Merianthera calyptrata
| Merianthera calyptrata | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Melastomataceae |
| Genus: | Merianthera |
| Species: | M. calyptrata
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| Binomial name | |
| Merianthera calyptrata R.Goldenb., Bochorny & Fraga
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| Range | |
Merianthera calyptrata is a species of flowering shrub in the genus Merianthera. Discovery of the new plant was initiated by the posting of a photo on DetWeb, a Facebook group documenting Brazilian plants, by Mr. Reginaldo Vasconcelos.[1][2]
Origin of name
[edit]The derivation of the epithet for this species is from the flowers having a calyptrate calyx.[1] This particular characteristics is unique to the species and not known to occur in other species in the genus and tribe. [1]
Description
[edit]Merianthera calyptrata belongs to the family Melastomataceae and is one of seven species found in Eastern Brazil.[1] The species is similar to Merianthera burlemarxii with a few characteristic differences: "the total absences of both a peduncle and bracteoles, the calyptrate calyx and the fruits developing from inferior ovaries and dehiscing through longitudinal slits."[1] The species can be identified as a shrub or treelet at a height of up to 2.5m with candelabriform branches, leaves are opposite and caducous, flowers are pedicellate (5-6) ranging from purple to pink depending on developmental age, hypanthium is conical at 5-7 mm, antesepalous, dimorphic stamen (10-12), inferior ovary 7-10mm, ribbed fruit that ruptures when mature, and pyramidal seeds.[1]
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Merianthera calyptrata pictured in habitat -
Scanning electron microscopy images of leaf -
Field photos of Merianthera calyptrata
Habitat
[edit]Merianthera calyptrata has been sighted in Jacinto, in northeastern Minas Gerais, Brazil on inselbergs and granite outcroppings, an area that experiences dry winters and wet summers.[1] The flowers were documented with young buds in February and flowers in March as well as the presence of fruit suggesting the fruit are potentially around all year.[1]
Conservation
[edit]With only three sightings, there is not enough data to support information about the species per the Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.[1] According to Goldenberg(2023), its scarcity and limited sightings in a specific location, as well as its susceptibility to negative impacts from random environmental events, it is advisable to classify this species within the Vulnerable category.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Goldenberg, Renato; Bochorny, Thuane; Amorim, André Márcio; Ziemmer, Juliana Klostermann; Fraga, Claudio Nicoletti de (2023-08-09). "Merianthera calyptrata sp. nov. (Melastomataceae, Myrtales), a new candelabriform species from Minas Gerais, Brazil". European Journal of Taxonomy (888): 64–76. doi:10.5852/ejt.2023.888.2209. ISSN 2118-9773. S2CID 260798294.
- ^ "Merianthera calyptrata R. Goldenb., Bochorny & Fraga 2023, sp. nov. - Plazi TreatmentBank". treatment.plazi.org. Retrieved 25 September 2023.