Two new species of Meliosma (Sabiaceae) from the premontane and montane forests of the Selva Central of Peru

Abstract

Two new species of Meliosma, M. chanchamayensis and M. dazae, are described and illustrated from the Department of Junín of Peru. Meliosma chanchamayensis is more closely related to M. wurdackii but differs by its leaf blades (4.0-)5.0–7.2 cm wide, glabrous abaxial leaf blades, pedicels 0.5–0.8 mm long, and sepals 0.71–0.90 mm long. Meliosma dazae most closely resembles M. caballeroensis but differs by its elliptic leaf blades, sepals longer than outer petals, sepals 0.92–1.18 mm long, outer petals 0.66–0.95 mm long, and entire inner petals. Following IUCN criteria, M. chanchamayensis and M. dazae are categorised as Critically Endangered (CR).