A new tree species of Compsoneura (Myristicaceae) from the Andean forests on the Eastern Cordillera Range, Colombia.

Abstract

Compsoneuracrassitepala, a new species of Myristicaceae is described, illustrated and its morphological relationships with related species are discussed. This new species is found in Andean forests between 1400 and 1900 m a.s.l., located in the mountainous area of the Magdalena River Basin, Department of Boyacá, Colombia. Compsoneuracrassitepala closely resembles Compsoneuralapidiflora in having a thick perianth in pistillate flowers. However, it differs by its leaves, which exhibit weak and partially brochidodromous venation with dendritic trichomes featuring a single axis on the underside. Additionally, it has floral characteristics such as a zig-zag pattern in the rachis direction of inflorescence and unusually thick, fleshy tepals in staminate flowers. Moreover, C.crassitepala is a remarkable species recorded at higher altitudes in Colombia, in an otherwise predominantly lowland forests genus (below 1550 m). A taxonomic key for the identification of the species of the genus is provided.