A noteworthy new species ofMicrolicia(Melastomataceae, Microlicieae) from the highlands of the state of Goiás, Brazil

Abstract

Microlicia latifolia D. O. & M. J. Silva, a new species from the highlands of the state of Goias, Brazil, is herein described and illustrated. It can be easily differentiated from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: carthaceous, large (1–4.3 × 0.4–2.5 cm), (3–)5-nerved leaves, with spherical short-stalked glandular trichomes on both surfaces, and entire but prominently ciliate margins, 5-, 6-, or 7-merous flowers, with 10, 12, or 14 stamens, bi- and polysporangiate anthers, obconical hypanthium, calyx lobes longer than the tube, and 4–5-locular ovary. The geographic distribution, conservation status, phenology, and habitat preference of the new species are also provided.