A new species of Nama (Namaceae) from the Vizcaino Desert, Mexico

Abstract

Background: Although most of the Nama taxa grow on sandy substrates, none of them is restricted to the coastal dune environment. A small population of a unique looking taxon was found on the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula, which is here presented as a new species. Question and/or Hypothesis: In the morphological analysis in the individuals of a putative new taxon, some peculiarities stand out, such as a suffruticose herbaceous perennial growth form with erect and compact branching, featuring a small cushion, unlike the rest of the known species, which are rather procumbent, or erect in form. It also has revolute leaf margins in the blade. Studied Species: Nama asuncionensis sp. nov. (Namaceae) and morphologically similar species. Study Site: Central Pacific coast of Baja California, Mexico. Method: Through bibliographic consultation, review of herbarium specimens, and photographs, a comparative morphological analysis was carried out with other Nama species of the peninsula and mainland Mexico. Results: Based on the comparative analyses, Nama asuncionensis is here presented and illustrated as a new species. Conclusions: Nama asuncionensis is a micro-endemic species restricted to the Pacific coastal environment of the peninsula. We propose that this new taxon be included in the Eunama section of the genus based on its morphological characteristics, including a membranous loculicidal dehiscent capsule, free styles, and sepals divided to the base. This taxon seems to be limited to a narrow coastal strip, with high relative humidity, where it develops its fresh leaves and flowers during the mild season.