Two New Species of Loranthaceae from Central Peru

Abstract

Two new species of Loranthaceae are described and illustrated from the Cerros del Sira highland in central Peru. From the department of Pasco, province of Oxapampa, Gaiadendron coronatum Kuijt is distinguished as small parasitic shrubs, its flowers with distinct calyx lobes that develop into a tubular structure in fruit. Gaiadendron coronatum is closely related to the only previously known species for the genus, G. punctatum (Ruiz & Pav.) G. Don. From the department of Ucayali, province of Coronel Portillo, Peristethium grahamii Kuijt is distinguished by its 5-merous flowers, the papery scales at the base of a determinate inflorescence, and by its essentially sessile anthers.