Inflorescence Architecture and Floral Morphology of Aratitiyopea lopezii (Xyridaceae)

Abstract

Aratitiyopea lopezii is a robust perennial species of Xyridaceae from seasonally saturated, mid- to high-elevation, sandstone and granite sites in northern South America. The species lacks the scapose inflorescence characteristic of Xyridaceae and, having the gestalt of a rhizomatous bromeliad, it is seemingly aberrant in the family. However, closer examination confirms features consistent with the family and the previously noted morphological similarities to Orectanthe. Details of inflorescence structure and floral morphology are presented and compared to other genera of Xyridaceae.