Vriesea museunacionalii, a new species of bromeliad named in homage to the oldest scientific institution in Brazil.

Abstract

Here we describe and illustrate Vriesea museunacionalii, a newly discovered bromeliad species endemic to the Serra do Mar in southern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We compare this new species with V. erythrodactylon, enlightening the differences especially in growth pattern, color of leaf sheaths and general inflorescence size. Additionally, we provide nomenclatural, taxonomic, conservation, and etymological notes, as well as photographs and illustrations. The taxon is named in tribute to the oldest scientific institution in Brazil, the Museu Nacional da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. V. museunacionalii is a small-ranged new species, described as critically endangered.