Miconia bahiana (Melastomataceae, Miconieae), a new species from semideciduous forest in Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

Background – Recent collection efforts in semideciduous forests from Bahia, Brazil, provided material that belongs to a species of Miconia (Melastomataceae) not yet described scientifically. Here, we describe this new species and compare it to four species in the “Miconia discolor group” that share morphological similarities. We also provide illustrations, photographs, a distribution map and conservation assessment for the new species.Methods – This study was based on specimens from several herbaria and field collections, which resulted in photographs and ethanol-preserved material, as well as information about the environment where the plants were found. The conservation assessment is based on field observations and spatial analyses (i.e., extent of occurrence, area of occupancy), following IUCN guidelines and criteria.Results – Miconia bahiana has been collected ten times in four localities since 2001, ranging from 800 to 1041 m elevation. The species resembles a group of species endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (M. capixaba R.Goldenb., M. cubatanensis Hoehne and M. setosociliata Cogn.), all of them with abaxial leaf surfaces densely (seldom moderately) covered with branched trichomes, inflorescences with paraclades with a first dichasial branching, then uniparous (scorpioid) branchings, and white, glabrous stamens lacking appendages or with dorsal ones, the anthers with a moderate to large pore. It differs from the above cited species by the rounded to subcordate leaf bases, and the persistent calyx with a truncate inner membrane, lacking well-defined lobes. This new species is described, illustrated, and compared with the species mentioned above. According to IUCN guidelines and criteria, we recommend to assess M. bahiana as Endangered (EN).