya vallis-colcaensis (Bromeliaceae, Puyopsis), that inhabits the high Andean region of Arequipa in southern Peru, is described and illustrated. This species has greenish-black petals, a compound inflorescence with branches measuring 11–15 cm long, floral bracts that turn dark when dry, and sepals with dense stellate trichomes, carinate toward the apex. This species was locally mistaken for the similar P. weberbaueri, but a comparative and detailed analysis of its morphology reveals that it should be considered a new taxon.
Puyopsis, Colca canyon, mountain range, endemism, valley, Monocots
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| Puya vallis-colcaensis. A. Habit; B. Branch of inflorescence and primary bract; C. petal; D. Sepals, on the left abaxial and adaxial view on the right; E. Flower and floral bract; F. Flower base and reproductive organs; G. Transverse section of the ovary; H. Fruit after dehiscence; I. View distal part of the peduncle; J. View of basal part of the peduncle. Photos by Italo Treviño. |
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| Puya vallis-colcaensis. A. Habitat in Colca Canyon, Arequipa, B. Plant in habitat with a Condor in the background, circling around, C. Hummingbird visiting the flowers. Photos by Italo Treviño (A, C), J.M. Wu (B). |
Puya vallis-colcaensis Treviño & Gouda, sp. nov.
Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. In this placethis species reaches large numbers and is well distributed, being one of the characteristic species of this territory.
Italo F. TREVIÑO-ZEVALLOS, Eric J. GOUDA, Victor QUIPUSCOA and Cinthia BRAVO. 2025. Puya vallis-colcaensis (Bromeliaceae) A New Species from the Peruvian Andes. Phytotaxa. 683(1); 72-78. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.8 [2025-01-29]
