A new species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae): first record of the genus for Colombia

By

Mendoza Cifuentes, Humebrto
Ariza, William
Granados, David E.
Romero, Rosana

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2019

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

122

Pages

87-96

Subjects

endemism , long-distance seed dispersal , Northeastern Andes , Northern Andes , sub-páramo

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.122.34171

 

Abstract

Microlicia (Melastomataceae) is a Neotropical genus nearly restricted to southeastern Brazil, and the Guiana Shield in Venezuela, with a few species in some places in the Andes of Bolivia and Peru. A new species of Microlicia endemic to the mountains of eastern Andes of Colombia is described and illustrated. Its affinities with other morphologically similar species from Venezuela are also documented. This novelty is the first record of the genus for Colombia and the northern Andes. It is argued that this disjunct distribution of the genus is attributable to the phenomenon of long-distance seed dispersal by wind.