Three new Amazonian species of the Myrcia splendens group from Brazil are proposed based on morphology and near-infrared spectroscopy of leaves and compared with similar taxa. Myrcia eveae resembles M. splendens and may be recognised mostly by large and oblong leaf blades that tapers abruptly at the apex and large bracts; Myrcia otocalyx also resembles M. splendens, being recognised mainly by pyriform flower buds, campanulate hypanthia that are longitudinally ridged, and sepals of different shapes that are patent on fruit; and Myrcia prismatica is similar to M. deflexa, being recognised essentially by chartaceous leaf blades, pedicels clustered at the tips of inflorescence axes, and oblong fruits with longitudinal edges. Spectral data revealed a unique pattern for each one of the new species and the putative related ones, reinforcing the morphological propositions. This is the first study to use morphology and spectroscopy of leaves combined to propose new species of Myrtaceae. Information on geographical distribution, habitat, conservation status, and an identification key are also provided.
The association of the ant Myrcidris epicharis with the plant Myrcia magna is reported for the first time. This association was registered in two localities along the Negro river basin, in the region of Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil. The ants inhabit swollen shoots in apical and subjacent nodes of the branches. This record represents the second plant species of Myrtaceae to be associated with Myrcidris epicharis.
The new species Myrcia psammophila is here described, illustrated and compared with M. grandis and M. umbraticola, two morphologically similar taxa. It may be distinguished from these two latter species based on possession of leaves with corky petiole and raised midvein adaxially, and distinctly pedicellate flowers with squared staminal ring and sepals united at the base. This species is endemic to a region of lower Rio Negro and inhabits areas of white-sand vegetation.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.