Marantapilosissima (Marantaceae), a new species from Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Abstract

We describe a new species of Maranta from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The new species is similar to Maranta divaricata, from which it differs mainly in its shorter peduncles of synflorescences, florescences and cymules, being covered by hirsute bracts, and in its dense hairiness covering the aerial shoot in its entire extension. We characterize the new species in its external morphology, describe the anatomy of its leaves and presented an SEM scanning of its hairiness. Maranta pilosissima is also assessed in its preliminary conservation status and its distribution is mapped.