Taxonomic and chorological novelties in Blakea (Melastomataceae: Pyxidantheae) from Peru with a list of species for the country

Abstract

Seven new Peruvian species of Blakea are described and illustrated here: Blakea eden, Blakea quinta, Blakea wilderi and Blakea yumi from the Department of Amazonas, Blakea pavida and Blakea rojasiae from the Departments of Amazonas and Cajamarca, and Blakea leoniae from the Departments of Amazonas and San Martin. Following IUCN criteria, we propose that most species should be considered as Endangered (EN) but for B. pavida, B. quinta and B. yumi, that should be recognized as Critically Endangered (CR) due to their restricted distributions and the intense ongoing human activity (agriculture and livestock) in their habitats. Additionally, we provide notes on the new records and species that have been published since Brako & Zarucchi’s checklist of the Peruvian flora in 1993, including the lectotypifications of Blakea brasiliensis, B. nareliana, and Topobea pittieri (B. henripittierii). Blakea gracilis and B. parvifolia are suggested to be excluded from Peru. Based on this, we present a list of 33 Blakea species currently accepted for Peru, 14 of which are endemic.