Senecio beltranii (Asteraceae, Senecioneae): a new caespitose species endemic to South Peru

Abstract

Senecio beltranii, a new species of Asteraceae (Senecioneae) belonging to S. ser. Suffruticosi subser. Caespitosi, is described from the highland mountains of southern Peru. Morphologically, S. beltranii is similar to S. algens, but can easily be distinguished by its subshrub matt-forming habit, the presence of scattered papillose trichomes on stems and leaves, its pinnatilobate leaf shape, larger involucre and pedicel length, calycular bracts nearly glabrous, larger phyllary length and by the larger number of phyllaries. The major differences between the species are outlined in a morphological comparison table and discussed. The IUCN status is defined as Vulnerable (VU).