Heteropterys parvifructa: a new species segregated from the widely distributed H. syringifolia (Malpighiaceae)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The distribution of Heteropterys syringifolia is more restricted than previously thought. The specimens from north-eastern Brazil that have been identified as H. syringifolia are here recognised as a new species, H. parvifructa. This species is characterised by the membranaceous leaf blades with a pair of glands on the abaxial surface, yellow petals with erose margins and, more importantly, by the reduced samaras with orbicular nuts and slightly curved dorsal wings. In this work, we compare the morphology of H. parvifructa to that of H. syringifolia and other related species. According to IUCN criteria, the new species was assessed as Endangered (EN).