Diamantina Plateau Research Articles

A new nothospecies of Prosthechea (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae) from the Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Based on morphological evidence found in some specimens recently collected in the Diamantina Plateau region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, a new natural hybrid between Prosthechea calamaria and P. faresiana is described and illustrated as P. ×riopretensis. Both putative parental species are known for the region and their flowering period overlaps. The new nothospecies carries most of the morphological features of P. calamaria, such as short plants (≤ 19 cm height) and inflorescences (≤ 7 cm long), and flowers with a small ovate lip (≤ 1 cm long), but the floral color pattern are remarkably like P. faresiana – sepals and petals covered by longitudinal vinaceous stripes. In addition to a digital composite plate of the taxonomic novelty, further images and a distribution map of the new nothospecies and its putative parents are provided, as well as notes on morphology, phenology, and ecology.

Three New Species of the Megadiverse Genus Microlicia (Melastomataceae) with Notes on Leaf Anatomy

Abstract— The new species Microlicia arenaria, M. dentisepala, and M. membranacea are described from the Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Microlicia arenaria is a cespitose subshrub with xylopodium, fastigiate branches, forming clumps, sessile leaves, linear lamina, and hypanthium and sepals covered with golden spherical glands. In addition, it has dimorphic and bicolored stamens with tetrasporangiate anthers. Microlicia dentisepala has a subshrub or shrub habit, is erect and much branched, and its leaves are small, varnished in appearance, with both surfaces covered with spherical glands. The sepals are triangular to narrowly lanceolate and shorter than the length of the hypanthium, with a tooth aspect. Microlicia membranacea is a subshrub with petiolate leaves, lamina of membranous consistency and suprabasal venation, with prominent secondary veins. The branch, leaf, hypanthium, and sepals are covered with glandular trichomes, and the cylindrical hypanthium is slightly contracted at the apex. Microlicia arenaria and M. dentisepala exhibit some anatomical features common to Microlicia, such as amphistomatic leaves, short-stalked glandular trichomes in depressions on the leaf surface, compact mesophyll, phenolic compounds in the subepidermal layer, idioblasts with druses in the mesophyll, and collateral vascular bundles. Microlicia membranacea stands out by its hypostomatic leaves and a thin mesophyll formed by only three to four cell layers, conditions possibly related to a shaded environment. Following the criteria of the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), we preliminarily assess the conservation status of the species Microlicia arenaria as Endangered (EN), Microlicia dentisepala as Critically Endangered (CR), and Microlicia membranacea as Data Deficient (DD). We provide descriptions of the new species, along with field images, detailed illustrations, and comparisons with related species. Data on geographic distribution and habitat are also presented.

Stachytarpheta meninii (Verbenaceae), a new micro‐endemic and threatened species from the Diamantina Plateau in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Stachytarpheta is mainly distributed in Brazil, where the knowledge of species richness is still in progress. Here, we describe S. meninii, a new micro‐endemic species from the Diamantina Plateau, Espinhaço Range. It is a shrub that can reach up to 1.8 meters in height, with abundant pedicellate glandular trichomes, viscous, aromatic leaves, inflorescences with oblong‐triangular bracts, and blue corollas, with a tube that is barely exserted from the calyx. The new species has been recorded from two gatherings from the same locality in the municipality of Serro, Minas Gerais state, and can be considered Critically Endangered (CR). Illustrations and a distribution map are provided for the recognition of S. meninii, along with an identification key for species of the genus found in Diamantina Plateau.

Microlicia crenatifolia (Melastomatacae), a new species from the westernmost limits of the Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Microlicia crenatifolia is described from the Diamantina Plateau, a well-known hotspot of plant endemism in southeastern Brazil. It can be recognized by its small leaves (up to 8.3 mm long) that are conspicuously crenulate to slightly serrate, short floral pedicels (0.7–1.0 mm long), and linear calyx lobes that are externally glandular-punctate and covered with short gland-tipped trichomes 0.1–0.3 mm long. We provide line drawings, SEM photos of leaves, seeds and indumentum, a distribution map, and an identification key to M. crenatifolia and putative relatives (M. canastrensis, M. pabstii, M. serratifolia, and M. thomazii).

Lithological control on the formation of ferruginous duricrusts in the Espinhaço Range (Minas Gerais, Brazil)

The Espinhaço Range is the scene of a long history of exposure to chemical weathering and erosion processes since the Cretaceous. As a result, ferruginous duricrusts can be considered as the fingerprint of the long-term surface process and may provide us critical clues about changes in paleo-environmental features during the Cenozoic. In addition, specifically for the Diamantina plateau, located in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil), there is great interest in studying the duricrusts of the Espinhaço Range, because they are associated with diamond mining, explored since the eighteenth century and which gave its name to the region. Even so, few studies have contributed to understanding their formation and morphological diversity. Mineralogical, geochemical, and micromorphological studies were undertaken to understand the processes involved in the formation of the two representative types of ferruginous duricrust, linked to phyllites of Espinhaço Supergroup: platy and massive types. The platy duricrust develops from the weathering of a banded ilmenite-hematite phyllite where the alteromorphization of its compositional banding and original foliation leads to the formation of an isalteritic duricrust. The massive duricrust, associated with diamond mining, is genetically linked to a quartz-phengite phyllite. Both duricrust profiles show relative enrichment in Fe and P and depletion of the other major elements compared to the saprolite, however, the iron concentration was 10 times greater in the massive than the platy duricrust. The REEs show similar distribution patterns with preferential leaching in both duricrusts. The compositional and textural variation of the phyllite in the Diamantina Plateau leads to the distinct evolution of two representative duricrusts profiles. The mineralogical, micromorphological, and geochemical analyses reinforce the lithological control in the formation of these two different types of ferruginous duricrusts in the study area, located in similar topographic and climatic conditions.

Chusquea calderoniae (Poaceae: Bambusoideae), a new species of C. subg. Chusquea endemic to the Espinhaço Range, Brazil

Chusquea is the richest genus of Neotropical bamboos, occurring from Mexico to Argentina and Brazil, with 198 accepted species. In Brazil, 49 members of this genus have been recorded, with the Eastern region being its main center of diversity, especially in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. The Espinhaço Range, found within this region, is considered the largest mountain complex in Brazil, including campo rupestre, caatinga, and cerrado vegetation types and transitional types among these, which explains the particular plant diversity of this region. Our recent taxonomic studies on Brazilian Chusquea subg. Chusquea indicated the presence of a new species herein described and illustrated, named C. calderoniae. It is morphologically related to the C. meyeriana informal group, being most similar to C. attenuata, but differing by the shape of the central bud and the length of the spikelet structures. The new species is endemic to the Espinhaço Range, occurring in riparian forest on the flanks of Pico das Almas, Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, and the Diamantina Plateau in Minas Gerais state, associated to campo rupestre vegetation, in contrast to C. attenuata, which occurs in the Atlantic rainforest in the states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro.

A new species of Odontophrynus (Anura, Odontophrynidae) from the southern portion of the Mantiqueira mountains

Using an integrative approach (morphology of the adult and larvae, bioacoustics, osteology, karyotype, and molecular data), we described a new tetraploid species of Odontophrynus to the Mantiqueira mountain range, in southeastern Brazil. The data suggest that Odontophrynus toledoi sp. nov., O. juquinha and Odontophrynus sp. (aff. juquinha) comprise a clade with specimens distributed along three distinct mountain ranges in Brazil: Mantiqueira (O. toledoi sp. nov.) and Espinhaço (O. juquinha) mountains, both in southeastern Brazil, and Diamantina Plateau (O. aff. juquinha), in northeastern Brazil. The new species is morphologically similar and closely related to O. juquinha, but is distinguished in morphology (both adult and larval), karyotype (O. toledoi sp. nov. is tetraploid and O. juquinha is diploid), and corroborated by phylogenetic inferences. We also show that these species do not exchange haplotypes in the 16s gene. Furthermore, although the raw acoustic parameters of Odontophrynus toledoi sp. nov. and O. juquinha overlap at the limits of their ranges, we found a clear difference in the acoustic space structure.

Calea repanda (Asteraceae: Neurolaeneae), a new species and novel characters for the taxonomy of the genus

We describe a new species, Calea repanda, from Brazil and discuss novel morphological characters for the taxonomy of this genus. This new species is morphologically similar to C. gentianoides and C. diamantinensis but is distinct due to repand (vs. entire) leaf margins, radiate (vs. discoid) capitulum, larger involucre 12.2–12.7 × 10.6–12 mm (vs. 5.5–9.4 × 2.7–5.2 mm), disc florets 30–40 (vs. 3–9), and fewer pappus scales 7–10 (vs. 15–20). Calea repanda is endemic to the Diamantina plateau in Minas Gerais state, Southeastern Brazil. We provide a map with the geographic occurrence of this species, an illustration with diagnostic characters, and the first taxonomic key for species of C. sect. Calea from Brazil. Furthermore, we propose a more detailed terminology to describe the proportion of the number of paleae and disc florets in the capitulum receptacle.

Microlicia schwackeana (Melastomataceae), a new species from campo rupestre in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Microlicia schwackeana is described as a new species from campo rupestre in Diamantina Plateau s.s. and Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais state. Here, we provide a description, illustration, occurrence map, and comparison with its related morphological species. The new species share some characteristics with M. pabstii and M. sciophylla. However, M. schwackeana differs by its scandent habit, petiolate, not amplexicaul leaves, and both blade surfaces with glandular trichomes mixed with spherical glands. Furthermore, the flower of M. schwackeana has a long pedicel (4.5−5 mm long) and hypanthium and sepals covered with long glandular trichomes (ca. 1 mm long) mixed with spherical glands. This species is considered a Data Deficient (DD) taxon, following IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Over a century later and 400 kilometers apart: rediscovery of Bulbophyllum barbatum (Orchidaceae) in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Fieldwork focused on the Orchidaceae family from the Diamantina Plateau of the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Southeast Brazil, resulted in the rediscovery of Bulbophyllum barbatum almost 140 years after its original description, in 1882. The species, known only from the original illustration by Barbosa Rodrigues, was originally described from the region known as Zona da Mata Mineira, and its rediscovery is reported from over 400 km to the northwest of that region. The new record allowed a more detailed study of its morphology, the first photographs of the species, as well as the preliminary assessment of its conservation status as Critically Endangered. Such unexpected rediscovery highlights the importance of conservation actions in the Brazilian campos rupestres given its high diversity and endemism, the deficient knowledge on the taxonomy and distribution of its species, and the increasing pressure of human activities.

Distribution patterns, endemism, richness and diversity of Convolvulaceae in the Espinhaço Range, Brazil

The Espinhaço Range is known for its unique plant diversity and richness of endemic species. We identified the distribution patterns, areas of endemism, floristic similarity, and the areas of richness and diversity of Convolvulaceae within the Espinhaço Range by analyzing a database of approximately 2600 occurrence records. One hundred and eighty-four taxa were categorized into one of four distribution patterns: continuous, disjunct, centered in the Bahia sector, and centered in the Minas Gerais sector. Nineteen Convolvulaceae species are endemic to Espinhaço Range. Endemic species had all of the different distribution patterns. Parsimony analysis of endemism indicated two main centers of endemism for the family: one in the Minas Gerais sector, on the Diamantina Plateau, and another in the Bahia sector, in the Chapada Diamantina. The floristic similarity, richness, and diversity analyses evidenced a principal group in each portion, mainly concentrated in the Chapada Diamantina, and secondarily in the Iron Quadrangle. Such studies are important both for understanding biodiversity and for decision-making in public conservation policies.

Centers of richness and endemism of Lauraceae in the Espinhaço Range, Brazil

Our study is the most comprehensive checklist of the species of Lauraceae in the Espinhaço Range, including 99 species that belong to 13 genera. This number of species represents about 22% of the total estimated in Brazil and the endemism 8%. Thirty-four endemic species are identified, of which 15 are potential new taxa to be yet described, and 15 are categorized as micro-endemic. The Espinhaço Range presents four centers of richness and endemism of Lauraceae: (i) Serra do Cipó, (ii) South Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais (Quadrilátero Ferrífero), (iii) Chapada Diamantina, and (iv) the Diamantina Plateau. There is a high sharing of species between South Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais and Serra do Cipó, and South Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Serra do Cipó, and the Diamantina Plateau. A geographical congruence between the centers of species richness and species endemism is found, and both Serra do Cipó and Chapada Diamantina present the highest levels of endemism. The predominant vegetation type associated with the centers of species richness and endemism is the seasonal semideciduous forest, except in the Diamantina Plateau region that is mostly associated with the cerrado. In the Espinhaço Range, the seasonal semideciduous forest is the richest vegetation type throughout the latitudinal variation of the range. The high number of species widely distributed in different vegetation types highlights the association among the cerrado, campo rupestre, and seasonal semideciduous forest.

Length–weight relationship for ten native fish species captured in the streams of the Contas River basin, Northeastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion, Brazil

This work describes the length-weight relationship (LWR) of ten fish species from the Contas River Basin, Bahia State, Brazil. Sampling was conducted quarterly between November 2012 and November 2013 in 18 wadeable streams (nine in the Diamantina Plateau, Caatinga biome, and nine in the Atlantic forest biome). The fishes were caught using electrofishing (800V DC) and hand nets (2.0 mm mesh size) in 50 meters stretch by the sample unit. Collected fishes were fixed in formalin and preserved in alcohol, and thus some shrinking probably occurred. The values of parameter b of the LWR (W = aLb) ranged between 2.763 and 3.267. It is the first record of LWR parameters for nine species, all endemic to Northeastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion (NMAF). Moreover, new maximum lengths are presented for five species.

Ferruginous duricrusts associated with diamond occurrences in the Diamantina Plateau, south Espinhaço Range, Brazil

Macromorphological and micromorphological characterization of the alteration facies associated with geomorphological studies are of great importance for understanding the genesis and evolution of ferruginous duricrusts. The study of the ferruginous duricrusts in the Diamantina Plateau (Southern Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais), a region known worldwide for hosting important diamond deposits, was based on the characterization of the faciological variations of representative alteration profiles. The morphometric indexes of the area, macromorphological description of the profiles, and sampling for micromorphological and mineralogical analyzes were carried out to assist in the understanding of the landforms. The results show that the ferruginous duricrusts occur preferentially in the plateaus and high slopes, with the Sopa-Brumadinho Formation as substrate. Two types of ferruginous duricrust have been identified. Type 1 is characterized as a platy duricrust developed from a saprolite of hematitic phyllite with a ferruginous banded structure. Type 2 is characterized by a massive duricrust typically lateritic that overlaps a nodular and mottled facies, originated from a saprolite of hematitic phyllite with a diffuse distribution of opaque minerals. This phyllite is one of the rocks that occur with the diamond host rocks in the old mines of the region. Both types of ferruginous duricrusts formed by relative accumulation evolve into fragmentary facies and the soil. Locally, in discordant contact, occurs a concretionary duricrust, characterized by an absolute iron accumulation mechanism.

Areas of endemism of Lauraceae: new insights on the biogeographic regionalization of the Espinhaço Range, Brazil.

Using Lauraceae as a study case, we aimed in this article to: (i) delimit areas of endemism in the Espinhaço Range, Brazil; (ii) compare these areas of endemism with those previously delimited, as well as with the centres of endemism; (iii) evaluate the association between areas of endemism and vegetation types; and (iv) classify the areas of endemism according to the International Code of Area Nomenclature (ICAN). Based on a recent survey of 99 species from the Espinhaço Range, our dataset consisted of 34 endemic species belonging to nine genera. Following previous studies, we performed parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) using a grid square size of 0.5° × 0.5°. We delimited four areas of endemism of Lauraceae: (i) Antônio dos Santos, (ii) Conceição do Mato Dentro, (iii) Itambé do Mato Dentro, and (iv) Rio de Contas; and confirmed six previously delimited areas of endemism: (i) Southern MG, (ii) Southern Mountains Complex, (iii) Conceição do Mato Dentro, (iv) Diamantina Plateau, (v) Serra do Cabral, and (vi) Chapada Diamantina. The areas of endemism Conceição do Mato Dentro, Serra do Cabral, Diamantina, and Serra do Cipó were classified as subdistricts in the Diamantina Plateau district of the Southern Espinhaço province. We summarized and mapped all areas of endemism corresponding to the provinces, districts, and subdistricts that cover the Espinhaço Range. Areas of endemism and centres of endemism are contrasted. Finally, we highlight that the biogeographic studies along this mountain range should embrace higher taxa with representative species in different types of vegetation in order to enrich the majority of the endemism studies mainly concentrated on the campo rupestre. Unusual distribution patterns, diversity of vegetation types, and the presence of restricted species and monophyletic groups open up opportunities to carry out integrative studies concerning the biogeographic regionalization of the ER at multiple spatio-temporal scales.

<strong>Expanding <em>Waltillia</em>: an addition to a previously monotypic genus of Bromeliaceae from the Espinhaço range, Brazil</strong>

We describe Waltillia itambana, a new species placed in the previously monotypic genus Waltillia, presenting as main differences from Waltillia hatschbachii features such as a water-impounding rosette, shorter and broader leaves, divergent non-secund flowers and the light-green petals. The species is, as far as known, restricted to Pico do Itambé State Park, in Minas Gerais, growing above 1500 m of elevation in the rupestrian grasslands, of the Diamantina Plateau, Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais State. We compare W. itambana with other similar species that occur in the rupestrian grasslands and provide illustrations, information on geographic distribution, a map, and ecological and conservation observations on the new species.

Checklist and a new species of Lippia (Verbenaceae) from the Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The Diamantina Plateau is located in the central region of the Espinhaço Range, in the State of Minas Gerais, which is dominated by campo rupestre formations. We describe a new species of Lippia L., endemic to the Diamantina Plateau, and provide an annotated checklist and identification key for the 17 species of the genus occurring in the area. Lippia raoniana P.H.Cardoso & Salimena sp. nov. is mainly distinguished by its ovate leaves with adaxial and abaxial surfaces densely covered by sessile glandular trichomes, and drupaceous fruits with two pyrenes. It is known only from two populations, and thus can be provisionally considered as Critically Endangered. Details on the species’ ecology, as well as a comparison with morphologically similar species, a distribution map, and field photographs, are provided. In this work, we also present pictures of the 17 species in their habitats, and we hope that these illustrations will help in the identification and conservation of these taxa.

(2790) Proposal to reject the name Lippia riedeliana (Verbenaceae)

(2790) Lippia riedeliana Schauer in Candolle, Prodr. 11: 582. 25 Nov 1847 [Angiosp.: Verben.], nom. utique rej. prop. Lectotypus (hic designatus): [Brazil, Minas Gerais], “In locis arenosis et glareosis prope Tejuco, prov. Minarum”, Dec 1824, Riedel 1228 (LE barcode LE00018189; isolectotypi: LE barcodes LE00018186, LE00018187, LE00018188 & LE00018190). The name Lippia riedeliana was established by Schauer in Candolle (Prodr. 11: 582. 1847), based on a specimen collected by Ludwig Riedel s.n. in Brazil and cited as: “In locis arenosis et glareosis, prov. S. Pauli Brasiliae (Riedel!) […] (v. s. in h. caes. petrop.).” However, Schauer in Martius (Fl. Bras. 9: 234. 1851) corrected the information about the locality of the type specimen from “prov. S. Pauli” to “prov. Minarum”, as follows: “in locis arenosis et glareosis prope Tejuco, prov. Minarum, Decembri […].” Tejuco is the oldest name of a city nowadays called Diamantina located in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Although Lippia riedeliana was described in detail, its identity has stayed obscure since its publication. Because of this, the name L. riedeliana was ignored by subsequent authors, and the only authors that treated this taxon in taxonomic papers, after the original publication, were Schauer in Flora Brasiliensis (l.c.) and Moldenke (in Phytologia 12: 439. 1965). This latter author commented that: “I know nothing whatever of this species except what is given in the literature” and, additionally, reported that the type was at LE, but evidently had not examined it. The only other use of the name that we have traced was by Hayek (in Denkschr. Kaiserl. Akad. Wiss., Wien, Math.-Naturwiss. Kl. 79: 296. 1908), who misidentified as L. riedeliana a specimen from the state of São Paulo where the species does not occur. During the taxonomic revision of Lippia L. for the forthcoming Flora of Brazil, online 2020 (http://floradobrasil.jbrj.gov.br), we contacted the Curator of LE to locate the type specimen of L. riedeliana. He sent us photographs of the five specimens he found at LE. All specimens contain labels with information that matches the contents presented by Schauer in Flora Brasiliensis: “in locis glareosis arenosis prov. Tejuco, Decembri”. Additionally, these labels show: “Riedel 1228”, probably the collection number by Riedel. These five specimens are, by definition (see Art. 40 Note 1 of the ICN; Turland & al. in Regnum Veg. 159. 2018), the syntypes of the name L. riedeliana, and we are lectotypifying the name in the present paper. After careful checking of the details of these specimens at LE, we concluded that Lippia riedeliana is the same as L. rosella Moldenke (in Phytologia 39: 449–450. 1978), a species based on material collected by Irwin & al. 28442a (LL), from Minas Gerais State. This species is endemic to the region of the Diamantina Plateau in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and can be recognized in having strigose branches, opposite or ternate leaves, scabrid adaxially, glandular-strigose abaxially, green bracts, vinaceous at the apex, and pink corollas. It grows in the Brazilian savanna, called locally “Campos Rupestres”, at 1200–1400 m elev. Since its publication in 1978, this later synonym, Lippia rosella Moldenke, has been consistently applied to the taxon rather than L. riedeliana. Additionally, this species has economic importance (medicinal properties such as: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antifungal) and has been the target of several papers dealing with cytology, genomics, physiology, chemistry, and taxonomy, e.g.: Viccini & al. (in Pl. Syst. Evol. 246: 1–8. 2004, 256: 171–178. 2005); Pimenta & al. (in Brazil. J. Bot. 30: 211–220. 2007); Campos & al. (in Pl. Syst. Evol. 291: 133–140. 2011); Sousa & al. (in Anais Acad. Brasil. Ci. 84: 1029–1037. 2012, 85: 147–157. 2013); Chaves & al. (in Genet. Molec. Res. 13: 7864–7868. 2014); Singulani & al. (in J. Med. Pl. Res. 27: 4416–4422. 2018); and Cardoso & al. (in Phytotaxa 455: 47–52. 2020). To maintain nomenclatural stability for this species name that has economic importance, we propose the rejection of the name Lippia riedeliana, a 173-year-old name that has long been obscure and that seems, as noted above, to have been used only three times since its publication. The adoption of the present proposal will secure the current use of L. rosella. PHC, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6198-6729 FRGS, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9000-4683 JP, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4783-3125 We thank Vladimir Dorofeyev for sending photos of the type specimens of Lippia riedeliana deposited at LE. PHC thanks the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, Brazil) for the doctorate scholarship (141837/2020-9).

<p><strong><em>Chamaecrista</em> (Leguminosae) of the Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with six new species and taxonomic novelties</strong></p>

Floras are still important for modern biodiversity studies, as they generate basic information, as well as improve understanding on the diversity of an area. This study aimed to the taxonomic study of the species of Chamaecrista from the Diamantina Plateau in Minas Gerais, Brazil, discussing morphological characteristics of the species and presenting taxonomic novelties. The work was based on the survey of herbaria collections, literature review and field expeditions. Descriptions, an identification key, illustrations of diagnostic features, photographic plates, and commentaries are presented for the 64 species of Chamaecrista from the Diamantina Plateau. Six new species are described, two lectotypifications (C. aurivilla and C. brachystachya) and one neotypification are made (C. echinocarpa), 11 new synonyms and taxonomic changes are proposed for C. astrochiton, C. claussenii, C. echinocarpa, C. exsudans, C. multipennis, and C. orbiculata. Chamaecrista sect. Xerocalyx is treated as a species complex with four taxa although more studies are needed to better understand this group.

Seven New Species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae: Microlicieae) from Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract—Seven new species of the neotropical genus Microlicia are proposed (Microlicia capitata, M. coriacea, M. mutabilis, M. piranii, M. polychaeta, M. repanda, and M. sparsifolia). All seven species are known only from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, mainly in the Diamantina Plateau and/or the Serra do Cabral. Diagnoses, line drawings, distribution maps, notes on diagnostic characters, conservation assessments, and habitat and phenology are provided.