[Herpetology • 2024] Panaspis ericae & P. mundavambo • A Treasure Trove of Endemics: Two New Species of Snake-eyed Skinks of the Genus Panaspis Cope, 1868 (Squamata: Scincidae) from the Serra da Neve Inselberg, southwestern Angola

 Panaspis ericae  

 Marques, Parrinha, Lopes-Lima, Tiutenko, Bauer & Ceríaco, 2024

   DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.8.121103

photos by Arthur Tiutenko.

 Abstract

Four species of the genus Panaspis – P. cabindae, P. wahlbergii, P. maculicollis and P. mocamedensis – are currently known from Angola. The analysis of recently collected specimens from Serra da Neve Inselberg, an isolated mountain located in northern Namibe Province, revealed unexpected taxonomic diversity in the group. Using an integrative taxonomy approach based on morphological and DNA sequence data, with both mitochondrial (16S) and nuclear (RAG-1) genes, we were able to distinguish two distinct populations, described here as two new species, Panaspis ericae sp. nov. and P. mundavambo sp. nov. Both species are assumed to be endemic to the inselberg. This reinforces our notion of southwestern Angola as a hotspot of skink diversity, and highlights the urgent need for the conservation of Serra da Neve.

Key Words: Reptiles, integrative taxonomy, Africa, herpetofauna, cryptic species

Live photos of Panaspis ericae sp. nov. 
the holotype (MUNHAC/MB03-001525) from vicinity of Catchi, Serra da Neve.  
 the paratype (MUNHAC/MB03-001531) from vicinity of Maylowe, Serra da Neve.

photos by Arthur Tiutenko.

 Panaspis ericae sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet “ericae” is formed in the genitive singular and is feminine. It is given in honor of Erica Tavares (1997–), an Angolan biologist and conservationist. Through her work in the Angolan environmental platform “Eco Angola” (of which Erica is a co-founder), Erica has revolutionized the Angolan conservation and ecological discourse, providing opportunities for members of the Angolan civil society, students, and young researchers to learn, debate and contribute to environmental causes. We suggest “Erica’s Snake-Eyed Skink” and “Lagartixa da Manta-Morta de Erica” as the English and Portuguese common names, respectively, for this species.

 Panaspis mundavambo sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet “mundavambo” refers to the Mukwando (local tribe) name for Serra da Neve Inselberg (Opunda Mundavambo), to which the species is endemic, and is applied here as a substantive in apposition. We propose the English vernacular name “Serra da Neve Snake-Eyed Skink” and the Portuguese vernacular name of “Lagartixa da Manta-Morta da Serra da Neve”.

 

Mariana P. Marques, Diogo Parrinha, Manuel Lopes-Lima, Arthur Tiutenko, Aaron M. Bauer and Luis M. P. Ceríaco. 2024. A Treasure Trove of Endemics: Two New Species of Snake-eyed Skinks of the Genus Panaspis Cope, 1868 (Squamata, Scincidae) from the Serra da Neve Inselberg, southwestern Angola. Evolutionary Systematics. 8(2): 167-182. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.8.121103

[Botany • 2024] Praxelis cleggiae (Asteraceae: Eupatorieae: Praxeliinae) • A New Species from the Granite Inselbergs in the east of the Departamento de Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Praxelis cleggiae D.J.N.Hind & S.L.Edwards,

in Hind et Edwards, 2024.

DOI: s12225-024-10189-1

 

Summary

Praxelis cleggiae (Compositae: Eupatorieae: Praxeliinae) is described and illustrated from the granite inselbergs (upon which it is most common), and on road crown chippings on old roads, in the Departamento de Santa Cruz, Bolivia; it has a disjunct distribution and is also found on the Serranía San Simón, in the San Ignacio Schist belt, Departamento de Beni. Material of this species was mostly determined as P. insignis (Malme) R.M.King & H.Rob., a Brazilian species, described from the metamorphosed sandstone of what is now the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães in Mato Grosso State. The two species have some superficial resemblance, but differ significantly in plant size, internode length (relative to leaf length), branching, leaf shape and size, phyllaries, achenes and pappus. The total number of species of Praxelis recognised in Bolivia is now seven, and 20 species in the genus worldwide. 

Key Words: Asteraceae, Chromolaena, Eupatoriopsis, Island-like Systems, Praxeliopsis

Praxelis cleggiae. A rootstock; B prostrate stem portion with axillary clusters/tufts of leaves; C upper part of flowering stem; D apical part of flowering stem bearing one old capitulum, post-dehiscence of phyllaries and achenes, showing just the conical receptacle; E leaves; F capitulum; G l.s. capitulum; H middle phyllary apex — l.h. showing abaxial view, r.h. showing adaxial view; J innermost phyllary; K detail showing surface of receptacle; L floret; M detail of corolla lobe apex (l.h. view of adaxial surface, r.h. view of abaxial surface); N corolla opened out showing position of anther cylinder; P style and style arms; Q achene (obcompressed) in lateral view showing asymmetric carpopodium facing right (towards attachment point on receptacle); R base of achene showing adaxial surface and carpopodium; S detail of setula from achene body; T detail of apex of pappus seta.

 A, C, D, F – T from Wood et al. 24182 (holotype in K); B & E from Wood et al. 13202 (K). 

Drawn by Naoko Yasue.

Praxelis cleggiae D.J.N.Hind & S.L.Edwards, sp. nov.

RECOGNITION. Praxelis cleggiae is similar to P. insignis in that both species are procumbent and spreading, commonly have a single capitulum per inflorescence (if terminal) or inflorescence branch, and possess inconspicuously bracteolate pedicels. Praxelis cleggiae is distinguished from P. insignis in possessing markedly longer internodes (c. 2 – 9 cm vs c. 0.3 – 0.8 cm), with leaves scarcely longer than internode (vs leaves c. 3 – 6+ times longer than ...

ETYMOLOGY. The species is named after Rosemary (Rosie) Clegg, formerly TIPAs Bolivia Co-ordinator, at RBG, Kew, now a post graduate student being co-supervised by the first author of this paper. Rosie first brought the issue of this species to the attention of the first author when she began assessing the species for Red Data listing, at which point a critical assessment was made of the material.

 

D. J. Nicholas Hind and Sara L. Edwards. 2024. Praxelis cleggiae (Compositae: Eupatorieae: Praxeliinae), A New Species from the Granite Inselbergs in the east of the Departamento de Santa Cruz, Bolivia.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: s12225-024-10189-1

[Botany • 2023] Krenakanthus ribeiranus (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) • A “hairy situation” in Minas Gerais, Brazil: A striking New Species of Krenakanthus covered with uniseriate trichomes

 

 Krenakanthus ribeiranus 

in Leme, Gonella, Couto, Fernandez, De Carvalho, De Almeida et Mariath, 2023. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.619.1.2

    Researchgate.net/publication/374443908 

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Abstract

A new species of Krenakanthus, a member of the bromelioid “Cryptanthoid complex”, is described based on plants discovered through collaborative citizen science. Krenakanthus ribeiranus and its only congener K. roseolilacinus are endemic to the “João Pinto Center of Biodiversity”, a still poorly explored region with Campos Rupestres and associated vegetation in the Rio Doce Valley, in eastern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The unusual combination of morphological characters of K. ribeiranus, highlighted by plant delicacy and almost all leaf and flower parts covered by uniseriate, hair-like trichomes, is illustrated and discussed in comparison with K. roseolilacinus, including leaf and seed anatomy, as well as pollen morphology. This micro-endemic species is assessed as Critically Endangered, reinforcing the need for strategy to protect the biodiversity of the region. The morphology of the new species validates and strengthens the diagnostic flower characters used in the circumscription of Krenakanthus, suggesting as secondary diagnostic characters the habit, stature, and leaf conformation.  

Keywords: Monocots, anatomy, Campos Rupestres, Cryptanthoid complex, João Pinto Center of Biodiversity, morphology, uniseriate trichomes

 Krenakanthus ribeiranus (J.C.S. Ribeiro 001):
 A. General aspect of the shaded rocky habitat alongside creeks at the type locality. B–D. Subpopulations at the type locality composed of individuals growing on organic-rich, shallow soils accumulated on sandstone rock surfaces among mosses.  

Photos: J.C.S. Ribeiro.

  

 A–F.  Krenakanthus ribeiranus (J.C.S. Ribeiro 001):
A Habit in three stages of flower development. B. Habit, highlighting an individual in fruit stage. C. Small-sized aspect of the leaf rosette in an adult individual. D. Frontal view of the fan blade-like corolla. E. Lateral view of the corolla. F. Abundant seedlings growing not far from mother-plants.

Photos: J.C.S. Ribeiro.

Krenakanthus ribeiranus (J.C.S. Ribeiro 001; A, C, F–G, I, K, M) and K. roseolilacinus (Leme 8922; B, D–E, H, J, L, N):  
 A–B. Frontal view of the corolla. C–D. Petals and stamens. E. Petal. F. Pistil and the stamens, highlighting the unequal filaments. G–H. Sepals. I–J. Fruits. K–L. Anthers. M–N. Stigma.

 Bars = 5 mm (C–E, J). Bars = 2 mm (F–I). Bars = 1 mm (K–N). 

  Photos: A. J.C.S. Ribeiro. B–N. E. Leme.

Elton M. C. Leme, Paulo M. Gonella, Dayvid R. Couto, Eduardo P. Fernandez, Jordano D. T. De Carvalho, Pedro S. De Almeida and Jorge E. A. Mariath. 2023. A “hairy situation” in Minas Gerais, Brazil: A striking New Species of Krenakanthus (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) covered with uniseriate trichomes. Phytotaxa. 619(1); 39-62. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.619.1.2

  Researchgate.net/publication/374443908_A_new_species_of_Krenakanthus_from_MinasGerais_Brazil  

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[Botany • 2016] Behuria mestrealvarensis (Melastomataceae) • A New Species on an inselberg in Espírito Santo, Brazil

Behuria mestrealvarensis D.T.Iglesias & R.Goldenb., 

in Iglesias, Dutra et Goldenberg, 2016.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.255.3.10

 Researchgate.net/publication/301252439

Abstract

Behuria mestrealvarensis (Melastomataceae) from the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, is described, illustrated and compared with B. capixaba, the species most similar to it. Behuria mestrealvarensis differs from B. capixaba by the glabrous petioles and hypanthia, by the solitary flowers or these in simple or compound triads up to 7 flowers, elliptic bracteoles almost the same size of the pedicel and hypanthium, sepals with eciliate margins and ovary apex with trichomes up to 0.5 mm. It occurs in a single locality, on an isolated, ca. 800m elev. inselberg. Due to its restricted occupancy area, fragmented landscape and poor habitat quality, this species must be considered as Critically Endangered according to IUCN criteria.

Keywords: Atlantic rain forest, taxonomy, endemism, Eudicots, Brazil

Behuria mestrealvarensis D.T.Iglesias & R.Goldenb.

Diego Tavares Iglesias, Valquíria Ferreira Dutra and Renato Goldenberg. 2016. Behuria mestrealvarensis (Melastomataceae): A New Species on an inselberg in Espírito Santo, Brazil. Phytotaxa. 255(3); 281–286. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.255.3.10

 Researchgate.net/publication/301252439_Behuria_mestrealvarensis_A_new_species_on_an_inselberg_in_Espirito_Santo_Brazil

[Botany • 2024] Stigmatodon medeirosii (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae) • A New hyperepilithic bromeliad from granitic inselbergs of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Stigmatodon medeirosii  

in Couto et Gonella. 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.637.3.2 

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Abstract

Stigmatodon medeirosii (Bromeliaceae, Tillandsioideae), a new hyperepilithic species, restricted to vertical rock walls of the inselbergs of eastern Minas Gerais, in the medium Rio Doce River basin, southeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated. Diagnostic characters and affinities of the new species are discussed, accompanied by notes on its ecology, geographic distribution, and conservation status. The new species is most similar to S. fontellanus and S. lemeanus from Espírito Santo state but distinguished by a set of vegetative and reproductive characters. Following the criteria of the IUCN Red List, S. medeirosii is to be assessed as Vulnerable (VU), reinforcing the need for attention to the conservation of inselbergs and associated vegetation in eastern Minas Gerais.

Atlantic Forest, conservation, rock-climbing plants, rock outcrops, Vrieseinae, Monocots

 

Dayvid Rodrigues Couto and Paulo Minatel Gonella. 2024. Stigmatodon medeirosii, A New hyperepilithic bromeliad (Tillandsioideae) from granitic inselbergs of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Phytotaxa. 637(3); 242-250. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.637.3.2

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[Botany • 2022] Tillandsia ertonii & T. nathanii (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae) • Two New Species from Brazil

  

Tillandsia ertonii  E.H.Souza & Leme,
Tillandsia nathanii E.H.Souza & Leme,

in de Souza, Cavalcante, França, Aona, Souza et Leme, 2022. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.560.1.7 

 Researchgate.net/publication/363068578

  

Abstract

The authors describe, discuss, and illustrate two new species of Tillandsia from a granitic outcrop in the municipality of Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro state, and from an inselberg located in the municipality of Belo Jardim, Pernambuco state, Brazil. The species are endemic with a restricted area of distribution, being considered critically endangered (CR) mainly due to habitat fragmentation and illegal extractivism, specifically for regional and international trade. We also present the phenology, a distribution map of the species, and compare them with morphologically similar taxa.

Key-words: Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, illegal trade, Tillandsia burle-maxii, T. mantiqueirae, Monocots

A–C: Inselberg where Tillandsia ertonii was found in Belo Jardim, Pernambuco, Brazil. A: Habitat, a steep face of granitic outcrop. B: Collecting the species showing the difficulty. C: Natural population showing the clumps of the species.
D: Overview of the granitic outcrop where Tillandsia nathanii was found in Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. E: Close up of a few plants on the granite. F: Acollected plant of the species.

 Photos: A–C: E. M. Almeida; D–E: N. M. G. David.

Tillandsia ertonii E.H.Souza & Leme, sp. nov.

Tillandsia nathanii E.H.Souza & Leme, sp. nov.

Everton Hilo de Souza, Brayan P. Cavalcante, Rivã Ribeiro Do N. França, Lidyanne Y. S. Aona, Fernanda V. D. Souza and Elton M. C. Leme. 2022. Two New Species of Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae) from Brazil. Phytotaxa. 560(1); 93-1030. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.560.1.7

  Researchgate.net/publication/363068578_Two_New_Species_of_Tillandsia_from_Brazil

   

[Botany • 2023] Linderniella porembskii (Linderniaceae) • A New Species from central Malagasy Granitic Inselbergs

Linderniella porembskii Andriamiar. & Rabarim., 

in Andriamiarisoa, Rabarimanarivo et Porembski, 2023.

DOI: 10.15553/c2023v781a2

Abstract

A rupicolous, resurrection, inselberg specialist plant is newly described and illustrated. Linderniella porembskii Andriamiar. & Rabarim. (Linderniaceae) is restricted to central Malagasy granitic inselbergs in the Amoron'i Mania Region. It differs from the other Malagasy species of the genus by its habit with dense and richly branched stems, decumbent to erect, and by being glabrous to glabrescent and having obovoid-acuminate capsule. A detailed description of the species is provided, accompanied by illustrations and an identification key to the Malagasy species of the genus. The new species is assessed as “Endangered” using to IUCN Red List Categories.

KEYWORDS: LINDERNIACEAE, Linderniella, Madagascar, inselberg, new species, Resurrection plant

Linderniella porembskii Andriamiar. & Rabarim.
 A. Habit; B. Distal leaf; C. Basal leaf; D. Sepal; E. Corolla (open); F. Staminode; G. Stamens; H. Pistil; I–K. Fruits; L. Seed.

[Rabarimanarivo et al. 741, TAN]

 [Drawings: R.L. Andriamiarisoa]

Linderniella porembskii Andriamiar. & Rabarim., sp. nov. 

Linderniella porembskii Andriamiar. & Rabarim. can be distinguished from the most similar L. horombensis (Eb. Fisch.) Eb. Fisch. et al. by its habit with dense and richly branched stems, decumbent to erect (vs. stems usually single, erect from a basal rosette), plants glabrous to glabrescent (vs. pubescent), and its capsules obovate-acuminate (vs. acuminate-attenuate).

Roger Lala Andriamiarisoa, Marina N. Rabarimanarivo and Stefan Porembski. 2023. A New Species of Linderniella (Linderniaceae) from central Malagasy Granitic Inselbergs. Candollea. 78(1); 11-15. DOI: 10.15553/c2023v781a2

 

Andriamiarisoa, R.L., M.N. Rabarimanarivo & S. Porembski (2023). Une nouvelle espèce de Linderniella (Linderniaceae) des inselbergs granitiques du centre de Madagascar. Candollea 78: 11–15.  

Une plante rupicole, reviviscente, spécialistes des inselbergs est nouvellement décrite et illustrée. Linderniella porembskii Andriamiar. & Rabarim. (Linderniaceae) est restreinte aux inselbergs granitiques du centre de Madagascar, dans la Région d'Amoron'i Mania. Elle se distingue des autres espèces malgaches du genre par son port herbacé avec des tiges richement ramifiées et touffues, décombantes et dressées, des plantes glabres à glabrescentes et sa capsule obovoïde-acuminée. Une description détaillée de l'espèce est fournie, accompagnée d'illustrations et d'une clé d'identification des espèces malgaches du genre. La nouvelle espèce est considérée comme “En danger” selon les Catégories de la Liste rouge de l'UICN.

[Herpetology • 2023] Acontias mukwando • A New Species of African Legless Skink, Genus Acontias Cuvier, 1816 “1817” (Squamata: Scincidae) from Serra da Neve Inselberg, south-western Angola

 Acontias mukwando

Marques, Parrinha, Tiutenko, Lopes-Lima, Bauer & Ceríaco, 2023

DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2023.2246487 

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ABSTRACT

During a recent survey of the Serra da Neve inselberg in south-western Angola, a population of legless skinks of the genus Acontias was found. Only three species of this genus have been recorded for the country so far – A. occidentalis, A. kgalagadi and A. jappi. Using an integrative approach and combining molecular and morphological data we found that the Serra da Neve population represents a new species, closely related to species such as A. percivali and some members of the A. occidentalis species complex. In this paper, we describe this population as a new species, Acontias mukwando sp. nov. and provide brief comments on its conservation and biogeography.

KEYWORDS: Acontinae, taxonomy, endemism, speciation, systematics

 

Mariana P. Marques, Diogo Parrinha, Arthur Tiutenko, Manuel Lopes-Lima, Aaron M. Bauer and Luis M. P. Ceríaco. 2023. A New Species of African Legless Skink, Genus Acontias Cuvier, 1816 “1817” (Squamata: Scincidae) from Serra da Neve Inselberg, south-western Angola. African Journal of Herpetology. DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2023.2246487

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RESUMO: No decorrer de um levantamento herpetológico da ilha-montanha da Serra da Neve no sudoeste de Angola, descobriu-se uma população de escincos-lança do género Acontias. Apenas três espécies deste género foram até agora registadas para Angola - A. occidentalis, A. kgalagadi and A. jappi. Adotando uma abordagem integrativa e combinando dados morfológicos e moleculares, os nossos resultados indicam que a população da Serra da Neve representa uma nova espécie, com relações próximas a outras espécies rupícolas tais como A. percivali e membros do complexo de espécies A. occidentalis. Neste artigo descrevemos esta população como uma nova espécie, Acontias mukwando sp. nov. e apresentamos breves comentários sobre a sua conservação e biogeografia.

[Botany • 2023] Merianthera calyptrata (Melastomataceae: Pyramieae) • A New candelabriform Species from Minas Gerais, Brazil

Merianthera calyptrata R.Goldenb., Bochorny & Fraga, 

in Goldenberg, Bochorny, Amorim, Ziemmer et Fraga, 2023.  

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.888.2209

ABSTRACT

Merianthera is a genus of flowering plants with up to now seven species occurring in eastern Brazil, in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Minas Gerais. It belongs to the tribe Pyramieae (Melastomataceae), and can be recognized by its shrubby or treelet habit with caducous leaves, 5-merous flowers with a strongly zygomorphic androecium, the latter with dimorphic stamens bearing complex dorsal connective appendages, as well as an inferior ovary and capsular fruits. We describe here a new species of Merianthera from two collections and a photographic record, all from the same locality, an inselberg in the Municipality of Jacinto, in northeastern Minas Gerais. Its candelabriform habit, with a fistulose stem, and solitary, axillary or cauliflorous flowers are only shared with M. burlemarxii. However, Merianthera calyptrata R.Goldenb., Bochorny & Fraga sp. nov. has at least three characters that are absent in M. burlemarxii and all other species in the genus: the total absence of both a peduncle and bracteoles, the calyptrate calyx and the fruits developing from inferior ovaries and dehiscing through longitudinal slits. The first character appears to be unknown in other species in the family.

Keywords: Cambessedesieae, inselbergs, Pyramieae, xerophytic plants

Field photographs of Merianthera calyptrata R.Goldenb., Bochorny & Fraga sp. nov.
A. Fertile branch. B.  Branch apex, longitudinal section showing the fistulose structure of the stem, with the chambers filled with parenchyma. C–E.  Sequence of flower anthesis, showing the calyptrate calyx with its circumscissile dehiscence. F.  Flowers, frontal view. G.  Stamens and style, lateral view. H.  Old flower, lateral view; this photo shows the single, ebracteolate flower and the absence of a peduncle. I.  Mature fruit.

 From: Fraga & Couto 4144 (A–H), Amorim et al. 11854 (I). Photos by C.N. Fraga (A–H) and Y. Gouvea (I).

Merianthera calyptrata R.Goldenb., Bochorny & Fraga sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: Merianthera calyptrata sp. nov. differs from Merianthera burlemarxii by the acute or slightly cuneate leaf base (vs obtuse to rounded in M. burlemarxii), rounded to seldom obtuse apex (vs acuminate or abruptly acuminate), the solitary flower on a single, ebracteolate pedicel, borne directly on the stem, i.e., not borne on a peduncle (vs solitary, bibracteolate, pedicellate flower borne on a short peduncle), calyx closed in bud, calyptrate, dehiscing through a transversal, circumscissile slit that releases a single, conical cap (vs open in bud, with five regular sepals), fruits opening regularly through (3–)4 longitudinal slits running from the apex to almost the base of the fruit (vs fruits opening irregularly, with no apparent line of dehiscence, and the seeds are dispersed as the hypanthium and ovary walls decay and open; fide Goldenberg et al. 2012). 

Etymology: The epithet refers to the flowers with a calyptrate calyx, a unique feature of M. calyptrata sp. nov., and otherwise unknown in the genus and tribe.

Illustration of Merianthera calyptrata R.Goldenb., Bochorny & Fraga sp. nov.
 A. Fertile branch. B.  Detail of the branch showing leaf and flower scars plus two lenticels, each at one side of the leaf scar. C.  Branch tip with leaves, flower buds, an open flower and a fruit. D.  Flower opening sequence, from left to right: flower bud, with the calyptrate calyx still attached to the hypanthium; flower bud, with a circumscissile dehiscence, but the calyptra still holding the petals together; and young flower, with the calyptrate calyx falling from the petal tips. E.  Petal, adaxial surface. F. Flower in longitudinal section (calyx, petals and stamens removed) with detail of trichomes at the base of style. G. Antesepalous stamens, from bud (left) and mature flower (right). H.  Antepetalous stamens, from bud (right) and mature flower (left). I.  Antepetalous stamen, detail of the pore.

From Fraga & Couto 4144 (all drawings). Drawn by Diana Carneiro.

Merianthera calyptrata R.Goldenb., Bochorny & Fraga sp. nov. in its habitat.
A. Inselberg and granitic outcrops where the plant can be found.
B. Vegetation cluster growing on a cleft, on a granitic outcrop, with M. calyptrata to the right and front, with flowers.
C. Three individuals with spreading crowns, behind some Alcantarea (É.Morren ex Mez) Harms (Bromeliaceae).

 From Fraga & Couto 4144. Photos by C.N. Fraga.

Renato Goldenberg, Thuane Bochorny, André Márcio Amorim, Juliana Klostermann Ziemmer and Claudio Nicoletti de Fraga. 2023. Merianthera calyptrata sp. nov. (Melastomataceae, Myrtales), A New candelabriform Species from Minas Gerais, Brazil. European Journal of Taxonomy. 888(1), 64-76.  DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.888.2209

[Botany • 2023] Stigmatodon lemeanus (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae: Vrieseinae) • A New epilithic Bromeliad from Pedra dos Três Pontões, Espírito Santo, Brazil, with An emended Combination for the Genus

Stigmatodon lemeanus D.R.Couto, A.P.Fontana & Fraga,
 

in Couto, Fontana, da Costa & de Fraga, 2023. 

DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.98904

Abstract

Background and aims – Stigmatodon (Bromeliaceae) is a monophyletic genus currently comprising 33 species, all endemic to rocky outcrops, mainly inselbergs, from the Atlantic Forest and campos rupestres of the Espinhaço range, Brazil.

Material and methods – Our fieldwork in the inselbergs of the Atlantic Forest of the state of Espírito Santo led to the discovery of a new Stigmatodon species with a tubo-laciniate stigma type. Standard herbarium taxonomy practices were adopted to study the novelty. Morphological data were obtained from herbarium specimens and fresh material collected in the field.

Key results – Stigmatodon lemeanus is here described and illustrated. Diagnostic characters and affinities of the new species are discussed, accompanied by notes on its ecology, geographic distribution, and conservation status. A key to the species of Stigmatodon from Espírito Santo state is provided. The novelty is similar to S. goniorachis from coastal inselbergs of Rio de Janeiro and S. attenuatoides, another inselberg endemic from southern Espírito Santo. Stigmatodon lemeanus is preliminarily assessed as Vulnerable (VU) according to the IUCN Red List criteria. Additionally, we present a new combination of Tillandsia oligantha in Stigmatodon, correcting a nomenclatural error.

Keywords: Atlantic Forest, Brazilian endemics, campo rupestre, inselbergs, taxonomy, Vrieseinae

Stigmatodon lemeanus.
A. Habit. B. Leaf. C. Peduncle bract. D. Inflorescence before anthesis. E. Flower, frontal view with detail of the stamens arranged in two groups of three on each lateral side of the corolla. F. Flower, lateral view. G. Floral bract, adaxial side. H. Floral bract, abaxial side. I. Floral bract, detail of the thickest part at the base. J. Petal with two basal appendages. K. Basal appendages, details. L. Stamen. M. Pistil.

From the holotype D.R. Couto & C.N. Fraga 4926 (MBML). Drawn by Joelcio Freitas.

Stigmatodon lemeanus.
 A–B. Plants in situ at the type locality. C. Flowering individual in cultivation. D. Lateral view of the flower and floral bract. E. Frontal view of the flower. F. Details of the tubo-laciniate stigma and anthers.

Photographs: A, C–F by Dayvid R. Couto, B by André P. Fontana.

Stigmatodon lemeanus D.R.Couto, A.P.Fontana & Fraga, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Similar to Stigmatodon goniorachis (Baker) Leme, G.K.Br. & Barfuss but distinguished by the suberect to patent peduncle (vs erect to suberect) that is more robust with a diameter of 6.5–7.8 mm (vs 3.5–6.2 mm), the main axis with shorter internodes (8.5–9.5 mm vs 15–25 mm long) that supports fewer flowers (11–13 vs 14–32), the longer flowers (56–60 mm vs 35–40 mm long), the larger petals (38–39 × 17–21 mm vs 22–28 × 13–15 mm), the basal appendages with irregularly acute-dentate apex (vs irregularly bidentate), and the shorter stamens (19–22 mm vs 26–28 mm long).

Habitat and ecology: The plant is epilithic, heliophilic, living on bare and vertical rock walls of inselbergs, where it forms large populations (Figs 2A, 4C), surrounded by Atlantic Forest fragments and farmland. In the type locality, Stigmatodon lemeanus grows on vertical rock walls (Fig. 2A–B), including on the large and pointed peaks of the mountain, from which the name “Pedra dos Três Pontões” is derived (Fig. 4B). In some places, they grow alongside sparse individuals of Pitcairnia diversifolia (Bromeliaceae), Mandevilla declinata (Apocynaceae), and the orchids Bulbophyllum weddellii Rchb.f., Bifrenaria harrisoniae (Hook.) Rchb.f., and Pseudolaelia dutrae Ruschi.

Etymology: The specific epithet honours our friend Dr Elton Martinez Carvalho Leme (1960−), from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, whose personal efforts have substantially contributed to the knowledge of the diversity, taxonomy, and systematics of Brazilian bromeliads. In addition, Dr Elton Leme is one of the authors of the genus Stigmatodon and has greatly contributed to the knowledge of these plants.

Stigmatodon lemeanus.
 A–B. General view of the landscape at the type locality, highlighting the large and vertical pointed peaks of Pedra dos Três Pontões. C. Detail of the population on a vertical rock wall alongside sparse individuals of Pitcairnia diversifolia; some individuals grow close to the base of the slope, which facilitated the collection of some specimens for the study and description of the new species.

Photographs: A by André P. Fontana, B–C by Claudio N. Fraga.

  

 Dayvid Rodrigues Couto, André Pavioti Fontana, Andrea Ferreira da Costa and Claudio Nicoletti de Fraga. 2023. A New epilithic Bromeliad (Stigmatodon, Tillandsioideae) from Pedra dos Três Pontões, Espírito Santo, Brazil, with An emended Combination for the Genus. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 156(2): 215-224. DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.98904

[Botany • 2022] Hippeastrum carassense & H. velloziflorum (Amaryllidaceae) • Out of the Mud: Two New Species of Hippeastrum from the Doce and Jequitinhonha River Basins, Brazil

Hippeastrum velloziflorum Campos-Rocha & Meerow, 

in Campos-Rocha, Meerow, Machado, ... et Dutilh, 2022. 

DOI: 10.1007/s00606-022-01805-3 

 Researchgate.net/publication/360902983 

 facebook.com/AntonioCamposRocha

Abstract

In 2015, Brazil faced the worst environmental disaster in its history, when the collapse of an iron ore dam dumped millions of tons of tailings into the Doce River. In this paper, we describe two Hippeastrum species native to localities directly involved in the tragedy. The dam was located in the foothills of Serra do Caraça, a mountain range in the state of Minas Gerais, from where we describe the endemic H. carassense; H. velloziflorum was first found on an inselberg located on the banks of the Doce River, in the neighboring state of Espírito Santo. Comments on their distribution, ecology, and phenology are provided, as well as comparisons with the most similar taxa. The conservation status of the two new species is preliminarily assessed, and both are considered threatened with extinction. We also compared their leaf anatomy and micromorphology with related species of Amaryllidaceae. Based on nrDNA ITS, we infer the phylogenetic position of H. velloziflorum, a taxon with several unique morphological characters for Hippeastrum, as the first branch in subgenus Hippeastrum. The placement of H. velloziflorum in Hippeastrum is also supported by anatomical and cytological data. The somatic chromosome number was 2n = 22, and the karyotype formula was 2n = 8m + 12sm + 2st chromosome pairs. An identification key to the species of Hippeastrum occurring in the Doce and Jequitinhonha River basins is presented.

Keywords: Atlantic forest, Endemism, Inselbergs, Leaf anatomy, Nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer, Systematics

Hippeastrum carassense Campos-Rocha & R.C.Mota
a Habit. b Detail of leaf venation, adaxial surface. c Spathe bract. d Flower, frontal view. e Flower with removed perigone, showing stamens and style. f Longitudinal section of the ovary. g Stigma. h Sepals and petals: shape and apices. i1 Upper sepal. i2 Lateral petal. i3 Lateral sepal. i4 Lower petal.

Drawn by Klei Sousa from R.C. Mota 2747

a View of Serra do Caraça from Bento Rodrigues, the first village hit and completely buried by the mudslide; Pico do Inficionado and Pico do Sol (arrows), part of Germano mining complex (asterisk).
 b–d Hippeastrum carassense. b Flowering plant. c–d Flower, frontal view (c; detail of paraperigone). e Flower, lateral view

Hippeastrum carassense Campos-Rocha & R.C.Mota, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Hippeastrum carassense is similar to H. diniz-cruziae Dutilh & Semir, but differs by having a shorter tube (up to 0.8 cm long) and a scalelike paraperigone (vs. tube 0.9–1.8 cm and paraperigone of bristles in H. diniz-cruziae). It may be related to H. cipoanum (Ravenna) Meerow, from which it is readily distinguished by its lorate leaves (vs. linear leaves in H. cipoanum).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to Serra of Caraça, the locality to which the new species is endemic.

Hippeastrum velloziflorum Campos-Rocha & Meerow. 
a Habit. b Leaf. c Detail of leaf venation, adaxial surface. d Inflorescence with floral buds. e Flower, frontal view. f Sepals and petals. g1 Upper sepal. g2 Lateral petal. g3 Lateral sepal. g4 Lower petal. h Distal portion of the flower in cross section. i Stigma. j Longitudinal section of the ovary. k Cross section of the ovary. l Capsule. m Seed.

Drawn by Klei Sousa; a-g from A.P. Fontana 6070, h-m from A. Campos-Rocha 2772

Hippeastrum velloziflorum Campos-Rocha & Meerow. 
a Morro Maquiji (general view of the inselberg). b Granite extraction in the foothills of Maquiji.
c Vegetation islands in the higher areas of Maquiji. d Plants in habitat. e Bulbs and flowers buds. f Detail of spathe bracts. g Flowers, back view. h Anthers nearly at the same height. i Flowering plants. j Mature fruits. k Detail of the surface of the seed. l–o Seed.

 Scale bars k 50 µm; l–o 2 mm; h 4 mm

Hippeastrum velloziflorum Campos-Rocha & Meerow, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Hippeastrum velloziflorum has unique leaves and flowers among all Hippeastrum. Its leaves are falcate and somewhat fleshy, resembling the leaves of Worsleya procera (Lem.) Traub (tribe Griffinieae). The flowers of H. velloziflorum are erect, salverform, and nearly actinomorphic and exhibit an unprecedented arrangement of their stamens, which are quite short in length. It may be related to H. brasilianum, another white-flowered species endemic to inselbergs in southeastern Brazil, from which it is distinguishable even vegetatively by its conspicuously falcate, fleshy leaves (vs. lorate and papery in H. brasilianum).

 Etymology: The specific epithet makes reference to the amazing resemblance of the flowers and those of some species of Vellozia Vand. (Velloziaceae), in particular white ones with hypanthia elongated into a tube. Vellozia is one of the most representative elements of saxicolous vegetation on inselbergs in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Porembski 2003), habitat where Hippeastrum velloziflorum is known to occur.

Antonio Campos-Rocha, Alan W. Meerow, Raquel M. Machado, Juliana L. S. Mayer, Rubens C. da Mota, André P. Fontana, Otávio B. C. Ribeiro, Nicolás B. García and Julie H. A. Dutilh. 2022. Out of the Mud: Two New Species of Hippeastrum (Amaryllidaceae) from the Doce and Jequitinhonha River Basins, Brazil. Plant Systematics and Evolution. 308: 22. DOI: 10.1007/s00606-022-01805-3 

  Researchgate.net/publication/360902983_two_new_species_of_Hippeastrum_from_the_Doce_and_Jequitinhonha_River_basins_Brazil

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