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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #341041
Title: Eithea lagopaivae, a new critically endangered species in the previously monotypic genus Eithea (Amaryllidaceae)

Author
item CAMPOS-ROCHA, ANTONIO - Instituto De Biologia
item Meerow, Alan
item MENEZES LOPES, EDIMAR - Instituto De Biologia
item SEMIR, JOÃO - Instituto De Biologia
item SAMPAIO MAYER, JULIANA - Instituto De Biologia
item DUTILH, JULIE - Instituto De Biologia

Submitted to: PHYTOKEYS
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/9/2017
Publication Date: 8/9/2017
Citation: Campos-Rocha, A., Meerow, A.W., Menezes Lopes, E.F., Semir, J., Sampaio Mayer, J., Dutilh, J. 2017. Eithea lagopaivae, a new critically endangered species in the previously monotypic genus Eithea (Amaryllidaceae). PHYTOKEYS. 85:45-58.

Interpretive Summary: A new species of the Brazilian amaryllid genus Eithea is described as E. lagopaivae. Only one other species is known in the genus, E. blumenavium. The new species is considered endangered in its habitat due to a variety of threats. E. lagopaive can be distinguished from E. blumenavium by its completely hollow scape, holding a single-flower.

Technical Abstract: Eithea lagopaivae Campos-Rocha & Dutilh, sp. nov. is described as the second species of the formerly monotypic genus Eithea. It is characterized by a uniflorous inflorescence, completely hollow scape, white or lightly magenta-striated flower that is enclosed by spathe bracts fused at least at the lower fifth of its length. Comments on its range, habitat, phenology data, photographs and illustrations are provided. In addition, a distribution map and an identification key for the two species of the genus are presented and anatomical and ecological differences compared. Known by only two small populations exposed to several types of threats and without any guarantee of protection, E. lagopaivae is considered a critically endangered species.