Two new species of Ocotea (Lauraceae) with clustered leaves from the Uxpanapa region, Mexico.

Abstract

Two new species of Ocotea (Lauraceae) from Southern Mexico are described and illustrated. Based on their floral morphology, vegetative indument, and micromorphological attributes, both species are circumscribed within the Ocoteahelicterifolia group. Within this clade, the two species are morphologically similar to those with clustered leaves. Both species are endemic to the species-rich yet fragmented forests of the Uxpanapa region in Mexico, and therefore, their populations are threatened. Here, the morphological similarities of both species and their conservation status are discussed.