Eugenia guapiassuana (Myrtaceae), a remarkable new tree species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

• Published in: Kew bulletin Vol. 79; no. 2; pp. 233 - 241
• Main Authors: Fernandes, Thiago, Prieto, Pablo Viany, de Lacerda, Marco Túlio Côrtes, Bünger, Mariana, Braga, João Marcelo Alvarenga
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Springer London 01-06-2024
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Life Sciences; Original Article; Plant Ecology; Plant Sciences; Plant Systematics/Taxonomy/Biogeography; Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu; fruit tree; Cereja-de-guapiaçu; sect; threatened species
• ISSN: 0075-5974; 1874-933X
• DOI: 10.1007/s12225-023-10159-z

Summary
This study proposes a new species of
Eugenia
sect.
Phyllocalyx
from Atlantic Forest remnants in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. The new taxon,
Eugenia guapiassuana,
is proposed based on literature survey, examination of herbarium material and field work. We herein provide a morphological description, including comments on fruit taste, along with information on distribution, habitat, phenology, vernacular name, taxonomy and conservation status. Figures showing fresh and dry material and a map of the occurrence records are also presented.
Eugenia guapiassuana
is morphologically similar to
E. involucrata
and
E. superba
, and these species are contrasted in the discussion. Following an assessment, the conservation status of
Eugenia guapiassuana
is provisionally determined as Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(iii)].