A new species and a new record of Heisteria Jacq. (Olacaceae s.l.) from the Atlantic Forest of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract

During taxonomic studies of extra-Amazonian species of Heisteria, a new record (Heisteria maytenoides) and new species (Heisteria longipedicellata) from the Atlantic Forest of Espírito Santo were identified. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, the geographic distribution, and conservation status are provided for these species; an identification key for species of Heisteria of the state is also presented. Heisteria longipedicellata is known only from the type locality and recognized mainly by the long pedicel of the fruits (ca. 67 mm long). It is morphologically similar to H. blanchetiana, however, it differs by the length of the pedicel in fruit, diameter of the accrescent calyx in fruit and drupe size. Heisteria maytenoides, until now registered only in the phytogeographic domain of the Amazon in Colombia and Venezuela, had its distribution confirmed to Brazil, in the phytogeographic domain of the Atlantic Forest, in the state of Espírito Santo; it is recognized mainly by its coriaceous leaves and globoid fruits. In this study the richness of Heisteria for the Espírito Santo state is updated to five species. Heisteria blanchetiana, previously registered only to the state of Bahia, had its distribution expanded to include Espírito Santo.