Flora of Espírito Santo: tribe Microlicieae (Melastomataceae)

Abstract

Microlicieae is one of the most diverse tribes in Melastomataceae, comprising three genera: Microlicia (including the former Chaetostoma, Lavoisiera, Stenodon, and Trembleya), Poteranthera, and Rhynchanthera. It is characterized by anthers with a prolonged pedoconnective, capsular fruits, and reniform, oblong seeds with a foveolate testa. This study presents a taxonomic treatment for the species of Microlicieae in the state of Espírito Santo. A total of ten species were registered in two genera, Microlicia (9 spp.) and Rhynchanthera (1 sp.). Of these, three are new species of Microlicia: M. caparaoensis is endemic to the Caparaó National Park; M. capixaba and M. misteriosa are endemic to a single inselberg, the “Alto Misterioso”, in São Roque do Canaã. A fourth species was kept as Microlicia sp., since further studies will be necessary to confirm its identity. We also provide an identification key, morphological descriptions, distribution data, and comments for all species.

Key words floristics; inselbergs; Microlicia; new species; Rhynchanthera