Four New Myrtaceae from Eastern Brazil

Abstract

Myrcia clavija Sobral, Myrciaria pilosa Sobral & Couto, Plinia longiacuminata Sobral, and Plinia subavenia Sobral are newly described and illustrated. Myrcia clavija, from montane forests of Minas Gerais, is related to M. hexasticha Kiaerskou, from which it differs by its 6-verticillate leaves, persistent bracteoles, and aristate calyx lobes. Myrciaria pilosa, from rocky fields of Bahia and forests of Minas Gerais, is close to M. floribunda (H. West ex Willdenow) O. Berg, differing by the pubescence of its leaves and flowers. Plinia longiacuminata and P. subavenia were collected from rainforests in coastal Bahia and Espírito Santo; the former is close to P. edulis (Vellozo) Sobral, differing from it by glabrous twigs and smaller leaves, and the latter is close to P. involucrata (O. Berg) McVaugh, from which it is distinguished by the glabrescence of leaves and fruits and by blades with the midvein adaxially sulcate. Comments on the conservation status of the species are also provided.