Microlicia crenatifolia (Melastomatacae), a new species from the westernmost limits of the Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

Microlicia crenatifolia is described from the Diamantina Plateau, a well-known hotspot of plant endemism in southeastern Brazil. It can be recognized by its small leaves (up to 8.3 mm long) that are conspicuously crenulate to slightly serrate, short floral pedicels (0.7–1.0 mm long), and linear calyx lobes that are externally glandular-punctate and covered with short gland-tipped trichomes 0.1–0.3 mm long. We provide line drawings, SEM photos of leaves, seeds and indumentum, a distribution map, and an identification key to M. crenatifolia and putative relatives (M. canastrensis, M. pabstii, M. serratifolia, and M. thomazii).