Abstract
During the preparation of the taxonomic treatment of Manihot in the Midwest Region of Brazil, a new species was found. Manihot fallax M.J. Silva & L.S. Inocencio is described, illustrated and morphologically compared with similar simple-leaved species. The conservation status, geographic distribution (including map), ecology, phenology and notes about leaf anatomy of the new species are given. The synonymisation of M. robusta M. Mend. & T. B. Cavalc. under M. attenuata Müll. Arg. and lectotypes for M. attenuata and M. brachystachys Pax & K. Hoffm are also proposed. An emended description of M. attenuata is proposed as the original description is incomplete as it lacks information on the pistillate flowers, fruits and seeds.
Highlights
The taxonomy of Manihot was studied by Rogers and Appan (1973), who recognised 98 species distributed into 19 sections
In the last four years, a number of species of Manihot have been described in Brazil in the coastal sand plains of the state of Sergipe (Martins et al 2011), in the semi-arid region of the state of Bahia (Martins et al 2014) and in Cerrado sensu lato of the state of Goiás (e.g. Mendoza et al 2015, Silva et al 2013, 2016, 2017, Silva 2014, 2015, Silva and Sodré 2014)
Taking into consideration that the flora of these states is relatively poorly known, that Manihot has its main diversity centre in the Brazilian Cerrado and that these states have their areas covered predominantly by Cerrado vegetation, it is plausible to conclude that the number of species of the genus has been underestimated in Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul
Summary
The taxonomy of Manihot was studied by Rogers and Appan (1973), who recognised 98 species distributed into 19 sections. Taking into consideration that the flora of these states is relatively poorly known, that Manihot has its main diversity centre in the Brazilian Cerrado and that these states have their areas covered predominantly by Cerrado vegetation, it is plausible to conclude that the number of species of the genus has been underestimated in Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. During the preparation of the taxonomic treatment of Manihot in the Midwest Region of Brazil, some collections were found from Serra Azul, Serra do Roncador, Serra do Taquaral and neighbouring areas in the state of Mato Grosso, which could not be assigned to any known species. An emended description of M. attenuata is provided, as the original description is incomplete as it lacks information on the pistillate flowers, fruits and seeds
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
