Eithea lagopaivae, a new critically endangered species in the previously monotypic genus Eithea Ravenna (Amaryllidaceae)

Abstract

Eithea lagopaivae Campos-Rocha & Dutilh, sp. nov. is described as the second species of the formerly monotypic genus Eithea. It is characterized by a one flowered inflorescence, completely hollow scape, white or lightly magenta-striated flower that is enclosed by spathe bracts fused for more than the lower fifth of its length. Comments on its range, habitat, phenology, as well as photographs and illustrations are provided. In addition, a distribution map and an identification key for the two species of the genus are presented and anatomical and ecological differences compared. Known by only two small populations exposed to several types of threats and without any guarantee of protection, E. lagopaivae is considered a Critically Endangered (CR) species.

Generic classification of Amaryllidaceae tribe Hippeastreae

“…Eithea , and they usually consist of few individuals (Ravenna, ; Campos‐Rocha & al., ). Both species are likely bordering on extinction due to the destruction of the native forest; as a consequence, Z. blumenavia is considered an Endangered species (Ministério do Meio Ambiente, ) and Z. lagopaivae has been proposed as Critically Endangered (Campos‐Rocha & al., ). For leaf anatomical details and comparison of both species, see Campos‐Rocha & al.…”

“…Diversity and distribution. – This is a small clade of only two species (Campos‐Rocha & al., ; García & al., ). Zephyranthes blumenavia inhabits the Brazilian Atlantic forest (i.e., Mata Atlantica) in the states of São Paulo, Parana, and Santa Catarina, while Z. lagopaivae is known from only two semideciduous forest fragments within areas with well‐defined seasonality in the state of São Paulo.…”

Flora do Espírito Santo: Amaryllidaceae

“…Informações taxonômicas a respeito da família no Brasil são relativamente escassas e recentes. Dentre os estudos taxonômicos sobre a família realizados nas últimas décadas podem ser destacados os realizados por Dutilh (1987Dutilh ( , 1996, Alves-Araújo et al (2009), Oliveira et al (2010Oliveira et al ( , 2013Oliveira et al ( , 2017, Amaral-Lopes & Cavalcanti (2015), Campos-Rocha et al (2017a, b, c, 2018, que incluem revisões, floras e descrições de novos táxons.…”