A new species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) endemic to Serra das Confusões expands the range of the genus to Piauí, Brazil

Abstract

Microlicia piauiensis is described as a new species from Serra das Confusões, a mountainous region located in a transition zone between the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) and the Caatinga (deciduous bushland in semi-arid areas) domains. Microlicia piauiensis can be recognized by its branchlets, leaves and hypanthia that are glandular-punctate and covered with gland-tipped trichomes, leaves on short petioles, revolute leaf margins, oblong calyx lobes, magenta petals that are yellow at the base, and isomorphic stamens with small but discernible appendages at the ventral base of the pedoconnectives. Microlicia piauiensis has a distribution that is more than 400 kms distant from all areas of endemism previously identified for the tribe Lavoisiereae. It is the first species of Melastomataceae reported as endemic to Piauí. Photos of living and dried specimens are provided, as well as a distribution map, and morphological comparisons with putative relatives. A conservation status of Endangered is suggested for M. piauiensis.