Abstract
An ongoing taxonomic revision of neotropical Connarus has identified three undescribed species of the genus, which are published here. One of them, C. foreroi, is known only from a single gathering from central Peru, probably reflecting scarcity of botanical inventories. Connarus revolutus, on the other hand, seems to be more common, but it is restricted to northeastern Espírito Santo and southern Bahia, Brazil. Connarus pedicellatus, originally described as a variety of C. erianthus, is elevated to the rank of species; it is distributed widely in the Amazon forest of Brazil, extending to southern Suriname. The present study describes and illustrates these three new species and provides a geographic distribution map, comparisons, information on habitat, phenology and preliminary conservation risk assessments, along with a key to distinguish them from similar taxa.Citation: Toledo C. A. P., Souza V. C. & Lucas E. J. 2021: Taxonomic revision of neotropical Connarus (Connaraceae) identifies three undescribed species. – Willdenowia 51: 171–180.Version of record first published online on 9 June 2021 ahead of inclusion in August 2021 issue.
Highlights
With more than 75 species, Connarus L. is the largest genus in Connaraceae (Lemmens & al. 2004)
Connarus is morphologically characterized by the lenticellate branchlets, alternate, compound and imparipinnate leaves without stipules, inflorescences usually in thyrses, heterostylous, pentamerous and actinomorphic flowers, androecium with two whorls of ten stamens alternating in length, gynoecium with a single carpel, and follicular fruits with black seeds bearing colourful arils
While the most inclusive phylogenetic study of Connaraceae – based exclusively on morphological data – recognized Connarus as sister to the clade formed by the African genera Burttia Baker f. & Exell, Ellipanthus Hook. f., Hemandradenia Stapf and Vismianthus Mildbr. (Lemmens 1989b), a recent preliminary genomic approach to the Plant and Fungal Tree of Life came up with different conclusions, in which Connarus forms a monophyletic group with Ellipanthus, Jollydora Pierre ex Gilg and Vismianthus, Burttia and Heman dradenia were not included
Summary
With more than 75 species, Connarus L. is the largest genus in Connaraceae (Lemmens & al. 2004). The new species presented in this study were described based on examination of specimens deposited in the following herbaria (herbarium codes according to Thiers 2020+): COL, CVRD, ESA, IAN, INPA, K, MA, MG, NY, P, RB, U, UB , UFACPZ and US.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
