concepts are morphologically closely allied. In some re- 
spects, Vellozia Maudeana resembles V. Dumitiana R. E. 
Schultes, especially in having a small number of leaves 
at the apex of each stem; but the latter is, in general, a 
much more robust plant than the former, and there are 
significant differences in floral structure. 
Vellozia Maudeana grows on the grotesquely eroded 
quartzitic mounds of the extensive savannahs of the Rio 
Karurti which are known by the Kubeo Indian name of 
Goo-rdn-hoo-da, meaning ‘‘savannah of the deer.” These 
savannahs are ecologically the same and, as I have ascer- 
tained from reconnaissance flights, are continuous with 
the savannahs of the Rios Kubiyt and Kuduyari-Kanen- 
di and Yapoboda respectively. Vellozia Maudeana has 
not been found at Kanenda nor at Yapoboda, where Vl’. 
lithophila R. KE. Schultes, the only representative of the 
genus at these localities, is one of the dominant shrubs. 
These two species, notwithstanding their geographical 
proximity, are not closely related. 
Vellozia usually preters rocky habitats where condi- 
tions of chersophytic or psammophytic drought prevail, 
but the xerophytism which Vellozia Maudeana with- 
stands at Goo-ran-hoo-da is extreme even for this genus. 
The plant seems to prefer craggy exposures or knobs of 
bare quartzite which erosion has left standing here and 
there on the flat sandy stretches in the extensive savan- 
nah. Most closely associated with Vellozia Maudeana, a 
shrub which usually stands quite alone amidst a harsh or 
gorsey growth of grasses, sedges and prostrate creepers, 
are Navia caulescens var. minor (filling in cracks and crev- 
ices in the rocks) and Leitgebia colombiana, Bombax coria- 
ceum and a red-flowered Calliandra (on the flat expanses). 
All of these plants are, like Vellozia Maudeana, adapted to 
withstand extreme radiation and heat in an area where no 
shade whatsoever lessens the strength of the tropical sun. 
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