A new species of Solanum named for Jeanne Baret, an overlooked contributor to the history of botany

By

Tepe, Eric J.
Ridley, Glynis
Bohs, Lynn

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2012

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

8

Pages

37-47

Subjects

Amotape-Huancabamba zone , Andes , Ecuador , Jeanne Baret , new species , Peru , Solanum section Anarrhichomenum

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.8.2101

 

Abstract

We describe Solanum baretiae sp. nov., a new species of Solanum section Anarrhichomenum, named in honor of Jeanne Baret, who sailed as the assistant to botanist Philibert Commerson on Louis Antoine de Bougainville’s global circumnavigation (1766–1769). The species is similar to S. chimborazense, but differs inlarger flowers, more flowers per inflorescence, and different patterns of pubescence on the filaments (pubescent adaxially and glabrous abaxially) and style (papillose to sparsely pubescent). A description, illustration, photos, and comparisons to similar species are included. Also included is a preliminary conservation assessment, along with a brief account of the important role played by Baret during the expedition. The new species appears to be restricted to the Amotape-Huancabamba zone, an area of southern Ecuador and northern Peru known for its exceptional biodiversity.