Notes on the Flora of the Yucatán Peninsula IX: A Reappraisal of the Genus Wimmeria (Celastraceae), Including the New Species W. lundelliana

Abstract

Wimmeria lundelliana Carnevali, R. Duno, J. L. Tapia & I. Ramírez (Celastraceae) from the Yucatán Peninsula Biotic Province (YPBP) is proposed as a new species. The novelty is described, illustrated, and its affinities discussed. It appears related to W. obtusifolia Standley, also from the Yucatán Peninsula, which is glabrous or glabrescent overall, with proportionally broader and blunter leaves. In comparison, an amplified description and iconography of W. obtusifolia are offered. An epitype is designated for W. obtusifolia to document the fruit morphology. A taxonomic overview of Wimmeria Schlechtendal & Chamisso in the YPBP is presented. The objectives of this paper are (1) to present a synopsis of the genus Wimmeria for the YPBP, (2) to provide a key to species identification, and (3) to describe a new species. An additional objective of this contribution is to provide an amplified description and iconography of W. obtusifolia, particularly of the fruits, which were previously undescribed.