Abstract—Microlicia longirostrata (Melastomataceae), a new species from Goiás, is described and illustrated, and a discussion on leaf anatomy is also provided. The new species resembles M. consimilis and M. psammophila,
but differs from them in having an indumentum with both short-stalked, spherical, glandular trichomes and long-stalked, glandular emergences, polysporangiate anthers and antesepalous stamens with a very long beak (2‐2.5 mm long), and annular collenchyma on the adaxial region of the
midrib.
Microlicia gracilis and Microlicia xylopodifera, endemic to Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás State, Brazil, are described, illustrated and the conservation status is also provided. Both species resemble Microlicia ordinata and Microlicia ramosa that are also endemic to Goiás, by having sessile leaf with serrate and ciliate margin, pedicellate flower, triangular and short sepal and dimorphic stamens with bicolorous and polysporangiate anthers. However, M. gracilis differs by the long internode (2–4 mm long), concolorous, semi-amplexicaul and lanceolate leaf, and petal acuminate at the apex. Microlicia xylopodifera differs in having a robust xylopodium, horizontal or slightly ascending leaf and a dense crown of glandular trichomes at the apex of flower bud.
Microlicieae is one of the most diverse tribes in Melastomataceae, comprising three genera: Microlicia (including the former Chaetostoma, Lavoisiera, Stenodon, and Trembleya), Poteranthera, and Rhynchanthera. It is characterized by anthers with a prolonged pedoconnective, capsular fruits, and reniform, oblong seeds with a foveolate testa. This study presents a taxonomic treatment for the species of Microlicieae in the state of Espírito Santo. A total of ten species were registered in two genera, Microlicia (9 spp.) and Rhynchanthera (1 sp.). Of these, three are new species of Microlicia: M. caparaoensis is endemic to the Caparaó National Park; M. capixaba and M. misteriosa are endemic to a single inselberg, the “Alto Misterioso”, in São Roque do Canaã. A fourth species was kept as Microlicia sp., since further studies will be necessary to confirm its identity. We also provide an identification key, morphological descriptions, distribution data, and comments for all species.
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