LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

TEXT FIGURES

NUMBER 1

PAGE

Be., sd ASDOINM CUPEOLMIINE A FOr ie cosh Ge ogists ER te Seale ain oc tae 23

Qe LASDGlUNG DULGer WI. sxc eee A ea ened ea et ae Se tte, 25

Bx: A TINTOStAALIE: SICUETINGI ETE oon fs or hl a) co its Pcs ee ORR eae 32

AF MM yrtOClaGUs: OUT QQLUB ice seas ns et ee Os Se 35

5. Achenes of Bulbostylis Svensoniana, Fimbristylis tamaensis, Rhyncho-

spora dentinux, R. sanariapensis, R. tepuiana, R. Trichochaeta var.

venezuelensis, R. Trichochaeta, R. bolivarana, R. karuaiana......... 38

Rhynchospora ptaritepuiana, R. culmenicola, R. paramora, R. tamana,

R. tomentosa, Hypolytrum tepuianum, Exochogyne Steyermarkii.... 42

Carex roraimensis, C. culmenicola, C. turumiquirensis, Uncinia merid-

11 RR AY De Rte REPO ed tet Ar RO ta AN pra ee NY tra AEN pe eK 62

Vesicarex collumanthus, Carex larensis, C. tachirensis............... 64

PSOE CURAGE SK 25 ee th OR OS i en tu OAs 74

PSLCUT ER OCP NG to sc se Aaah Nae aticer Gee et Moiie Sei aah sie 79

DON Grenia DIOTIONGS sos ooo se ais OR eh EAA Ree hota A ad eee 83

PUNURUTTALIE DIATMONNN oes ea os wa eo Ko wan eee 95

PD ULGCENOTOR CUNGRE ao tate ned tric eat Si ta iver area in ra NR ae 97

Plone on WAUtGinath one os ne kas Ss Rk SE 100

UP GEDGING BOCAUNGEUNE a5 Cia ne Riese a a eae oe ee 103

Xyris albescens, X. esmeraldae, X. lanulobractea, X. ptariana, X. steno- 106

RUMOR go fctece scene Iai one haha Ba Ms ROR ale SHA biccils hon alten ee 106

Stegolepis ptaritepuiana, S. Gleasoniana, S. parvipetala.............. 132

EPOCEHANGC: INCLGNOCIG 5.5 slowed oho BG Ne A a eda 136

BOCCHINIG DICYEPINATRNT, 1S. POST oii he cae boeken Guneeeeee 137

Connellia:-corictiolia. C; WUlana:. 2 bo5 5 8 ore Bh ean anc of ha eed Ea 140

Navia aurea, N. glauca, N. Steyermarkii, N. xyridiflora............. 142

Guzmania confinis, Pitcairnia tuberculata, Tillandsia lacera.......... 144

Guzmania retusa, Pitcairnia cinerea, Tillandsia stenoglossa.......... 146

BUurmannid SONATIADOGHGs 65.65.58 eee EN 4 Go RR Re ERAS 166

PP ODO BETTE Sos oA reed Seg ING OA BEREAN Sao ee 168

POGONIG: AON Psa fos oe oa are ee ee tee aN eee Ae ee ae 170

PP OGOWEL SIME OUND Datta ieee) et ko eteia ya cee aes AG 12

FP VOSCOUTG COPROEG CESS 5 50 ck dic Rs Bots eh acne 2 She ise We Ck 175

29. TETALRVOUER: CONT UBD sere raid oad Reha OE OE eR ae RE ohes NSO Gil 176

TD <PARAM ROMAN SS: cect or Sch 20 ie Cth Oa Be Ato RE EF Gag OE Ee RCI a RL 179

Bl LB OORIROE CLAS 5A els oo Po IRE ee ee ATER Bed ple ents 181

Be! PLIOUSOULGULS COUT OT OG eae aR Sh a Or ea ee 182

337. Pleurothallis extlis; (Ps humilis: ac scorn as aa hia ee eee sees 184

Ba. Plaurothallis Sieger arn 6 kos eee Be hs as od pa RATS 187

35. Pleurothallis subtilis............... PREY. He OOS Ree 189

BGs SOGOMerie TRISOINGORE is 6.055 SG) KR ORR FRG RNG EER OUR IS Ae 191

B72) Metal aC: cating 2 keh aces oats Sannin ne Salsa ts 193

Bier. hau OPILOT EE CONMONOUIE ioe edi honk cto een eee ie Br ti 195

BOL RIOGLOLte DUNN ia nn ea eS eh as bi SA eee 198

AVEC ORCIULUN GL USUNT ae ee a ae Gee Okan cn eo eee 201

58 LOCH UTE WTLLUTAR 2 ioe ot rae eie etc POEL OY Seb aia ise ae aun 202

EE VD LAROLE DORES MELON Liss 65 SG RAE EAGER ES DRE Sl Geel 218

St PV CURA: TOV AUINONGEG a5 F< sade 0G PER OVA DAS TEN BT EE EW 248

NUMBER 2

BEF CLRIRANIIG SS LOMETINGT RIE 5 oarnig 2 ine ee he bo a ee eee 250

Es RTE TURTON ia a eis See ace BOD Rs FA te 264

AG Soe OF QUCO PUTA Ser a ris, eee Ee FE EO TR IE EDIE 267

Bi OPGIEG DICUETIROTENE co) once crce os ane 5 shed Dhaai Cae has 269

Me EF IO TLOEIEE TIMOR OE FL NN yO ly eh Ne eed Cis tate pcchnd Wh ee 284

OS HE MEGAENI: WRU GINetl 5 ioe eas aca EN Bis oP OR 286

Dr CHO MUOMLT VY AUEQINETE CoG Mentos is Lae LEP amis ae ee 290

BR PROT OTLEY UE UPIEDEREES oogonia En te ting NARS eet eg cee 291

Sieh ch OUOOIG GUNN OSST VOr: MAGUNOUOR Sl oct ea Rica SO SOA oO 297

DGss .OVNUCHG DLAREORE cone at tai okt a Gee eee eT re keeta 299

G4 PF OGAIa SANGTIADOGNO 8 2 cos 2 RSG Eee OE BERENS ERS a em oid 302

eho OLA CUHEL BITE ULOT ENOTES she i ns 1 ceed 2 See aa ny alia w aren aek 303

BOX CROCIICHT DUS WTLNGMRETE 6 socio 1o)oco'g ol de Ak a a 307

Oi Cr OLE MODIS DICE So, fis 8 htc cas ack sen Se iit dane VR ele 310

57B-F. Croizatia neotropica, Actephila dispersa...................000-. 311

Bee RUUAMINGS WANN. os hoe Sakae OR ee OLA 319

he PUA cosh es Sos koh ace te 2 ORG Se LAE ERAT eh RCL 326

Us TOE WIANEONE ooo 6 FS Pee Ait OER Pa DANE EMA EEA RIES 327

Oso TIRE SROCOUUNUE ONE 68 oh acre Giana Ny terprten Manat righ gate, Suara 329

ae 1 Ur VORMAMAIONERE 532256555 nk oo oa eR DO RS 331

GS. lex Meananelii ssc. i eae oe aE WN eRe we kee rnc eae ah pal oe 333

OA DI GUAR GDICUIONG s 5 aoe a eo RS OR ae OE Cee Ras ROSS 335

BOs WO ONUS COTIRDI ooo ee OLE TRE ROS OS RADNER 336

OG. Maylene Puerianas sss 6.065 64.7 ha cae de Se as POR Rk ER 339

67.

68.

69.

70.

igh

72.

73.

74.

75.

76.

77.

78.

79.

80.

81.

82.

83.

84.

85.

86.

87.

88.

89.

90.

91.

92.

93.

94.

POTN DUNTIORMIN SS 6656. 55 KAR OS CAN RSA ee EERE 842

PODUNIA RUNONOIIOG «cist doo 6c crak oe he OA be Dad ne Sab Hee ee 345

Fes sg SS aeRO Te Cae GOS RRR LA cate UATE te nee 845

PMS OTRNAL OR PORERMOLONOE 66.5555: 20s hae Ae ad aS 348

OTHER OUTLINE on mA D1 PR ee eh ial Nese ugh oat ae NS ae ee Siete oe 349

AGING FHING 5 ooo ees eS RARE RG Si EDO A EAS RAT SE 351

IE CLAMOE SOV OPOD OMAN oso cd esis e460 eae SE BIN We GE 352

PNAS OUOTINGT ERE so ooo. 5 acickte oe aias base aliens CLA ies Bees 364

FOSCUANETE: CUMING. ccs ok AKG RRR a BE Rot bn ee aes 373

SO UOIORE TE COANE Sos deci Sik a eee ar 375

PRIMO AON LONDN DES ooo hs Be Ae a 0S A 377

WAUOAOESUA: THANTAUE Se aki ik oe rT ee ae 379

COUMEREG AIBUT ITI on nf rc ca ss nck geet erro a Aaa 8, biece x ae bake oe ee ee ec 388

Clusia puslass sic oo ee Re EON OPED OR 389

PEGHUSOR: ROTOFOPGNTEDULANG 65553 Fc a oes gros © oe ws AOR S 396

EL OVOMULG: ANG USLOLO iN Ne on eee ee eee UNS ape aN en 401

Pale he TP ORSRUR os Bo es bes a Re 402

Cinnamodendron senerwelense. co. vic ihc ees tn can dbeveeseian 405

Viola: veneziclens7g. 5A. a8 Sek ete Ra 8 late 4 Pee eg oO ce aot ON pee 408, 409

CASODNONG LATER SE is AE aie i ee Cn a8 Bs CEE 413

COTOPNONG: VENCRUCIONGS 2 oo .0.5 38s 0s aca eee eed Gab eed OER 415

FRODONIO HAI tsi b66 6k ORES Epa GO RAED OA Dee Gate EE 416

EGONLGOLODRYUGs ne ot eos ROE AO ee eg aee et ree 419

PCQOUSE SUCPERGIO oo go o5 9 CSRS ga I EG ee 421

PATIERIIONTA TOBCIOUIGUE oo Fi erin OS be te Rn ee 427

IE CEY ORO MAE THIER ccc oc tI 8 Fe rer ok Sad cha ig ooh ne eee 433

NEVCONSE VOT ONG ooo eh LG GOTO OE OE 437

ASOreua J ULONIN 22 oki os ed 5.04 Kost sok oa wt He Se aii as Pee 446

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¢ oe CONTRIBUTIONS TO

‘THE FLORA OF VENEZUELA

JULIAN A. STEYERMARK

AND COLLABORATORS

FIELDIANA: BOTANY

VOLUME 28, NUMBER 1

Published by

_ CHICAGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

MAY 18, 1951

na ie

ae ie

Soe

CONTRIBUTIONS TO

THE FLORA OF VENEZUELA

JULIAN A. STEYERMARK

Curator of the Herbarium

AND COLLABORATORS

FIELDIANA: BOTANY

VOLUME 28, NUMBER 1

Published by

CHICAGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

MAY 18, 1951

THE LIBRARY OF THE

BBAaPRPiremnrr

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BY CHICAGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM PRESS

/ dl

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I

From December, 1943, to September, 1944, the author explored

portions of the Venezuelan Andes, Coastal Range (Cordillera de la

Costa), Duida, and Roraima on behalf of the United States govern-

ment as Senior Botanist under the auspices of the Foreign Economic

Administration, in connection with the Cinchona survey of that

country. From October to December, 1944, under the auspices of the

Chicago Natural History Museum, he made a botanical exploration of

Ptari-tepui, Sororopan-tepui, Carrao-tepui, and mesa region of Santa

Teresita de Kavanayen. From February to June, 1945, sponsored by

the Ministerio de Agricultura y Cria and the Servicio Botanico at

Caracas, he explored the eastern section of the Cordillera de la

Costa in the states of Sucre, Anzoategui, and Monagas, including the

high peaks of Cerro Turumiquire.

The identification of these collections was started at the beginning

of the year 1946, and has continued since. The total number of

plants collected amounted to 8,550 numbers, divided as follows:

Andes, 2,048; eastern part of the Cordillera de la Costa, in the

states of Sucre, Anzoategui, and Monagas, 1,947; western and central

part of the Cordillera de la Costa, 1, 261; Ptari-tepui, Sororopan-

tepui, and Carrao-tepu, 1,644; Roraima and adjacent Gran Sabana,

841; Duida and adjacent Orinoco area, 809.

Apart from the numerous encountered species previously unre-

corded for Venezuela, a very large number of species new to science,

as well as a number of new genera, have been found. The present

publication, therefore, is the first installment, to be followed in

systematic order by succeeding ones, consisting of descriptions of

all the new entities and new combinations made necessary as a

result of the taxonomic studies. The last installment, which will

follow the publication of all new species, will contain a comprehen-

sive summary of the species collected in the various regions, with

critical taxonomic and phytogeographical notes wherever necessary.

This final summary of the flora will be published together with a

more detailed account of the geology, topography, floral zones, and

ecological aspects of Ptari-tepui and surrounding area, and the

surrounding area, and the eastern part of the Cordillera de la Costa

in the states of Sucre, Anzodtegui, and Monagas, including Cerro

Turumiquire, as.well as some special notes on the ascent and vege-

tation of Duida and Roraima and adjacent areas explored.

For this final treatment the flora will be separated into the follow-

ing regions (with the exception of the Algae, Mosses, and Podo-

carpaceae): (1) additions to the flora of Duida, (2) additions to the

2 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

flora of Roraima, (3) flora of Ptari-teput, and adjacent Sororopan-

tepur and Carrao-tepui, which are extensions of Ptari-tepui, (4) flora

of Cerro Turumiquire and adjacent Oriente region, which includes

the Cordillera de la Costa in the states of Sucre, Anzoategui, and

Monagas, and (5) miscellaneous species of the Andes of Venezuela

in the states of Lara, Trujillo, Merida, and Tachira. The families

of cryptogams and phanerogams (with the exception of Algae, Li-

chens, mosses, and Podocarpaceae) have been arranged in this order.

The style of treatment has been made to conform as much as pos-

sible with that found in the report by Gleason and collaborators on

the ‘‘Botanical Results of the Tyler-Duida Expedition,’’ published

in The Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 58: 277-506 (1931), and

in that by Maguire and collaborators on ‘‘Plant Exploratious in

Guiana in 1944, Chiefly to the Tafelberg and the Kaieteur Plateau, ”’

in the same journal, 75: 56-115, 189-230, 286-323 (1948). In order

to facilitate the assembling and correlation of data from Duida, the

same subdivisions of ‘‘lowland species’’ and ‘species of Mount

Duida’’ have been continued. In the present treatment ‘lowland

species’’ refer to all collections made in the Territorio Federal

Amazonas between Puerto Ayacucho and the base of Mount Duida by

Steyermark, and those made along the Rio Negro and Rio Guainia by

Mr. Llewelyn Williams, while ‘‘species of Mount Duida’’ include all

those made on the slopes or summit of that cerro. As regards local-

ity mames. the same ones have been fcllowed as were used by Tate

for Mount Roraima, by Tate and Hitchcock for Mount Duida, and by

the Phelps expedition for Ptari-tepur. This has been done mainly in

order to conform to existing published locality names, in the interest

of clarity. Mount Ptari-tepuf lies in the southeastern portion of

Venezuela in the state of Bolivar, 130 kilometers northwest of Mount

Roca ma and 65 kilometers to the east of Mount Auyan-tepuf, and in

is 45' N. Lat., 61 °45'W. Long. Its extensions include Sororopan-

tepui and Carrao-tepui in the same latitude and longitude, all of

them Situated on that part of the mesa of the Gran Sabana in the

vicinity of the Mission of Santa Teresita de Kavanayén. Ptari-tepuf

and its extensions represent one of the ‘‘northernmost extensions of

the Guiana highlands in the watersheds of the Caronf and Paragua

rivers.”’

The author is greatly indebted to the various collaborators for their

contributions of the particular groups or families which they studied

in connection with this report. To the curators of the New York

Botanical Garden, Gray Herbarium, and United States National Her-

barium the author is greatly indebted for the loan of critical material

used in connection with the study of specimens.

Finally, I wish to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation

to the many persons in Venezuela who have helped to facilitate my

‘Zimmer, J. T. and Phelps, W. H., Am. Mus. Nov., no. 1270: 9. 1944,

and no. 1274: 1-9. 1945.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 3

botanical exploration made in that country: Dr. Henry Pittier, Dr.

Tobias Lasser, Dr. L.Schnee, Capitan Felix Cardona P., and Zoraida

Luces of the Servicio Botfnico of the Ministerio de Agricultura y

Cria, Caracas; Dr. V. M. Lopez and associates of the Servicio Téc-

nico de Minerfa y Geologia of the Ministerio de Fomento, Caracas;

Mr. William H. Phelps, Mr. William Phelps, Jr., and Mrs. Kathleen

Phelps, of Caracas; Mr. Victor M. Badillo, of Caracas; Dr. Delbert

Langham of the Ministerio de Agricultura y Cria, Maracay; Dr. James

H. Kempton, American Embassy, Caracas; to the many officials of

the Ministerio de Agricultura y Cria throughout Venezuela; Padre

Victor de Carbajal and his staff at Santa Teresita de Kavanayén:

members of the staff of Instituto Biblico ‘‘Las Delicias’’, at Caripe;

officials of the Mene Grande Oil Company; to the governors and their

subordinates in the states of Tachira, Mérida, Lara, Sucre, Anzoa-

tegui, Monagas, Bolfvar, and Territorio Federal Amazonas; Mr.

Eulogio Mago of Cocollar; and Mr. Fernando Pena of Santa Elena.

To the members of the staff of the Foreign Economic Administration

of the American Embassy at Caracas, and to my associate of the

Cinchona Mission, Dr. H. Arthur Meyer of the Department of Forestry,

Pennsylvania State College, Pa.,I wish to express my sincere thanks

for their co-operation in facilitating the botanical surveys.

A complete set of specimens is deposited in the herbarium of the

Chicago Natural History Museum. Unless otherwise indicated, the

types of the new species are deposited in that institution. Also, un-

less otherwise stated, all numbers cited have been collected by the

author.

The abbreviations used in citing specimens are as follows:

A - Armold Arboretum

F + Chicago Natural History Museum (Field Museum)

G - Gray Herbarium

I - University of Illinois

MBG- Missouri Botanical Garden

NY - New York Botanical Garden

PH - Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia

US - United States National Herbarium

Ven - Servicio Botanico, Caracas

YU - Yale Univers ity

4 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

MUSCI’

Campylopus (Eucampylopus) bolivarensis Bartr., sp. nov.

Robustus, laxe caespitosus, caespites nigricantes, superne lutes-

centes, nitidi. Caulis submersus, 6-10 cm. longus, simplex vel parce

ramosus. Folia rigida, erecto-patentis, sicca immutata, 7-8 mm.

longa, anguste ovato-lanceolata, tubuloso-concava, sensim setaceo-

acuminata, saepe in pilum hyalinum parce denticulatum producta;

costa excurrente; cellulae basilares anguste rectangulares, incras-

satae, arcte porosae, marginales angustiores, alares numerosae, fus-

cescentes, cellulae superiores lineares. Caetera ignota.

Type in herb. Bartram, isotype in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., col-

lected on summit of Mount Roraima, on southern half of the summit

between Summit Camp, Great Central Rift, Central Swamp, and pond

at southern end, state of Bolivar, alt. 2700-2740 m., September 28,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58895; same locality, Sieyermark 58915.

The submerged habit is a very unusual one for Campylopus, and

the species appears to be sharply distinct. The strongly porose

basal areolation and the linear upper leaf cells are characters in

common shared by no other species of the Eucampylopus group that

I am familiar with.

Didymodon angustifolius Bartr., sp. nov.

Caespites densi, inferne fusci, superne virides, ad 1 cm. alti.

Folia humida late patentia, flexuosa, sicca arcte circinato-contorta,

3-4.5 cm. longa, e basi erecta, breviter oblonga, concava angustis-

sime lineari-ligulata, subulato-acuminata; margines plani, integri;

costa breviter excurrente; cellulae superiores rotundatae, incras-

satae, diam. circa 8 m. papillosae, margines versus 2-3 stratosae,

basilares rectangulares, tenerae, hyalinae. Caetera ignota.

Type in herb. Bartram, isotype in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., col-

lected on north-facing slopes above La Trinidad in cloud forest zone,

southwest of Cocollar, Cerro Turumiquire, state of Sucre, alt. 2100-

2200 m., May 5, 1945, Julian A. Steyermark 62544. MONAGAS:

Guacharo Cave, 6 kms. northwest of Guacharo, alt. 950 m., Steyer-

mark 62293a. ANZOATEGUI: cloud forest of fila Grande, jhead-

waters of Quebrada La Tigra, Cerro San Jose, between Bergantin and

Cerro Peonia (Cerro Los Pajaritos), alt. 1800-1850 m., Steyermark

61550a.

Without fruit the generic position of this species must remain un-

certain. The long, exceedingly narrow, plane margined leaves with

the upper cells in two or three layers toward the margins, together

with the thin-walled rectangular cells of the leaf base is an unusual

combination of characters comparable to no other species familiar to

me. As the costa in cross section shows stereid bands on both

* By E. B. Bartram

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA-I 5

sides of the median arc of guide cells, it seems logical to include

the species in Didymodon rather than in Trichostomopsis.

Meteoriopsis remotifolia (Hornsch.) Broth. var. robusta Bartr.,

var. nov.

Caulis ad 20 cm. longus, dense et regulariter pinnatim ramosus.

Folia ad 3 mm. longa, 1.3 mm. lata.

Type in herb. Bartram, isotype in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus.,

collected in cloud forest on wooded summit of Cerro Peonia (Cerro

Los Pajaritos), above Santa Cruz, headwaters of Rio Manantiales,

east of Bergantin, state of Anzodtegui, alt. 2350 m., March 21, 1945,

Julian A. Steyermark 61683a.

Superficially these plants bear little resemblance to the customary

forms of M. remotifolia with slender, irregularly branched stems, but

structurally the plants are identical. The densely set branches form

a compact frond. This unusual habit in connection with the larger

leaves distinguishes the new variety from any forn of typical plants

that have come under my observation.

Hiookeriopsis Steyermarkii Bartr., sp. nov.

Caespites densi, sordide virides. Caulis ad 5-6 cm. longus, pros-

tratus, irregulariter pinnatim ramosus. Folia erecto-patentia, 2 mm.

longa, ovato-lanceolata, tenuiter acuminata, haud undulata, leviter

concava; margines erecti, superne minute serrulati; nervis dorso

laevibus, ultra medium evanidis; cellulae angustae lineares, laevi-

ssimae, infimae laxiores. Caetera ignota.

Type in herb. Bartram, isotype in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus.,

collected along base of east-facing high sandstone bluffs, Ptari-

tepur, state of Bolivar, alt. 2410-2450 m., Nov. 7, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 59942; same locality, Steyermark 59942a.

These plants resemble H. diffusa (Wils.) Jaeg. in habit and appear-

ance but differ widely in the slenderly acuminate leaves weakly

toothed above, the linear lamina cells and the more slender costae,

smooth on the back and ending well below the base of the leaf

acumen.

Hookeriopsis ptari-tepuiensis Bartr., Sp. Nov.

Caespites depressi, densi, sordide virides. Caulis circa 4 cm.

longus, subpinnatim ramosus. Folia erecto-patentia, 1.5 mm. longa,

oblongo-lanceolata, plicata, breviter acuminata, haud undulata;

margines erecti, inferne integri, supeme serrati; nervis dorso laevi-

bus, infra apicem evanidio, apice dorso prominulis; cellulae lineares,

incrassatae, vermiculares, infimae laxiores. Caetera ignota.

Type in herb. Bartram, isotype in herb. Chi. Nat. His. Mus.,

collected on steep forested slopes at base of first line of sandstone

bluffs, on south-facing part, west of ‘‘Cave Rock’’, Ptari-tepur, state

of Bolivar, alt. 2130 m., Nov. 4, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59846.

6 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Compared with H. Steyermarkii the leaves here are ofa different

shape, more bluntly pointed, and coarsely serrate above and plicate,

the costae are stouter, longer, and end in a minute prickle on the

back. These distinctions are not impressive but definite and well

maintained, so I feel convinced that H. ptari-tepuiensis will prove

to bea valid species.

Lepidopilum Steyermarkii Bartr., sp. nov.

Dioicum? Gracile, lutescenti-viride. Caulis secundarius ad 2 cm.

longus, laxe foliosus. Folia sicca contorta, humida patentia, late-

rialia asymmetrica, late ovata, abrupte breviter acuminata, superne

remote denticulata; nervis infra medium evanidis; cellulis ovato-

hexagonis, marginalibus 3-5 seriatis angustioribus, limbum distinct-

um efformantibus. Seta 3-3.5 mm. longa, superne grosse pappillosa,

inferne parce scaberula vel laevis; theca inclinata, oblongo-ovato;

operculum longe et tenuiter rostratum; calyptra (immatura) ramentis

paucis praedita.

Type in herb. Bartram, isotype in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus.,

collected between Hacienda Agua Blanca above La Azulita and Rio

Capaz, state of Merida, alt. 975 m., April 26, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 56138.

This species differs from L. tortifolium Mitt. in the broader more

abruptly pointed leaves and shorter setae which are papillose above

and nearly smooth below.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 7

PTERIDOPHYTA®

CYATHEACEAE

Cyathea purpurea Morton, sp. nov.

Caudex 1.5 m. altus, 7.5 cm. diam.; folia ca. 1 m. longa; stipites

inermes, ca.55 cm. longi, medio ca.7 mm. diam., atropurpurei, glabri,

basi dense appresso-paleacei, paleis firmis, lanceolatis, longe

attenuatis, brunneis, concoloribus, usque ad 20 mm. tongis et 3 mm.

latis, minute erosis; laminae ovatae, bipinnato-pinnatifidae, rhachi

atropurpurea, supra incurvo-pilosa, subtus glabra, inermi, epaleacea;

pinnae patentes (infimae deflexae), lanceolatae, usque ad 27 cm.

longae et 12 mm. latae, breviter petiolulatae, acuminatae, rhachi

purpurea, supra incurvo-pilosa, subtus glabra, epaleacea, pinnulis

ca. 15-jugis, brevissime petiolulatis (1 mm.), lanceolatis, breviter

acuminatis, maximis 6 cm. longis et 1.6 cm. latis, basalibus paullo

reductis, alte pinnatifidis, costa supra substrigosa, ala costali ca.

0.5 mm. lata, segmentis 12-14-jugis, oblongis, 8-10 mm. longis,

2.83.3 mm. latis, crenulatis, utrinque glabris, in costulis subtus

paleis pallidis, minutis, cucullatis, sparse onustis; venae 5-7-jugae,

omnes basin versus furcatae; sori 3-5-jugi, in venae furcationem siti;

indusia primo completum, mox irregulariter fissum, brunneum, gla-

brum; receptaculum magnum; paraphyses breves, numerosae.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., nos. 1,204,683-4, collected

between Aguita and summit of Cerro Duida, Territorio Federal Ama-

zonas, alt. 1800 m., Sept. 5, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58395; iso-

type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,915,061.

The present species is characterized by its dark brown, rigid,

concolorous rhizome and stipe scales, its unarmed stipe, glabrous

segments, and especially by its dark purple, shining, scaleless

thachises and costae.

Alsophila demissa Morton, sp. nov.

Caudex erectus, verisimiliter parvus gracilisque, paleis brunneis,

concoloribus, ovatis, 5-9 mm. longis, 2-2.5 mm. latis, erosis, basi

cordata affixis, lobis basalibus excedentibus; folia 30-90 cm. longa;

Stipites inermes, 24-34 cm. longi, medio 2.5-3.5 mm. diam., basi

atroviolacei, sursum brunnei, subglabri, basi paleacei; laminae

Coriaceae, nitentes, ovatae, usque ad 45 cm. longae et 40 cm. latae,

bipinnatae, basi vix reductae, apice pinnatifidae, rhachi supra

incurvo-hispida, subtus glabra, sparse paleacea, paleis ovatis vel

subrotundis, cordatis; pinnae sub apice pinnatifido 8-12-jugae,

patentes, petiolulatae, oblongo-lanceolatae, basi non articulatae,

apice pinnatifidae, acuminatae, costa supra strigosa, subtus glabra,

epaleacea; pinnulae variabiles, in plantis parvis (depauperatis ?)

SBy C. V. Morton

8 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

9-12 mm. longae et 4.5-5.5 mm. latae, jugae 3 vel 4 basales sessiles,

alterae adnatae, subintegrae vel levissime lobatae, apice rotundae,

pinnulae in plantis majoribus usque ad 14-jugae, infimae petiolulatae

(2 mm.), usque ad 3.5 cm. longae et 1.2 cm. latae, obtusae, basi sub-

cordatae, pinnatifidae, ala costali ca. 1 mm. lata, segmentis, sub

apice pinnatifido 6-8-jugis, late oblongis, 5-6 mm. longis, 3.5-4 mm.

latis, rotundis, crenulatis, parenchymate et costulis glabris, epalea-

ceis; venae simplices vel in pinnulis majoribus infra medium fur-

catae; sori pauci, supramediales, saepe tantum in vena anteriore

basali; indusium nullum; receptaculum mediocre; paraphyses breves.

Type in the U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,498,535, collected on summit of

Cerro Duida, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1650-1800 m., Nov.

26, 1928, G.H.H.Tate 402. Additional collections from the same

locality are Tate 626 and Steyermark 58308, both representing small,

possibly depauperate, forms.

It is somewhat venturesome to describe new species in the vast

genus Alsophila, for many of the species are imperfectly known, but

a search of the literature does not reveal any that seem to be the

same as this, or even closely allied. None of the three collections

are quite alike, each differing in the degree of dissection of the

pinnules, which vary from sessile and subentire to petiolulate and

deeply pinnatifid.

Hemitelia dissimilis Morton, sp. nov.

Caudex 15 cm. altus, dense paleaceus, paleis firmis, brunneis,

concoloribus, lineari-subulatis, 7-9 mm. longis, 1-1.5 mm. latis,

longe attenuatis, basi subtruncata affixis; folia ca. 1.2 m. longa;

stipites ca. 55 cm. longi, 5.5-6 mm. diam., brunnei, inermes, sparse

verrucosi, glabri, fere epaleacei, bisulcati; laminae ovatae, usque

ad 50 cr. latae, basi vix reductae, imparipinnata, rhachi glabra,

epaleacea; pinnae coriaceae, basi articulatae, petiolulatae (1-1.8

cm.), majores 25-27 cm. longae, 7 cm. latae, pinnatae, pinna termi-

nalis conformis, pinnulis sessilibus, 14-17-jugis basi articulatis,

rhachi angustissime alata, fere glabra, sterilibus oblongis, 3-3.5 cm.

longis, 1-1.4 cm. latis, breviter acuminatis, basi truncatis, margine

remote crenulatis, fertilibus similibus sed leviter sublobatis, omni-

bus fere glabris, pilis paucis articulatis et paleis linearibus per-

paucis in costulis dissitis; venae liberae, 10- vel 1l-jugae, bis

furcatae, marginem attingentes; sori submarginales, sub apice

venarum omnium; indusia magna, concava, fere 1 mm. lata, brunnea,

firma, persistentia, glabra; receptaculum magnum, globosum; para-

physes numerosae, piliformes, septatae.

Type in the U.S. Nat. Herb., nos. 1,915,240-2, collected on Ptari-

tepuf, south-facing densely forested slopes between Rfo Karuai and

ridge below “Misia Kathy Camp’’, state of Bolivar, alt. 1250-1520

m., Oct. 27, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59442; isotype in herb.

Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 9

Dr. Copeland (Gen. Fil. 94-99. 1947) reduces the large genera

Hemitelia and Alsophila to Cyathea, and since the distinctions

between the genera are artificial, there is much to be said for such

a course, although I prefer to retain the traditional genera for the

time being. There is less merit in his attempt to recognize a number

of small genera, such as Cnemidaria, Trichopteris, and Schizocaena,

split off from Cyathea (sens. lat.). Cnemidaria is typically rather

easily recognized by its merely pinnate-pinnatifid blades with sub-

entire pinnules and often anastomosing veins. However, C. petiolata

(Hook.) Copel. shows a transition to true Hemitelia by reason of its

bipinnate blades and sometimes subpinnatifid pinnules, although it

has the anastomosing veins of Cnemidaria. The present species is

obviously allied to H. petiolata, but has all the veins free. It shows

the generic character assigned to Schizocaena, confined to the Old

World by Copeland, of articulate pinnae. Not only the pinnae but

also the pinnules are strongly and functionally articulate in H. dis-

similis (they are apparently articulate also in H. petiolata, although

less obviously).

The present species differs from H. petiolata as follows:

Frond not reduced upwardly, ending in an articulate terminal pinna

conform with the lateral; veins all free; rhizome scales concolor-

ous; stipe unarmed; pinnules up to 3.5 cm. long and 1.4 cm. wide

H. dissimilis.

Frond reduced and pinnatifid at apex; veins often anastomosing;

rhizome scales bicolorous, with a narrow white border; stipe

prickly; pinnules up to 8.5 cm. long and 2.2 cm. wide.

H. petiolata.

Hemitelia minima Morton, sp. nov.

Caudex ca. 10 cm. longus, erectus, ca. 3 cm. diam., paleis firmis,

ovato-lanceolatis, ca. 10 mm. longis et 3 mm. latis, brunneis, com

coloribus; folia ca. 60 cm. longa et 20 cm. lata; stipites ca. 30 cm.

longi, 3-3.5 mm. diam., inermes, basi subpurpurei, sursum straminei,

basi paleacei, paleis ovatis, brunneis, margine pallidioribus, supra

incurvo-strigosi, subtus glabri; laminae steriles ovatae, bipinnato-

pinnatifidae, rhachi inermi, epaleacea, supra incurvo-strigosa, sub-

tus glabra; pinnae breviter petiolulatae, paucijugae, patentes, usque

ad 12 cm. longae et 6 cm. latae, costa utrinque inter pinnas angus-

tissime alata, supra strigosa, subtus plus minusve paleacea, paleis

subfiliformibus persistentibus; pinnulis oblongo-lanceolatis, 10-14-

jugis, usque ad 3 cm. longis et 1 cm. latis, sessilibus, acutis,

costula supra pilosula, segmentis 8-10-jugis, late oblongis, ca. 4

mm. longis et 2.5 mm. latis, glabris, crenulatis, obtusis, ala costu-

lari ca. 0.5 mm. lata; venae 3-vel-4-jugae, infra medium furcatae;

laminae fertiles similes sed plus minusve contracta, segmentis

incurvis et concavis; sori in lobis unijugi; indusium pallidum,

magnum, semicirculare, extrorsum, glabrum; receptaculum magnum;

paraphyses multae, elongatae, persistentes.

10 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1,205,046, collected on

forested south-facing slopes overlying sandstone, on ‘‘Cave Rock’’

above ‘‘Cave Camp’’, Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 1810 m.,

Oct. 29, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59481.

In its small size and contracted fertile blades H. minima is unlike

any species with which I am acquainted. The large and conspicuous

indusium suggests that of Cyathea, but it is incomplete. Seeiaingly

the inflexed concave margin of the segments functions somewhat as

an indusium, protecting the sori while they are young. The type

specimen is a unicate. It may represent a somewhat depauperate

phase due to exposed conditions.

Hemitelia amabilis Morton, sp. nov.

Caudex 0.9 m. altus, 5-7.5 cm. diam.; folia erecta, ca. 1 m. longa;

stipites inermes, breves, ca. 20 cm. longi, 5-3 mm. diam., canalicu-

lati juventute puberuli, demum subglabri, perspicue paleacei, paleis

lucidis, albidis, chartaceis, peltatis, anguste triangularibus, 6-10

mm. longis, 3-4 mm. latis, erosis; laminae lanceolatae, subabrupte

acuminatae, medio ca. 30 cm. latae, pinnato-pinnatifidae, rhachi

incurvo-puberulae, subtus paleis albidis, ovatis, 4-7 mm. longis

praedita; pinnae ca. 20-jugae, patentes, lanceolato-ligulatae, longe

acuminatae, maximae 17 cm. longae et 3.2 cm. latae (inferiores

minores et deflexae), pinnatifidae, ala costalis ca. 2 mm. lata, costis

costulisque supra glabra (basi excepta), subtus strigillosis, paleis

albidis, subbullatis sparse praeditis; segmenta 15-20-juga, late ob-

longa, subfalcata, 14-18 mm. longa, 5-6 mm. late, rotundata, integra,

margine paullo revoluta, utrinque subglabra; venae liberae, 9- vel

10-jugae, omnes sub medio furcatae; sori saepe 6-jugi, basi rami

anterioris venae positi, rotundi; indusia ampla, tenera, semicupuli-

formia, brunnea, ca. 0.9 mm. lata, glabra, suberosa; receptaculum

magnum, ca. 0.25 mm. latum, globosum; paraphyses nullae.

Type in the U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,915,330, collected at El Paramo,

northeast of Las Delicias, northeast of Caripe, state of Monagas,

alt. 1200-1450 m., April 13, 1945, Julian A. Steyermark 62042; iso-

type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus.

The most nearly related species is evidently H. chiricana Maxon

(sect. Cnemidaria) of Panama, which is closely similar in cutting and

venation, but the scales of stipe and rhachis are quite different,

those of H. chiricana being dark castaneous or blackish with paler

borders, whereas those of the present species are white throughout.

POLY PODIACEAE

Thelypteris brachypoda (Baker) Morton, comb. nov.

Nephrodium brachypodum Baker, Timehri 5: 213. 1886; Trans.

Linn. Soc. London II. Bot. 2: 290. 1887.

““Ene-bi-gi-yek timunga-teng (remedios chiquitos para bichos)’’.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I ll

On rocks along stream tributary to Rfo Kukendn, Gran Sabana, in

woods at base of Mount Roraima, state of Bolivar, alt. 1185-1280

m., Steyermark 58588. This characteristic species has apparently

been known from the original collection (Mt. Roraima, Im Thurn 275,

isotype US).

It is with a good deal of regret that I have finally decided to recog-

nize some of the segregates from Dryopteris. It seems to be gener-

ally conceded that the comprehensive genus as currently maintained

is composed of several diverse elements, and Holttum in his recent

paper ‘‘A Revised Classification of Leptosporangiate Ferns’’ (Journ.

Linn. Soc. London 53: 123-158. 1947) goes so far as to put Thelyp-

teris in a different family from Dryopteris. Such a drastic procedure

does not seem necessary to me; in fact, I find it hard to believe

that these two groups are not at least somewhat related. However,

it does seem possible to define them adequately, and since the in-

clusive Dryopteris is uncomfortably large, there is a definite advan-

tage in segregating it. Copeland, in his useful Genera Filicum

(1947), recognizes several genera, such as Cyclodium, Stigmatop-

teris, Ctenitis, Lastrea, Currania, Meniscium, Goniopteris, and

Cyclosorus. At the present time I prefer to recognize one small

aberrent group as Gymnocarpium and three large genera: Dryopteris

(including Cyclodium, Stigmatopteris, atid Polystichopsis), Ctenitis

(including Parapolystichum), and Thelypteris (including Goniopteris,

Meniscium, Cyclosorus, Glaphyropteris, Steiropteris, and Lepto-

gramma).

Copeland’s adoption of the later name Lastrea instead of Thelyp-

teris is unfortunate. He rejected Thelypteris because the publishing

author, Schmidel, did not adopt the Linnean system of binary nomen-

clature, but that provision of the International Rules (Article 68,

sect. 4) affects only specific epithets and not at all generic names.

Thelypteris Engelii (Hieron.) Morton, comb. nov.

Dry opteris Engelii Hieron. Hedwigia 46: 339. pl. 6. fig. 12. 1907.

Terrestrial, fronds 3 or 4, ascending; southwest-facing forested

slopes between Ronddn Camp and base of sandstone bluffs, Mount

Roraima, state of Bolfvar, alt. 2040-2255 m., Steyermark 58992.

The identification is not certain. The original collection, of which

no material is available for consultation, was from Merida, Venezuela

(Engel 90).

Thelypteris pilossissima Morton, sp. nov.

Rhizoma breviter repens, crassiusculum, paleaceum, paleis brun-

neis, lanceolatis, usque ad 6 mm. longis et 1.5 mm. latis, attenuatis,

concoloribus, integris, margine pilis paucis simplicibus gerentibus;

folia pauca, 18-20 cm. longa, breviter stipitata, stipitibus curvatis,

5-7 cm. longis, ca. 1 mm. diam., paleis minutis hinc inde praeditis,

12 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

valde pilosa, pilis rectis, patentibus, simplicibus, unicellularibus,

1-2 mm. longis; laminae herbaceae, lanceolate, 15-23 cm. longae,

4.5-6 cm. latae, basi gradatim reductae, apicem versus acuminatae,

apice ipso obtuso, pinnato-pinnatifidae, rhachi valde pilosa, fere

epaleacea; pinna 20-25-jugae, mediales oblongae, 2-3.2 cm. longae,

9-13 mm. latae, basales (4-vel 5-jugae) gradatim minores, infimae

subdeltoideae, ca. 12 mm. longae, 10 mm. latae, omnes sessiles,

obtusae, altae pinnatifidae, ala costali ca. 1.5 mm. lata, segmentis

5-8-jugis, 4-6.5 mm. longis, 3.5-4.5 mm. latis, obtusis, integris,

epaleaceis, basalibus alteris aequalibus, utrinque in mesophyllo et

venis longe pilosa, pilis hyalinis, simplicibus, unicellularibus,

patentibus, 1-2 mm. longis; venae 3-jugae, simplices, marginem at-

tingentes; sori dorsales, l-vel-2-jugae, inframediales, rotundi; in-

dusium persistens, subreniforme, minutum, membranaceum, margine

longissime ciliatum; sporangia stipitata, non setosa, annulo 14-

articulato; sporae brunneae, bilaterales, ca. 40 p longae et 25

latae, tuberculatae.

Type in the U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,915,091, collected on ascent of

ledge along southwest-facing side, from beginning of sandstone

bluffs to summit, Mt. Roraima, alt. 2255-2620 m., Sept. 27, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 58772; isotype in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus.

In Posthumus’ Ferns of Surinam this species will key to T. oppo-

sita, which it in no way resembles, differing in the few reduced

lower pinnae, few veins, obtuse pinnae and segments, and long-

pilose indument on both surfaces of the frond. In the indument the

present species suggests the little-known Dryopteris longipilosa

(Sodiro) C. Chr.

Thelypteris reptans (Gmel.) Morton, comb. nov.

P oly podium reptans Gmel. Syst. Nat. 22: 1309. 1791.

Monagas: in crevices within cave entrance, Gudcharo Cave, 6 kms.

northwest of Gudcharo, alt. 950 m., Steyermark 62305.

Ctenitis catocarpa (Kunze) Morton, comb. nov.

Aspidium catocarpum Kunze, Linnaea 9: ,95. 1834.

ANZOATEGUI: along Rio Zumbador and tributary, near base of

Piedra Blanca, northeast of Bergantin, alt. 800-1000 m., 61279.

Kunze described two species, Aspidium catocarpum and A. nemo

philum, at the same time and place. Mettenius regarded these as

synonyms, doubtless correctly, and adopted the name A. catocarpum.

Christensen had a similar viewpoint, but adopted the name Dryop-

teris nemophila, because this species was a larger, better developed

form and because it had page priority. These considerations, how-

ever, have nothing to do with the choice of name. Since Mettenius

was the first to unite the two species, his choice of the epithet

catocarpum must stand.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 13

Ctenitis platyloba (Baker) Morton, comb. nov.

P oly podium platylobum Baker in Hook. & Baker, Syn. Fil. 307. 1867.

SUCRE: terrestrial, fronds membranaceous, Cerro Turumiquire,

north-facing slopes between La Trinidad and Quebrada El Boquerdn,

southwest of Cocollar, alt. 1700-1840 m., 62438. Identified from

description. Possibly known previously only from the original des-

cription from Tarapoto, Peru.

Polybotrya crassa Morton, sp. nov.

Rhizoma crassum, elongatum, repens, I-1.5 cm. diam., paleis ex-

clusis, densissime paleaceum, paleis lineari-lanceolatis, 1-2 cm.

longis, 1-2.5 mm. latis, brunneis, patentibus, longe attenuatis,

glabris, integris; folia deformia, sterilia ca. 1.5 m. longa, stipitibus

ca. 35 cm. longis, 7 mm. diam., plus minusve praecipue basin versus

paleaceis, supra trisulcatis; lamina lanceolata, medio ca. 50 cm.

lata, basi paullo angustata, apice acuminata, pinnata, apice pinnati-

fida, rhachi parce paleacea, inconspicue appresso-pilosa; pinnae ca.

18-jugae, inferiores et mediales petiolulatae (usque ad 5 mm.),

superiores adnatae, lineari-lanceolatae, maximae 26 cm. longae et

5 cm. latae, basi truncatae, apice longe attenuatae, majores sub

medio dentato-lobatae, sursum denticulatae, lobis infimis superiori-

bus (et saepe etiam inferioribus) fere liberis, ovatis, basi angustatis,

superiores basi superiori auriculatae, omnes subcoriaceae, fere ep-

aleaceae, subtus parcissime appresso-pilosae, pilis brunneis, multi-

cellularibus, flaccidis; venae primariae ca. 35-jugae (in pinnis

majoribus), fere horizontaliter patentes, pinnato-ramosae, ramis 3-5-

jugis, in vena excurrente inter venas primarias acute anastomosanti-

bus; folia fertilia 80-90 cm. longa, stipitibus 27 cm. longis, dense

paleaceis; lamina ca. 30 cm. lata, ovato-lanceolata, bipinnato-

pinnatifida, rhachi paleacea; pinnae patentes, ca. 15 cm. longae et

3.5 cm. latae, petiolulatae, attenuatae, pinnulis multijugis, subremo-

tis, linearibus, 1.5-1.8 cm. longis, 2-2.5 mm. latis, segmentis parvis,

5-7-jugis, alternis, remotis, semicircularibus, ca. 1 mm. longis, 1.5

mm. latis, utrinque sporangiferis; annulus ca. 14-cellularis; sporae

bilaterales, laeves, 50-56 u longae, 40-50 u latae. -

Type in the U.S. Nat. Herb., nos. 1,915,221-2, collected on south-

facing forested slopes above limestone bluffs, northeast of Gudcharo,

state of Monagas, alt. 1300-1400 m., April 11, 1945, Julian A.

Steyermark 61991, ‘*‘climbing, with elongate rhizome appressed tightly

to small tree trunk; sterile fronds chartaceous, dull green above, pale

green below”; isotype in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus. Differs from

P. suberecta (Baker) C. Chr., P. polybotryoides (Baker) Christ, and

related species in the lobate, basally auricled sterile pinnae and the

more divided (bipinnate-pinnatifid) fertile fronds.

Paesia acclivis (Kunze) Kuhn var. polystichoides Morton, var. nov.

Rhizoma deest; folia scandentia, 1.6-2.6 m. longa (t. Steyermark);

lamina tripinnato-pinnatifida, rhachi 3-4 mm. diam., valde flexuosa,

14 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

tereti, brunnea, nitente, decidue pilosa, pilis brunneis, septatis;

demum aspera, internodiis 7-8 cm. longis; pinnae lanceolatae, nume-

rosae, alternae, angulo acute adscendentes, maximae ca. 50 cm.

longae et 22 cm. latae, petiolulatae (2-2.5 cm.), basi vix reductae,

apice attenuatae, rhachi subrecta; pinnulae usque ad 30-jugae, hori-

zontaliter patentes, alternae, inferiores petiolulatae, superiores ses-

siles, maximae 11 cm. longae et 2.3 cm. latae, rhachilla angustissime

alata, pinnulis tertiariis usque ad 20-jugis alternis, anadromicis,

oblongo-lanceolatis, 1-1.3 cm. longis, 6-8 mm. basi latis, sessilibus,

basi truncatis, apice acutis, infra medium alte pinnatifidis, sursum

crenatis, lobis vel crenaturis 5-8-jugis, obtusis, saepe crenulatis,

subcoriaceae, supra ubique glabrae, subtus in costa et costulis

parce septato-pilosae, epaleaceae; venae liberae, furcatae, marginem

attingentes; sori marginales continui, indusiis extrorsis et introrsis

magnis, ca. 6 mm. latis, brunneis, membranaceis, glabris, erosis;

sporangia magna, breviter stipitata, annulo 15-articulato; paraphyses

nullae; sporae bilaterales, laeves, 50-60 p longae, ca. 45 yp latae.

Type in the U.S. Nat. Herb., nos. 1,915,278-9, collected at base

of and on main south-facing sandstone bluffs of Ptari-tepui, state of

Bolivar, alt. 2400-2410 m., October 30, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

59600, ‘*fronds pale green beneath; stipes dark purple’’; isotype in

herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus.

I have described this variety at length, because it may prove to be

a distinct species. Mettenius’ illustration (Abh. Senckenb. Naturf.

Ges. Frankfurt 2: pl 16, fig. 9-12. 1858) of plants of the original

collection from Merida, Venezuela, Funck & Schlim 1222) shows the

tertiary pinnules rounded, a character sufficient to give the plant an

entirely different aspect from the present variety, in which the terti-

ary pinnules are acute and deeply parted, a single pinna rather sug-

gesting a whole frond of a Polystichum, such as P. muricatum.

GLEICHENIACEAE

Sticherus penniger (Mart.) Morton, comb. nov.

Mertensia pennigera Mart. Icon. Crypt. Bras. 130. pl. 59, f. 1.

1834.

“itu-yek’’. Southwest-facing slopes bordered by hilly savana,

Mount Roraima, alt. 1030-1155 m., Steyermark 58605. I have not seen

any authentic material (the type was collected by Martius in Minas

Gerais, Brazil), but from the description and illustration there seems

little doubt that Martius’s species is identical with the widespread

South American plant described as Mertensia lanuginosa Moric., of

which an isotype (Blanchet 3706 from Bahia, Brazil) is in the New

York Botanical Garden. The species has passed under a variety of

names, including Gleichenia bifida, G. furcata, and G. pubescens.

It was collected long ago on Roraima by Schomburgk (specimen in

U.S. Nat. Herb.) and probably others. However, the plant reported by

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 15

Baker (im Thurn 343, specimen in U.S. Nat. Herb.) as Gleichenia

pubescens is not this species, but Sticherus velatus (Kunze) Morton,

comb. nov. (Mertensia velata Kunze, Linnaea 9: 15. 1834), the type of

which was collected at Pampayacu, Peru, by Poeppig. A fragment of

it is in the U.S. Nat. Herb. Synonyms are Gleichenia Buchtienii

Christ & Rosenst. and G. blepharolepis Sodiro. Although S. velatus

has a wide range in South America, it is not common. It is a huge

species with very broad pinnae, and may be distinguished readily

from both S. bifidus and S. penniger by the segments being scaly-

tomentose above when young and by the blackish scales of the axes

and buds. It is likely that the Roraima specimens reported by Posthu-

mus as G. longipinnata belong to S. velatus. I know the true Sticherus

longipinnatus (Hook.) Ching only from Surinam (Hostmann 238, photo-

graph and fragment of the type in U.S. Nat. Herb.).

Sticherus rubiginosus (Mett.) Morton, comb. nov.

Gleichenia rubiginosa Mett. Ann. Sci. Nat. Paris V. 2: 267. 1864.

SUCRE: Cerro Turumiquire, north-facing slopes above La Trinidad

in cloud forest zone, southwest of Cocollar, alt. 2100-2200 m.,

Steyermark 62521. MONAGAS: Cerro Negro, above La Sabana de las

Piedras, northwest of Caripe, alt. 1500-2180 m. 62103. These speci-

mens, due probably to the method of drying, have lost the glaucous

tinge characteristic of the lower surfaces. The species was col-

lected in 1925 in Cerro Turumiquire (2900 m.) by Tate (no. 277).

Fragments of the type collection (Lindig 71 from Puente Nacional,

Colombia) have been examined in the U.S. National Herbarium and

New York Botanical Garden. The range of the species includes

Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru, and a Single specimen was found

some years ago in Puerto Rico.

It is with some regret that I have decided to recognize the genus

Sticherus as distinct from Dicranopteris, following Christensen,

Ching, Copeland, and St. John, because of the habital similarity of

the two groups. However, it is obvious that the peculiar nature of

the branching in this family renders a habital similarity inevitable.

The technical distinctions between the genera have been pointed out

clearly by M. A. Chrysler (Amer. Journ. Bot. 31: 483-491. 1944) in

his study of the vascular anatomy of the petiolar bundles. The

fundamental distinction is that Dicranopteris (sens. strict.) has only

hairs on the rhizomes and fronds, whereas Sticherus has ciliate

scales on the rhizomes and usually on the fronds also. A simple

method of distinguishing the genera is by the veins of the segments,

those of Sticherus being all once-forked (or rarely the basal pair

twice-forked) whereas those of Dicranopteris are all twice- or thrice-

forked. The character of numerous sporangia to a sorus, attributed

to Dicranopteris, is not uniformly true in all species, nor is the

development of accessory pinnae apparently of fundamental im-

portance, for D. pectinata has none.

16 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Dicranopteris Schomburgkiana (Sturm) Morton, comb. nov.

Mertensia Schomburgkiana Sturm in Mart. Fl. Bras. 17: 233. 1859.

Fronds with branches horizontally spreading, the segments gray

on older fronds below, ferruginous on younger ones and on young

stems; ascent of ledge along southwest-facing side, Mount Roraima,

alt. 2100-2255 m., Steyermark 58718. The type came from Mt. Roraima

(Schomburgk 1671, fragments in U.S. Nat. Herb. and N.Y. Bot. Gard.),

and the species has probably not been found since, so the present

collection is noteworthy. This species has been considered the

same as Dicranopteris rufinervis (Mart.) Ching of Minas Gerais,

Brazil, which Posthumus calls Gleichenia linearis var. rufinervis.

Martius’ description is too brief to be conclusive, but Gleichenia

Klotzschii Hook., which is considered to be the same as rufinervis,

is obviously distinct from D. Schomburgkiana. A comparison of

fragments of the type of G. Klotzschii with the new specimens col-

lected by Steyermark shows that the differences enumerated by Sturm

hold true.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 17

SPERMATOPHYTA

GRAMINEAE*

-Thrasya setosa Swallen, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmi graciles erecti, ramosi, glabri, nodis inferioribus

barbatis; vaginae internodia aequans, carinatae, pilosae vel papil-

loso-pilosae, suprema elongata, glabra, marginibus papilloso-ciliata;

ligula membranacea, erosa, 1.5 mm. longa; laminae planae, 10-30

cm. longae, 2-3 mm. latae, attenuatae, pilosae, marginibus papilloso-

hispidis; racemi terminales et axillares, solitarii, 8-12 cm. longi

basi dense pilosi, rachi 1.8 mm. lata, papilloso-ciliata, pilis 2-5

mm. longis; spiculae 3 mm. longae; gluma prima obsoleta, gluma

secunda plana, 5-nervis, acuta, scabra, summo marginibus hispida;

lemma sterile gluma secunda paulo brevior summo 2-carinatum, carinis

hispido-ciliatis; fructus 2.4 mm. longus, 0.7 mm. latus, summo dense

pilosus pilis 0.5 mm. longis.

Perennial; culms slender, erect or somewhat geniculate, branching

at the lower nodes, glabrous, smooth and shining, the nodes re-

trorsely bearded; sheaths about as long as the internodes, keeled,

at least toward the summit, pilose or papillose-pilose with spreading

hairs, the uppermost elongate, glabrous on the back, the margins

papillose-ciliate; ligule membranaceous, erose, 1.5 mm. long; blades

flat, 10-30 cm. long, 2-3 mm. wide, the uppermost greatly reduced,

attenuate, pilose, the margins and underside of the mid-nerve papil-

lose-hispid; inflorescences terminal and axillary, the axillary entirely

enclosed in the sheath, of one arcuate raceme 8-12 cm. long, densely

pilose at the base, the rachis 1.8 mm. wide, papillose-ciliate, the

hairs 2-5 mm. long; spikelets 3 mm. long; first glume obsolete;

second glume flat, 5-nerved, acute, scabrous, the margins hispid at

the tip; sterile lemma a little shorter than the second glume enclosing

a well-developed palea and staminate flower, early splitting down

the middle, the margins incurved partly enclosing the fruit, 2-keeled

toward the summit, the keels hispid-ciliate, each with a rather stout

yellowish seta about 2 mm. long near the tip; fruit 2.4 mm. long,

0.7 mm. wide, the margins of the lemma densely pilose at the tip,

the hairs about 0.5 mm. long.

Type in the U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,911,654, collected in

vicinity of Sanariapo, near Rio Sanariapo, tributary of Orinoco

river, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 100 m., September 8,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58502; isotype in herb. Chi. Nat.

Hist. Mus.

Thrasya setosa is related to T. paspaloides which differs in

having shorter racemes, mostly 4-5 cm. long, the axillary ones

*By Jason R. Swallen. Bambuseae, except Myriocladus, by F. A.

McClure

18 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

long exserted, wider rachis (2.5 mm.), and the second glume

densely papillose-hispid all over the back, the hairs long.

Eragrostis fragilis Swallen, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmi caespitosi, 20-30 cm. alti, glabri; vaginae

internodiis longiores, dense pilosae, pilis adscendentibus vel

patentibus; ligula ciliata 0.3 mm. longa; laminae &12 cm.

longae, 1-3 mm. latae, planae, firmae, attenuatae, dense pilosae

vel papillosopilosae; paniculae 12-18 cm. longae, 69 cm.

latae, ramis fragilibus adscendentibus, simplicibus vel infra

medium sparse ramosis, ramulis divergentibus, in axillis longe

pilosis; spiculae 3.5-4.5 mm. longae, 1.5 mm. latae, 4-6-florae,

pedicellibus 5-10 mm. longis; glumae subaequales, 1-1.3 mm.

longae, lenerves, acutae; lemma infimum 1.5-1.8 mm. longum,

acutum; rachilla sparse pilosae; caryopsis 0.5-0.6 mm. longa

rectangularis, reticulata, sulcata.

Perennial; culms in small tufts, 20-30 cm. high, erect, glab-

rous; sheaths all longer than the internodes, rather densely

pilose with ascending or spreading hairs; ligule ciliate, 0.3

mm. long; blades mostly 812 cm. long, 1-3 mm. wide, firm,

flat, attenuate, densely pilose or papillose-pilose on both sur-

faces; panicles 12-18 cm. long, as much as 6-9 cm. wide, the

branches fragile, ascending, simple or sometimes _ branching

from below the middle, the branchlets divergent, long-pilose in

all the axils; spikelets 3.5-4.5 mm. long, 1.5 mm. wide, 4-6-

flowered, the pedicels mostly 5-10 mm. long; glumes subequal,

1-1.3 mm. long, lenerved, acute; first lemma 1.5-1.8 mm. long,

acute; rachilla sparsely pilose, at least below the floret;

caryopsis 0.5-0.6 mm. long, rectangular, reticulate, rather deep-

ly sulcate on one edge.

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,911,657, collected on Gran

Sabana, between Kun and Uaduara-paru, in valley of Rio

Kukenan, south of Mount Roraima, state of Bolivar, alt. 1065-

1220 m., October 1, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59062.

Digitaria glabriculmis Swallen, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmi erecti, 63 cm. alti, glabri, summo_ sparse

pilosi; vaginae hirsutae, suprema 24 cm. longa, glabra; ligula

membranacea 0.5-1 mm. longa; laminae planae, erectae, ad 25

cm. longae, subtus glabrae, supra dense villosae; racemi 3,

9-11 cm. longi, rachi 0.5 mm. lata, marginibus scabris; spicu-

lae 1.5-1.7 mm. longae, dense pubescentes pilis capitatis;

gluma prima obsoleta; gluma secunda angusta, 3-nervis, obtusa,

fructo 1/3 brevior; lemma sterile fructum aequams subacutum

8-nerve; fructus 1.7 mm. longus, ellipticus, acutus, fuscescens,

perspicue striatus.

Perennial; culms erect, 65 cm. high, glabrous, with a few

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 19

scattered hairs toward the summit; basal sheaths crowded,

sparsely to densely hirsute with ascending hairs, the upper

most 24 cm. long, bladeless, glabrous; ligule membranaceous,

0.5-1 mm. long; blades flat, sub-attenuate, erect, as much as

25 cm. long, 4 mm. wide, glabrous below, very densely villous

above; racemes 3, 9-11 cm. long, erect or narrowly ascending,

the rachis 0.5 mm. wide, scabrous on the margins; spikelets

in threes, crowded, 1.5-1.7 mm. long, densely pubescent with

capitate hairs; first glume wanting; second glume narrow, 3-

nerved, obtuse, 2/3 as long as the fruit; sterile lemma as

long as or slightly longer than the fruit, subacute, 7-nerved,

the lateral and intermediate nerves obscure, thus appearing 3-

nerved; fruit 1.7 mm. long, elliptic, acute, very dark reddish-

brown, rather prominently striate.

Type in herb. Chi, Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1,206,512, col-

lected on Gran Sabana, between waterfall at Rue-mert (crib

tary of Rio Kukenan) and Divina Pastora on Rio Kukenan

north of Santa Elena, south of Mount Roraima, state of Boli-

var, alt. 1065 m., October 3, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

59226.

Digitaria glabriculmis is similar to D. villiculmis Henr.

which differs in having culms conspicuously villous throughout,

blades villous on both surfaces, usually not more than 12 cm.

long, and larger spikelets 1.8-2 mm. long.

Axonopus erectus Swallen, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmi 145 cm. alti, erecti rigidi compressi, infra

inflorescentiam scaberuli, nodo dense antrorse pilosae; vaginae

latae, compressae, basi papilloso-hispidae, collo dense pubes-

centes, suprema ad 45 cm. longa; ligula dense ciliata 0.5

mm. longa; laminae lineares, 23-33 cm. longae, 12 mm. latae,

planae, basi conduplicatae, marginibus scaberrimis; inflores-

centiae terminales et axillares, 12-27 cm. longae, densae,

erectae, racemis adscendentibus usque ad 13 cm. _longis;

spiculae 2.5-2.6 mm. longae; gluma secunda et lemma sterile

aequalia, obtusa, S-nervia, inter mervos dense _pubescentia;

fructus 2.3 mm. longus, subacutus, minute papillosus, summo

sparse pubescens.

Perennial; culms stiffly erect, 145 cm. high, hard, flattened,

appearing triangular toward the base, lI-noded, the node dense-

ly antrorsely appressed-pilose, scaberulous below the _ inflores-

cence, otherwise glabrous; sheaths broad, conspicuously com-

pressed, densely pubescent on the collar, papillose or papil-

lose-hispid near the base, otherwise glabrous or nearly so,

the lower ones relatively short, the uppermost as much as 45

cm. long; ligule densely ciliate, 0.5 mm. long; blades linear,

conduplicate toward the base, becoming flat, strongly nerved,

20 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

glabrous, the margins very scabrous, the tip obtuse, 23-33 cm.

long, 12 mm. wide, the uppermost greatly reduced; panicles

terminal and axillary, long-exserted, 12-27 cm. long, erect,

dense, the compound branches narrowly ascending, as much as

13 cm. long, densely pubescent or pilose in the axils, the

rachis very scabrous; spikelets 2.4-2.6 mm. long, the second

glume and sterile lemma equal, covering the fruit, 5-nerved,

obtuse, rather densely pubescent between the nerves; fruit 2.3

mm. long, oblong, acutish, minutely papillose-roughened, some-

what pubescent at the tip.

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,911,664, collected on Gran

Sabana, between Mission of Santa Teresita de Kavanayen north-

west of Rio Karuai, on large mesa, state of Bolivar, alt.

1220 m., October 26, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59400. Also

collected between Kun and Uaduara-pari, in valley of Rio

Kukendn, south of Mount Roraima, 59050.

This species is probably most closely related to Axonopus

scoparius Flugge, but easily distinguished by the prominent

conduplicate sheaths pubescent on the collar, the firmer and

narrower obtuse blades, and the narrow, dense inflorescences.

Axonopus Steyermarkii Swallen, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmi ca. 45 cm. alti glabri uninodi; vaginae

equitantes 10 cm. longae, compressae, glabrae, suprema elon-

gata lamina reducta; ligula ciliata 0.5 mm. longa; laminae

planae, 10-24 cm. longae, 2.5-G6 mm. latae, glabrae, marginibus

scabris; inflorescentiae terminales et axillares, racemis 3-4,

adscendentibus approximatis infimo remoto; rachis 0.4 mm.

lata; spiculae 2.8-3 mm. longae, pedicellis 1 mm. longis pi-

losis; gluma secunda et lemma sterile aequalia, angusta, ob-

tusa, Senervia, nervis lateralibus approximatis, imter nervos

sparse pilosa; fructus 2.5 longus, ellipticus, lemmate summo

villoso.

Perennial; culms about 45 cm. high. glabrous, with a single

culm node; sheaths equitant, about 10 cm. long, compressed,

gradually narrowed from the base to the summit, glabrous, the

culm sheath elongate with a reduced blade; ligule ciliate, 0.5

mm. long; blades flat, 10-24 cm. long, narrower at the base

than the mouth of the sheath, glabrous, the margins scabrous

at the tip; inflorescences terminal and axillary with 3-4 ascend-

ing racemes, the upper ones approximate, the lowest some-

what remote, pubescent or pilose at the base, the rachis

triangular, about 0.4 mm. wide; spikelets 2.8-3 mm. _ long,

blunt, rather distant, not reaching the ome above on the same

side, pedicellate, the pedicel round, about 1 mm. long, more

or less pilose; second glume and sterile lemma equal, exceed-

ing the fruit, thin, narrow, exposing the fruit on the sides,

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 21

obtuse, 5-nerved, the lateral nerves approximate near the

margins, irregularly pilose between the lateral nerves or some-

times nearly glabrous, with a tuft of hairs at the tip; fruit

2.5 mm. long, elliptic with a dense tuft of hairs on the tip

of the lemma.

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,911,649, collected on Cerro

Duida, southeastern-facing sandstone bluffs near Cano Negro

(tributary of Cano lIguapo), alt. 1095-1520 m., August 26,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58001.

Axonopus Steyermarkii is closely related to A. Fockei (Mez)

Swallen, comb. nov. (Paspalum Fockei Mez) which differs in having

sessile spikelets, blades wider at the base than the mouth of the

sheath, densely bearded nodes, and ciliate sheaths.

Axonopus villosus Swallen, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmi erecti, ca. 70 cm. alti, nodis antrorse barbatis;

vaginae compressae, dense villosae, inferiores equitantes, basi

glabrae; ligula ciliata ca. 0.3 mm. longa; laminae ca. 50 cm. longae,

7 mm. latae, conduplicatae, subtus dense villosae supra basi gla-

brae; inflorescentiae terminales et axillares; racemi 3-7, erecti,

rachi scabra; spiculae 3.5-4 mm. longae; gluma secunda et lemma

sterile aequalia fructo paulo longiora, summo sparse pilosa, 5-nervia,

nervis lateralibus approximatis, inter nervos sparse pubescentia;

fructus 3 mm. longus, subacutus, minute papillosus, lemmate summo

villoso.

Perennial; culms erect, about 70 cm. high, the nodes antrorsely

appre ssed-bearded; sheaths conduplicate, very densely villous with

tawny hairs, especially at the summit, the lower equitant, glabrous

toward the base; ligule ciliate, about 0.3 mm. long; blades over-

topping the inflorescence, the lower surface densely appressed

villous, the upper less so, becoming glabrous at the base, tightly

folded, becoming flat with age, about 50 cm. long, 7 mm. wide un-

folded; inflorescences terminal and axillary, composed of 3-7 erect

racemes, the axis 2-5 cm. long, the rachis scabrous; spikelets 3.5-4

mm. long, rather distant; second glume and sterile lemma equal,

extending a little beyond the fruit, sparsely pilose at the tip, 5-

nerved, the lateral nerves of the glume approximate, usually sparsely

pubescent between the nerves; fruit 3 mm. long, acutish, minutely

papillose roughened, the lemma villous at the tip.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1,206,470, on summit of

Cerro Duida, Savanna Hills, alt. 1025-1200 m., September 2, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 58226.

Axonopus villosus is similar to A. comatus (Mez) Swallen, comb.

nov. (Paspalum comatum Mez) described from Brazil, the definite

locality unknown, which differs in having the second glume 9-nerved,

the nerves evenly spaced, and the culms densely villous below the

nodes.

22 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Paspalum aureolatum Swallen, sp. nov.

Perenne; culmi erecti, 75 cm. alti, glabri; vaginae elongatae,

glabrae vel summo sparse papilloso-hispidae, superiores internodiis

breviores; ligula 3.5-4 mm. longae; laminae 20-30 cm. longae, usque

ad 7 mm. latae, scaberulae, marginibus basi sparse hispido-ciliatis;

racemi 4, 7.5-8 cm. longi, patentes, basi barbati; rachis 5-5.5 mm.

lata, supra spiculas producto; gluma secunda 5.3 mm. longa, ovata,

truncata, hyalina, 3-5-nervis, scaberula, basi pilosa, summo his-

pidula; lemma sterile glumam secundam aequans, 3-nerve, dorso

glabrum, marginibus papilloso-hispido-ciliatis; fructus 3.8-4.2 mm.

longus, stipitatus, marginibus hispidis, summo hispidulus; palea

glabra.

Perennial; culms erect, 75 cm. high, glabrous; sheaths elongate,

glabrous or sparsely papillose-hispid near the summit, the lower

much longer than the internodes, the upper shorter; ligule conspicu-

ous, reddish brown, the lower ones 3.5-4 mm. long; blades 20-30 cm.

long, as much as 7 mm. wide, scaberulous, the margins sparsely

hispid-ciliate toward the base; racemes 4, crowded on a short axis,

7.5°8 cm. long spreading, bearded at the base, the rachis 5-5.5 mm.

wide, extending beyond the spikelets; second glume 5.3 mm. long,

ovate, thin, 3-5-nerved, the nerves fine, more or less transversely

nerved, scaberulous, hairy across the back at the base, shortly

hispid near the truncate tip; sterile lemma as long as the second

glume, 3-nerved, glabrous on the back, the margins papillose-hispid-

ciliate, sparsely so above the middle; fruit 3.8-4.2 mm. long, stipi-

tate, the margins hispid at the middle, the hairs rather long, the tip

shortly hispid; palea glabrous (Fig. 1).

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,911,652, collected on summit of

Cerro Duida, Savanna Hills, alt. 1025-1200 m., September 2, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 58234.

The hispid fertile lemma distinguishes P. aureolatum from the

other species of the Dissecta group. It is similar to P. contractum

which has bearded nodes, hispid foliage, a shorter ligule, about

1.5 mm. long, and usually only two racemes. The fruit is not more

than 3.4 mm. long, and lacks the long hairs on the margins of the

lemma.

Paspalum erectifolium Swallen, sp. nov.

Perenne; culmi erecti, 55-70 cm. alti, glabri vel scaberuli; vaginae

inferiores internodiis multo longiores, dense papilloso-hispidae,

superiores internodiis longiores vel breviores, glabrae vel marginibus

sparse pilosae; ligula membranacea, 1-1.5 mm. longa; laminae firmae,

appressae vel adscendentes, acutae, pungentes, pubescentes et

dense hispidae, marginibus papilloso-ciliatis, inferiores 5-7 cm.

longae, 7-12 mm. latae; racemi 2, approximati, 5-6 cm. longi, basi

dense pilosi, rachi 3-3.5 mm. lata, alata, glabra supra spiculas pro-

currente; spiculae compressae, appressae; gluma secunda 5.6 mm.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 23

FIGURE 1

Paspalum aureolatum Swallen, sp. nov. (Steyermark 58234)

A, Spikelet, X 10; B, Fruit, X 10; C, Second Glume, X 10

longa, 3 mm. lata, alata, cordata, obtusa, 5-nervis, nervis laterali-

bus approximatis, marginibus hispido-ciliatis; lemma sterile 5 mm.

longum, 2.5 mm. latum, 3-nerve, scabrum, marginibus hispido-ciliatis,

summo seta 2.5-3.5 mm. longa praeditum; lemma fertile 4.5 mm.

longum, lanceolatum, stipitatum, summo hispidum, marginibus an-

gustis sparse hirsutis; palea striata, sparse pubescens.

Perennial; culms strictly erect, 55-70 cm. high, glabrous or more

or less scabrous; lower sheaths much longer than the internodes,

densely papillose-hispid, the upper three bladeless, elongate, longer

or shorter than the internodes, glabrous or sparsely long-pilose near

the margins; ligule a reddish-brown membrane 1-1.5 mm. long, irregu-

larly dentate; blades thick, firm, usually appressed, or the lower

ones somewhat spreading, the lowermost 5-7 cm. long, 7-12 mm. wide,

the others gradually smaller upwards, acute, pungently pointed,

pubescent and densely hispid, the margins strongly papillose-hispid-

ciliate; racemes 2, approximate, somewhat spreading, 5-7 cm. long,

densely hairy at the base, the rachis extending beyond the spikelets,

glabrous, 3-3.5 mm. wide, winged, the center green and purple

24 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

striped, the wings brownish; spikelets very flat, closely appressed;

second glume 5.6 mm. long, 3 mm. wide at the base, winged, promi-

nently cordate, obtuse, 5enerved, the lateral nerves approximate,

transversely veined, the margins hispid-ciliate; sterile lemma 5 mm.

long, 2.5 mm. wide, oval, somewhat cordate at the base, 3-nerved,

scabrous, the margins hispid-ciliate, the hairs shorter than those of

the second glume, with a prominent seta at the summit 2.5-3.5 mm.

long; fertile lemma 4.5 mm. long, lanceolate, somewhat stipitate,

with a tuft of hispid hairs at the summit, the margins narrow, sparse-

ly hirsute; palea thin, striate, sparsely pubescent above the middle.

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,911,668, collected on savanna and

shrubby growth bordering forest of Rio Karuai, between Santa Teresi-

ta de Kavanayen and base of Ptari-te put, state of Bolivar, alt.

1220 m., November 18, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60302.

Paspalum erectifolium is related to P. setiglume Chase, described

from Auyan-tepui, which differs in being much taller, more than 1

meter with six racemes 10-12 cm. long, and much longer, linear

blades which are only sparsely hispid. Both are distinguished from

all other known species of Paspalum by the long terminal seta of the

sterile lemma.

Paspalum piligerum Swallen, sp. nov.

Perenne; culmi erecti, 70 cm. alti; vaginae internodiis longiores,

inferiores breves dense papilloso-hispidae, superiores elongatae

sparse papilloso-hispidae, 2 supremae efoliatae, scabrae; ligula

membranacea 2 mm. longa; laminae firmae, acuminatae, pungentes,

valde papilloso-hispidae, infima 17 cm. longa, 12 mm. lata; racemi 4,

approximati, 11-14 cm. longi, in axillis dense pilosi; rachis 8 mm.

lata, glabra; spiculae appressae basi barbatae; gluma secunda 7 mm.

longa, ovato-lanceolata, 3-nervis, dorso basi dense pilosa, summo

marginibus hispida; lemma sterile 5.7 mm. longum, lanceolatum,

sparse papilloso-hispidum, marginibus in parte inferiore dense

papilloso-ciliatis, in parte superiore scabris; fructus 4 mm. longus,

stipitatus, lemma lanceolato minute scabro, summo hispido; palea

glabra obtusa.

Perennial; culms erect, 70 cm. high; leaves mostly crowded toward

the base; sheaths all longer than the internodes, the lower ones

short, very densely papillose-hispid, the upper ones elongate, less

densely papillose-hispid, the two uppermost bladeless, scabrous

only; ligule membranaceous, about 3 mm. long; blades thick, firm,

acuminate, pungently pointed, very densely papillose-hispid on both

surfaces, the hairs on the upper surface interlacing on either side of

the midnerve, the lower ones 17 cm. long, 12 mm. wide, becoming

smaller upward; racemes 4, ascending, approximate on a short axis,

11-14 cm. long, with dense tufts of white hairs in the axils, the

rachis extended beyond the spikelets, broadly winged, 8 mm. wide,

glabrous, the midrib green, the wings straw-colored; spikelets

crowded, appressed, bearded at the base; second glume 7 mm. long,

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 25

ovate-lanceolate, 3-nerved, rather densely hairy across the back at

the base, hispid on the margins near and at the tip, otherwise gla-

brous; sterile lemma 5.7 mm. long, lanceolate, very sparsely papil-

lose-hispid above, the margins very densely papillose-ciliate in the

lower half, scabrous above; fruit 4 mm. long, stipitate, the stipe

about 0.4 mm. long, the lemma lanceolate, minutely scabrous, hispid

at the tip, the palea glabrous, rounded at the tip (Fig. 2).

FIGURE 2

Paspalum piligerum Swallen, sp. nov. (Steyermark 59090)

A, Spikelet, X 10; B, Fruit, X 10; C, Second glume, X 10

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1 911, 660, collected on Gran Sabana,

between Kun and Uaduara-paru, in valley of Rio Kukenan, south of

Mount Roraima, state of Bolivar, alt. 1065-1220 m., October 1,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59090.

Paspalum piligerum is unusual in the extremely dense interlacing

hairs on the upper surface of the blades. It is allied to P. lanci-

florum Trin. which has only 2, or rarely more, short conjugate

racemes, and narrower, linear, sparsely hispid blades.

Panicum densifolium Swallen, sp. nov.

Perenne; culmi gracillimi, dense caespitosi, 10-19 cm. alti, erecti,

ramosissimi; vaginae internodiis longiores, glabrae; ligula membra-

26 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

macea ca. 1 mm. longa; laminae 7-25 mm. longae, 0.8-1 mm. latae,

planae, firmae, erectae vel arcuatae, sparse longe pilosae; paniculae

1.5-3 cm. longae, ramis patentibus, gracilibus, paucifloris; spiculae

1-1.2 mm. longae, glabrae, pedicellis longis filiformibus divergenti-

bus; gluma prima 0.5-0.6 mm. longa, acuta, lenervis; gluma secunda

ca. 0.7 mm. longa, 5-nervis, obtusa; lemma sterile fructum aequans,

Senerve, obtusum, flore masculo; fructus 0.9 mm. longus, ovatus,

acutus, glaber.

Very slender perennial; culms 10-19 cm. high, very densely tufted,

erect, usually branching from all but the uppermost nodes, obscured

by the many crowded blades; sheaths mostly longer than the inter-

nodes, glabrous; ligule membranaceous, about 1 mm. long; blades

0.7-25 mm. long, 0.8-1 mm. wide, flat, firm, erect or becoming arcu-

ate, sparsely long-pilose, with thick white cartilaginous margins;

panicles 1.5-3 cm. long, nearly as wide, the slender few-flowered

branches spreading; spikelets I-1.2 mm. long, glabrous, on long

filiform divergent pedicels; first glume 0.5-0.6 mm. long, acute,

l-nerved; second glume about 0.7 mm. long, 5-nerved, obtuse; sterile

lemma as long as the fruit, 5-nerved, obtuse, enclosing a well de-

veloped staminate flower; fruit 0.9 mm. long, ovate, strongly convex,

acute, glabrous.

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,911,642, collected in dry rocky open

places, Esmeralda Ridge, between Esmeralda and base of Cerro

Duida, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 150 m., August 21, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 57755.

Panicum densifolium is similar to P. obovatum Doell, which has

smaller, sub-spherical, pubescent spikelets 0.8 mm. long, and the

second glume and sterile lemma are equal, covering the fruit.

Panicum Mauryi Swallen, nom. nov.

Panicum micranthus vat. hirtum Maury.

Territorio Federal Amazonas: Sabana Grande, alt. 200 m., Steyer-

mark 57863, between Esmeralda Ridge and Sabana de Arboles, alt.

200 m., 57780.

Panicum pilatum Swallen, sp. nov.

Perenne; culmi dense caespitose, 15-25 cm. alti, erecti, glabri vel

internodiis inferioribus dense pilosi; vaginae internodiis longiores,

glabrae vel summo marginibus pilosae, ligula ciliata 1.5-2 mm. longa;

laminae 3-4 cm. longae, 3-4 mm. latae, lanceolatae, acutae, glabrae

vel marginibus basi sparse pilosae; paniculae 3-5 cm. longae, 1-2

cm. latae, ramis adscendentibus, glabris; spiculae 1.6 mm. longae,

acutae, nervosae, glabrae, purpurascentes; gluma prima 0.7 mm.

longa, angusta, subacuta; gluma secunda et lemma sterile aequalia,

fructam aequantia; culmi autumnales ex nodis inferioribus et inter-

mediis sparse ramosi, ramis et laminis pauloreductis.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 27

Culms densely mfted, 15-25 cm. high, erect, glabrous, or sparsely

pilose on the lower internodes; sheaths mostly longer than the inter-

nodes, glabrous or sparsely pilose on the margins near the summit;

ligule ciliate, 1.5-2 mm. long; blades 3-4 cm. long, 3-4 mm. wide,

lanceolate, acute, glabrous on both surfaces, the margins sometimes

sparsely pilose toward the base; panicles 3-5 cm. long, 1-2 cm. wide,

the branches ascending, glabrous; spikelets 1.6 mm. long, acute,

strongly nerved, glabrous, tinged with purple; first glume 0.7 mm.

long, narrow, subacute; second glume and sterile lemma equal, cover-

ing the fruit. Autumnal phase sparingly branching from the lower and

middle nodes, the blades and panicles not much reduced.

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,911,673, collected on rocky sand-

stone summit of eastern peak, Cerro Turumiquire, state of Sucre,

alt. 2500 m., May 6, 1945, Julian A. Steyermark 62606.

Panicum pilatum belongs in the subgenus Dicanthelium and most

closely resembles P. caerulescens which differs in having sub-

globose pubescent spikelets and a very short ligule.

Panicum vinaceum Swallen, sp. nov.

Perenne; culmi erecti, 45 cm. alti, infra nodos pilosi adscendenti-

bus; vaginae dense pilosae pilis adscendentibus; ligula ciliata, ca.

0.5 mm. longa; laminae 12-20 cm. longae, 4-7 mm. latae, lineares,

acuminatae, adscendentes vel appressae, glabrae vel pilosae pilis

divergentibus; panicula 12 cm. longa, 5 cm. lata, ramis solitariis

adscendentibus, basi villosis; spiculae 6-6.5 mm. longae, purpuras-

centes; gluma prima 3 mm. longa, 3-nervis, abrupte acuta; gluma

secunda et lemma sterile aequalia, 7-nervia, acuta vel subacuminata;

fructus 3 mm. longus, 1.4 mm. latus, glaber, minute striatus.

Perennial; culms stiffly erect, 45 cm. high, ascending-pilose below

the nodes, otherwise glabrous; lower sheaths longer, the upper

shorter than the internodes, densely ascending pilose, the hairs

rather stiff; blades 12-20 cm..long, 4-7 mm. wide, linear, acuminate,

narrowly ascending or appressed, stiff, firm, nearly glabrous, or

pilose on both surfaces with spreading hairs; panicle 12 cm. long,

5 cm. wide, the few solitary branches narrowly ascending, villous

at the base, with a rather large pulvinus in the axils; spikelets

6-6.5 mm. long, purple, mostly in pairs at the ends of the branchlets,

obliquely placed on the pedicels, the pedicels of the lateral spike-

lets short; first glume 3 mm. long, 3-nerved, rather distant, somewhat

abruptly acute; second glume and sterile lemma equal, or the glume

slightly longer, 7-nerved, acute or subacuminate, gaping; fruit 3 mm.

long, 1.4 mm. wide, minutely striate, glabrous, raised on the thick-

ened winged rachilla joint about 0.8 mm. long.

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1, 911661, collected on Gran Sabana,

between Kun and waterfall at Rue-meni (tributary of Rio Kukenan),

south of Mount Roraima, state of Bolivar, alt. 1065 m., October 2,

1944 Julian A. Steyermark 59173.

28 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Panicum vinaceum is related to P. cervicatum Chase, which has

very large, diffuse panicles as much as 40 cm. long, the branches

glabrous or nearly so at the base, and larger spikelets, 7-8 mm. long.

Ichnanthus acuminatus Swallen, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmi robusti, 170 cm. alti, basi decumbentes, infra

nodos dense pubescentes; vaginae internodiis longiores summum

versus carinata, hirsutae, collo dense pubescentes; ligula mem-

branacea 3 mm. longa; laminae 15-20 cm. longae, usque ad 2 cm.

latae, lanceolato-acuminatae, pubescentes vel pilosae; paniculae

ca. 30 cm. longae, 10-20 cm. latae, oblongae vel pyramidatae, ramis

adscendentibus basi dense pubescentibus vel pilosis; spiculae 3.4-

3.5 mm. longae; gluma prima 2-3 mm. longa, acuta vel subacuminata,

3enervis, carina scabra; gluma secunda et lemma sterile aequalia,

Senervia, scaberula; fructus 2.8 mm. longus, glaber, alis angustis,

obtusis, 0.5-0.7 mm. longis.

Perennial; culms rather coarse, erect from a decumbent base, as

much as 170 cm. high, densely pubescent below the nodes; sheaths

mostly longer than the internodes, somewhat keeled toward the sum-

mit, densely pubescent on the collar, hirsute to nearly glabrous on

the back; ligule membranaceous, about 3 mm. long; blades 15-20

cm. long, as much as 2 cm. wide, firm, lanceolate-acuminate, usual-

ly pubescent or pilose on both surfaces; panicle about 30 cm. long,

10-20 cm. wide, oblong or pyramidal, the branches verticillate,

ascending or the lower spreading, densely pubescent or pilose in the

axils; spikelets 3.4-3.5 mm. long, the lateral ones short-pediceled,

appressed; first glume 2-3 mm. long, broadly triangular, acute or

sub-acuminate, 3-nerved, scabrous on the keel; second glume and

sterile lemma equal, sub-acute, S5-nerved, scaberulous; fruit 2.8-3

mm. long, slender, glabrous, the wings 0.5-0.7 mm. long, narrow,

rounded above.

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,911,659, collected along stream in

Gran Sabana, between Kun and Uaduara-paru, in valley of Rio

Kukenan, south of Mount Roraima, state of Bolivar, alt. 1065-1220

m., October 1, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59086. Also collected on

Gran Sabana, between Santa Teresita de Kavanayen northwest of

Rio Karuai, on large mesa, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m., 59371;

savanna bordering forest of Rio Karuai, between Santa Teresita de

Kavanayen and base of Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m.,

60335.

Ichnanthus acuminatus is related to /. verticillatus and |. ichnodes,

both of which have smaller spikelets; the former has broad thin

blades as much as 5 cm. wide, and the latter has narrower elongate

blades. True /. ichnodes is known only from Trinidad.

Ichnanthus duidensis Swallen, sp. nov.

Annuus; culmi decumbentes, 110 cm. longi, glabri; vaginae cari-

natae, glabrae, internodiis breviores; ligula membranacea, ca. 0.5

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 29

mm. longa; laminae oblongo-lanceolatae, subacuminatae, 20-35 cm.

longae, 4-5.5 cm. latae, supra hispidae, superiores basi cordatae,

inferiores basi attenuatae; paniculae ca. 25 cm. longae, 15 cm.

latae, ramis adscendentibus vel patentibus, inferioribus usque ad

15 cm. longis, spicularum pedicellis divergentibus; spiculae 4.5-5.2

mm. longae, sparse pilosae, usque ad 2 mm. longae; gluma prima

3-4 mm. longa, angusta, 3-nervis; gluma secunda et lemma sterile

aequalia, acuta, 3-S-nervia; fructus 4-4.2 mm. longus, ellipticus,

glaber, alis duplo brevioribus, minute erosis.

Annual; culms rather stout, semiedecumbent, 110 cm. long, gla-

brous; sheaths keeled, glabrous, usually shorter than the internodes;

ligule membranaceous, less than 0.5 mm. long; blades oblong-

lanceolate, 20-35 cm. long, 4-5.5 cm. wide, usually asymmetrical,

hispid on the upper surface near the base, otherwise glabrous, rather

abruptly narrowed to the sub-acuminate tip, the upper ones narrowed

to a rounded or cordate base, the lower narrowed to an elongate base

about as wide as the sheath; panicle about 25 cm. long, 15 cm. wide,

the branchlets ascending to spreading, the lower as much as 15 cm.

long, the branchlets and pedicels divergent; spikelets 4.5-5.2 mm.

long, sparsely pilose with hairs as much as 2 mm. long; first glume

3-4 mm. long, narrow, 3-nerved; second glume and sterile glume and

sterile lemma equal or nearly so, 3- or weakly 5-nerved, acute; fruit

4-4,2 mm. long, elliptic, glabrous, the wings about half as long, thin,

narrow, minutely erose.

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,911,648, collected on Cerro Duida,

southeastern-facing slopes along Caffo Negro (tributary of Cafio

Iguapo), Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 305-1095 m., August

25-26, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57988,

Ichnanthus longifolius Swallen, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmi erecti ca. 75 cm. alti, glabri; vaginae internodiis

longiores, glabrae, marginibus sparse papilloso-pilosae; ligula

ciliata, 1 mm. longa, laminae ca. 65 cm. longae, 11-12 mm. latae,

lineares, acuminatae, basi attenuatae, glabrae, marginibus scaberu-

lis, suprema reducta; paniculae ca. 10 cm. longae, 2 cm. latae, ramis

adscendentibus; spiculae 3.4-3.6 mm. longae; gluma prima 2.5-3 mm.

longa, obtusa, 3-nervis, scabra; gluma secunda et lemma sterile

aequalia, obtusa, scabra; fructus 3 mm. longus, acutus, glaber, alis

I mm. longis, angustis, obtusis.

Perennial; culms about 75 cm. high, erect, glabrous; sheaths, ex-

cept the upper one, longer than the internodes, glabrous on the back,

the margins very sparsely papillose-pilose; ligule ciliate, 1 mm.

long; blades mostly about 65 cm. long, 11-12 mm. wide, linear,

acuminate, long-attenuate to a narrow base, except for the ligule,

not differentiated from the sheath, glabrous, the margins scaberulous,

the uppermost blade reduced, about 12 cm. long, not attenuate toward

the base; panicle about 10 cm. long (immature), about 7? cm. wide,

the branches ascending; spikelets 3.4-3.6 mm. long, blunt; first

30 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

glume 2.5-3.5 mm. long, usually obtuse, 3-nerved, scabrous; second

glume and sterile lemma equal, obtuse, 5-nerved, scabrous; fruit 3

mm. long, acute, glabrous, the wings 1 mm. long, narrow, the tip

rounded.

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,911,650, collected on Cerro Duida,

southeastern-facing sandstone bluffs near Cano Negro (tributary of

Cafio Iguapo), Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1095-1520 m.,

August 26, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58020.

Related to the proceding, but readily distinguished by the elongate

blades, long attenuate to the base.

Ichnanthus serratus Swallen, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmi erecti, 55 cm. alti, scabri; vaginae carinatae,

pilosae; ligula ciliata, ca. 1 mm. longa; laminae 30 cm. longae, 4-5

mm. latae, acuminatae, pungentes, basi attenuatae, supra basi sparse

pilosae, marginibus scabris, hispidis; paniculae 13 cm. longae, 8 cm.

latae, ramis fasciculatis scabris, adscendentibus vel patentibus;

spiculae 3-3.2 mm. longae, pedicellis gracilibus appressis; gluma

prima 2-2.5 mm. longa, 1-3-nervis, scabra; gluma secunda et lemma

sterile aequalia, scabra, subobtusa; fructus 2.8 mm. longus, minute

acutus, glaber, lucidus, alis 1.2 mm. longis, hyalinis, angustis,

obtusis.

Perennial; culms erect, 55 cm. high, scabrous; leaves mostly

crowded toward the base, the culm leaves 2, the upper one much re-

duced; sheaths keeled, rather densely pilose on the margins, sparse-

ly so on the back; ligule ciliate about 1 mm. long; blades about 30

cm. long, 4-5 mm. wide, thick, firm, erect, long attenuate to a narrow

base as wide as the mouth of the sheath, acuminate to a stiff rounded

point, sparsely pilose on the upper surface toward the base, other-

wise glabrous or nearly so on the surfaces, the margins thickened,

scabrous with small irregular antrorsely hispid protuberances; panicle

13 cm. long, about 8 cm. wide, the scabrous branches fascicled,

ascending or spreading; spikelets 3-3.2 mm. long on rather long

slender appressed pedicels; first glume 2-2.5 mm. long, 1-3-nerved,

scabrous; second glume and sterile lemma equal or the glume a little

longer, scabrous, subobtuse, tinged with purple; fruit 2.8 mm. long,

minutely pointed, glabrous, shining, the wings about 1.2 mm. long,

thin, narrow, obtuse.

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,911,653, collected on summit of

Cerro Duida, Savanna Hills, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1025-

1200 m., September 2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58298.

This species can be distinguished from all others known by the

stiff firm leaves and peculiar serrate margins of the blades.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 31

Arthrostylidium effusum (Hack.) McClure, comb. nov.

Arundinaria effusa Hack. Oesterr. Bot. Zeit. 53: 71. 1903. Brazil.

Duplicate of Glaziou 16627, and fragment of Glaziou 17449 from herb.

Hack., seen at US. Common on upper steep slopes between 1830 m.

and summit, Cerro Duida, Steyermark 58396; sterile, no culm

sheaths.

Arthrostylidium Steyermarkii McClure, sp. nov.

Rami (floriferi foliiferi tantum adsunt) solitarii, longitudinem usque

ca. 1.5 m. attingentes, sublignosi, internodiis glabris, fistulosis,

ligno parietario parum crasso, nodis inflatis, glabris. Foliorum

vaginae nervis crassis valde striatae, dorso apicem versus plerumque

manifeste carinatae, dorso et marginibus glabrae, auriculis obsoletis,

setis oralibus crassis, glabris, plerumque paucis, interdum obsoletis,

ligula externa (collario) brevi, margine glabra vel subtiliter ciliolata,

ligula interna perbrevi, fusca, dorso glabra, apice plerumque concava,

margine integra vel erosa vel sublaciniata, petiolo crasso utrinque

glabro. Foliorum laminae lanceolatae, alia usque ad 177 cm. longa

alia usque ad 38 mm. lata (pleraeque in specimine apice fractae

quamobrem incompletae), basi rotundatae vel cuneatae, supra sen-

sim (interdum acuminatim) angustatae, utrinque glabrae vel sub-

glabrae, supra nitidae, subtus pallidiores (subglaucae), marginibus

cartilagineae et obsolete serrulatae vel subleves, costa basin

laminae versus tantum utrinque straminea, alibi vix manifesta, venis

primariis secundariis vix distinguendis, venulis transversis incon-

spicuis vel rarius conspicuis.

Inflorescentiae paniculae effusae ramos vel ramulos foliiferos

terminantes, usque (pedunculo incluso) ad 55 cm. longae, demptis

spiculis omnino glabrae, pedunculo usque ad 28.5 cm. longo, rhachi

valde angulata vel sulcata, radiis tenuis rigidulis, primariis usque

ad 25 cm. longis, basi pulvinatis, pedicellis (radiis ordinis 2-4),

6-60 mm. longis, spiculae fusco-stramineae, lanceolatae, subcom-

pressae, subpatentes, vulgo 1.5-2 cm. longae, 3-5-florae (dempta

floscula suprema inchoata). Glumae (vacuae) 2, rarius 3, vulgo ap-

proximatae, inaequales, oblongo-ovatae, obtusae, submucronatae,

dorso glabrae, marginibus glabrae vel obsolete ciliolatae, I: 1.5-3

mm. longa, 1-3-nervis; II: 2.5-3.5 mm. longa, 3-5-nervis; IIE 3-4.5

mm. longa, 5-7-nervis. Lemmata glumae supremae similia sed

longiora, basi latiora, et plerumque in zona secus margines scabra,

I (interdum vacuum, saepius paleam inchoatam subtendens): 4-5.5

mm.; II: 5°5.5 mm.; Ill: 5-5.5 mm.; IV: ca. 5 mm.; supremum (flos-

culam inchoatam subtendens): ca. 4 mm. longum. Palea lemmate

suo plerumque longior (saepe in floscula infima et semper in suprema

32 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

parum evoluta), oblonga, apice obtusa et late rotundata, dorso 2-

carinata et late sulcata, inter carinas dense pubescens, extra carinas

praecipue apicem versus pilis subtilibus adpressis dense pubescens,

nervis inter carinas solitariis, alibi (demptis carinis) obscuris.

Rhachilla segmenta infra lemmata articulata, apice suboblique ubi

thargine subtiliter ciliolata, idem inter flosculas compressa, clavata,

curvata, utrinque pilulis albidis antrorse strigosa vel latere uno

glabra alio strigosa, I (infra lemma infimum; parum compressum vel

parum sulcatum): 0.5-1 mm.; II: 1.5-2 mm.; III: ca. 2.5 m.; IV: ca.

FIGURE 3

Arthrostylidium Ste yermarkii McClure, sp. nov. (Steyermark 59926)

A, Summit of leaf sheath, X 2.5; B, Spikelet, X 5; C, Floret, X 10;

D, Lemma, X 10; E-G, Glumes, I-III, X 10.

The author’s pencil sketches were inked by Mrs. Agnes Chase.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 35

3 mm.; V: ca. 3 mm. longum; supremum 3 mm. vel ultra. Lodiculae

3, vulgo badiae et vix translucidae, vix manifeste nervosae, utrinque

glabrae, margine ciliatae, anteriores duae usque ad 2 mm. longae,

lanceolatae vel subsemiovatae, apice plerumque acutae, posterior

1-1.5 mm. longa, anguste lanceolata, apice acuta. Antherae luteae.

Ovarium subgibbose ovoideum vel subfusiforme, fusco-badium, gla-

brum. Stylus albidus, pubescens. Stigmata levia apice obtusa

(forsan in speciminibus nostris imperfecta), Fructus maturus incog-

nitus (Fig. 3).

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., no. 1,911,667, isotype in herb. Chi. Nat.

Hist. Mus., no. 1,189,856, collected in open places at base of east-

facing high sandstone bluffs on Ptari-tepul, state of Bolivar, Novem-

ber 7, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59926, ‘“‘forming dense thickets’’;

all specimens in a flowering state, culm sheaths lacking. Ste yermark

59927 (same place and date), piecile only, culm sheaths lacking, “in

dense thickets in more shaded places than 59926’’ is believed to 5

conspecific.

The flowering specimens of this species resemble those of Arthro-

stylidium amplissimum (Nees) McClure5 in general appearance, but,

on closer comparison, the new species is seen to differ in the follow-

ing respects: smaller leaf blades, longer spikelets and longer

florets: glumes obtuse; lemmas broadly rounded at the apex, ciliate

on the margins and somewhat pubescent or scabrous near the margins;

paleas more prominently exserted and more prominently pubescent.

5 arthrosty lidium amplissimum (Nees) McClure, comb. nov.

Arundinaria amplissima Nees, Linnaea 9: 479. 1834. Brazil.

Sellow 875. Type in Berlin; isotype, with the name inscribed in

Nees’ hand, seen at U.S. Nat. Herb.

34 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Myriocladus Swallen, gen. nov.

Spiculae alternae, in racemis unilateralibus dispositae, 4-florae,

flosculo infimo abortivo, supremo reducto; rhachilla inter flosculum

abortivum et flosculum primum hermaphroditum articulata; glumae et

lemma sterile spicula breviora, l-nervis, breve aristata; flosculorum

hermaphroditum lemma coriaceum, obscure 5-7-nerve, exaristatum;

palea sulcata, marginibus latis hyalinis; gramen perenne (?), laminis

elongatis, latis, subcordatis , basi vix articulatis, racemis numerosis

paniculatis.

Spikelets alternate on one side of an angled rachis, 4-flowered,

the lowest lemma empty, the uppermost floret rudimentary, the ra-

chilla readily disarticulating between the sterile and fertile florets,

the two fertile florets and the rudiment falling entire; glumes and

sterile lemma shorter than the spikelet, l-nerved, awned; fertile

lemmas coriaceous, weakly 5-7-nerved, awnless; palea deeply sul-

cate, the margins broad, thin, overlapping; perennial grass with long

broad flat blades, gradually narrowed to a broad subcordate base,

plainly differentiated from the sheath, probably tardily disarticulat-

ing, and elongate panicles of numerous racemes.

Myriocladus resembles, and is probably closely related, to Neuro-

lepis which differs in having two sterile lemmas, only one perfect

floret, no rudiment, and the blades are long attenuate to the base and

continuous with the sheath without any definite line of separation.

Myriocladus virgatus Swallen, sp. nov.

Culmi 1.5 m. alti, robusti, erecti, glabri, panicula folio multo

superante; vaginae latae, internodiis brevibus multo longiores, com-

pressae, glabrae; ligula ca. 1 mm. longa, minute ciliata; laminae

35-55 cm. longae, 1.5-4.0 cm. latae, lineari-lanceolatae, subcordatae,

firmae, glabrae, marginibus valde scabris; panicula 85 cm. longa,

racemis + 200, brevibus, adscendentibus vel patentibus, axe crasso

pubescenti; spiculae 3 mm. longae; gluma prima 1.5 mm. longa, arista

0.5 mm. longa; gluma secunda obovata, 1.5 mm. longa, arista glumam

aequante; lemma sterile obtusum, 2 mm. longum, arista quam gluma

duplo breviore; floris inferioris hermaphroditi lemma 3 mm. longum,

5-7-nerve, glabrum; palea lemma aequans, sulcata, carinata, margini-

bus latis hyalinis.

Culms 1.5 m. high, robust, stiffly erect, somewhat compressed,

glabrous, the elongate inflorescence much exceeding the leaves,

these mostly crowded toward the base; sheaths broad, all much long-

er than the short internodes, somewhat compressed but not keeled,

more or less inflated, glabrous, the juncture with the blade marked

by a well defined line or ridge but the blades not readily deciduous;

ligule about 0.1 mm. longi minutely ciliate; blade 35-55 cm. long,

1.5-4.0 cm. wide, linear-lanceolate, somewhat cordate, the base about

as wide as the mouth of the sheath, firm, flat, glabrous, the margins

strongly scabrous; inflorescence about 85 cm. long with approximate-

ly 200 short ascending to spreading racemes, these paniculate on the

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 35

stout pubescent axis; racemes mostly 2-2.5 cm. long, subsessile,

with a prominent pubescent pulvinus in the axils, the lower ones

rather distant, often with poorly developed spikelets, the upper ones

crowded; spikelets 3 mm. long; first glume 1.5 mm. long, narrow, the

awn about 0.5 mm. long; second glume obovate, 1.5 mm. long with a

stout awn as long as the body; sterile lemma obtuse, 2 mm. long,

the awn 1/2 as long as the body; lower floret 3 mm. long, the lemma

faintly 5-7-nerved, smooth, awnless; palea as long as or a little long-

er than the lemma, rather deeply sulcate, sharply keeled, the margins

broad, thin, overlapping, enclosing the flower; rudiment 1.5 mm.

long (Fig. 4).

FIGURE 4

Myriocladus virgatus Swallen, sp. nov. (Steyermark 58293)

A, Inflorescence X 1: B, Lower fertile floret, X 10; C, Upper fertile

floret with rudiment, X 10: D, Glumes and sterile lemma, X 10;

E, Spikelet with glumes and sterile lemma removed, X 10; F, Ligule

and upper part of sheath, X 1

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1,189,825, collected on

summit of Cerro Duida, Savanna Hills, Territorio Federal Amazonas,

alt. 1025-1200 m., September 2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58293.

Myriocladus Cardonae Swallen, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmi usque ad 3 m. alti, ramosi, ca. 1 cm. crassi;

vaginae condensatae, distichae, crassae, glabrae, summo ligula

36 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

exteriore brevi membranacea; ligula ex pilis longis implicatis, in ore

vaginarum inferiorum conspicuis, constituta; laminae articulatae,

inferiores suque ad 34 cm. longae, 5.5 cm. latae, acuminatae, tesse-

llatae, glabrae, marginibus scaberrimis, eae ramorum minores, 6-14

cm. longae, 2-2.5 cm. latae; inflorescentiae 10-30 cm. longae, 1-1.5

cm. latae, densae, attenuatae, racemis brevibus, condensatis, appres-

sis, axe dense pubescente; glumae floribus fere longiores, secunda

quam prima longior, acuminatae, in parte superiore marginibus in-

volutis; lemma sterile 3 mm. longum, obtusum, apiculatum; lemmata

fertilia 3.5 mm. longa, obtusa, glabra; palea quam lemmate 0.5-1.0

mm. longior, inter carinas sulcata; flos supremus reductus obsoletus,

rachilla manifesta.

Perennial; culms woody, branching and rebranching, apparently

from the lower nodes, the main culm as much as 3 m. tall, about 1

cm. thick; sheaths very crowded, distichous, the back thickened, be-

coming spongy and fibrous with age, glabrous, extending beyond the

articulation with the blade as a short membrane; ligule a dense line

of long tangled hairs, the lateral hairs conspicuous at mouth of the

sheath; lower blades as much as 34 cm. long, 5.5 cm. wide, acumi-

nate, rather broadly rounded at the base, tessellate, glabrous on both

surfaces, the margins strongly scabrous, disarticulating from the

sheath with age, the blades of the branches much smaller, 6-14 cm.

long, 2-2.5 cm. wide; inflorescences terminal on all the branches,

10-30 cm. long, 1-1.5 cm. wide, dense, spikelike, attenuate toward

the tip, the short crowded racemes closely appressed, the axis

densely pubescent; spikelets 5-7 mm. long; glumes about equaling or

exceeding the florets, the second longer than the first, broad at the

base, acuminate, the margins inrolled from the middle upward, the

tip thus appearing as a stout awn; sterile lemma 3 mm. long, obtuse,

apiculate; fertile lemma 3.5 mm. long, obtuse, glabrous, the mid-

nerve thickened toward the tip but not excurrent; palea 0.5-1.0 mm.

longer than the lemma, deeply sulcate; upper rudimentary floret

reduced to the rachilla joint.

Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., nos. 1,914,812-4, collected on Cumbre

del Cerro Acopan, Caroni1, Guayana, alt. 2150 m., October, 1947,

Felix Cardona 2307.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 37

CYPERACEAE

Tribe CYPEREAE

Bulbostylis junciformis var. ambigua (Nees) Steyermark, comb. nov.

Isolepis ambigua Nees, in Herb. Lindl. et in Linn. IX: 291. 1834;

Kunth, Enum. II: 219. 1837; Isolepis junciformis B Kunth, Enum, II.

l.c.

This variety is distinguished by its shorter leaves and culms, even

shorter than in the following var. congesta, the culms “‘semipedali

aut breviori’’, and in the simple terminal head of flowers. The

leaves are noticeably more scabrid-ciliate on the margins than in any

of the other varieties. Dry sandy upland, Gran Sabana, between

waterfall at Rue-meru and Divina Pastora on Rio Kukenan north of -

Santa Elena, south of Mount Roraima, state of Bolivar, alt. 1065 m.,

Steyermark 59207,

Bulbostylis junciformis var. congesta (Schrad.) Steyermark, comb. nov.

Scirpus congestus Reichenb. in Weigelt. Herb. Surinam; /solepis

congesta Schrad. in Schult. Mant. II: 70. 1822; Kunth, Enum. II:

218. 1837; Oncostylis junciformis 6 congesta Nees, in Mart. Fl.

Bras. 21: 86. 1842,

This variety may be distinguished by the shorter culms, the shorter

leaves which are about half the length of the culm, and by the more

contracted umbels on fewer and shorter rays. Gran Sabana, between

Kun and Uaduara-paru, in valley of Rio Kukenan, south of Mount

Roraima, state of Bolivar, alt. 1065-1220 m., Steyermark 59080.

Bulbostylis Svensoniana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmis caespitosis angulosis striatis glabris, 5-5.5 dm.

altis, 1.25-1.5 mm. latis, basi foliatis; foliis filiformi-setaceis

efectis vel curvatis, supra glabris vel glabratis, infra pilosis, 10-25

cm. longis, 0.5 mm. latis, culmo brevioribus; vaginis ore dorsoque

sericeo-lanatis; involucro 5-G-phyllo setaceo scabridulo, 2.5-5 cm.

longo, 0.5 mm. lato quam umbella breviore vel aequali; capitulis

elongatis polystachyis; spicis oblongo-lanceolatis acutis, 3.5 mm.

longis; squamis ovatis acutis, 2.25-2.5 mm. longis; stylo 3-fido;

achaenio trigono obovoideo, 0.6-0.8 mm. longo, subtilissime

punctulato.

Inflorescence many-rayed, 5-8 cm. long, 1-2.5 cm. wide, the rays

erect-ascending; spikelets densely clustered or fascicled, termi-

mating many branches, about 4-flowered; scales 7-8, lower empty,

castaneous or ferruginous-brown, ovate, acute or shortly aristate

with exserted midrib, glabrous or very minutely ciliolate on margins;

ae buff or pale greenish-white, about 1 mm. wide around summit.

(Fig: 5;°a).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on dry flat savanna

with Curatella, between Upata and Rio Caron, state of Bolivar, alt.

38 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Yay ee

ree ry!

ray

cray

‘}

FIGURE 5

A, Bulbostylis Svensoniana. Achene (X 17); B, Fimbristylis tamaen-

sis. Achene (X 18); C, Fimbristylis tamaensis. Achene with style

still attached (X 8); D, Rhynchospora dentinux. Achene (X 13);

E, Rhynchospora sanariapensis. Achene, lateral view (X 12);

F, Rhynchospora sanariapensis. Achene, face view (X 12); G,

Rhynchos pora tepuiana. Achene (X 15); H, Rhynchospora Tricho-

chaeta var. venezuelensis. Achene (X 10); I, Rhynchospora Tri-

chochaeta. Achene (X 10); J, Rhynchospora bolivarana. Achene

(X 8) K, Rhynchospora bolivarana. Surface of achene highly

magnified; L, Rhynchospora karuaiana. Achene (X 5);

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 39

400 m., August 2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57629,

In some respects this presents an intermediate position between

B. junciformis with its many-flowered inflorescence and some of the

monocephalous species having dense hairiness around the orifice of

the leaves at the base of the culms. In a note received from Dr.

Svenson, regarding his opinion of the species, he writes as follows:

“This is close in appearance to B. papillosa Kukenthal, but I think

it is a distinct species, differing from B. papillosa in the fuzzy culm

bases, pale spikelets, and especially in the nearly smooth, small

pale achenes (0.6 mm. long), approximately half the size of those of

B. papillosa. It is probably the same as Pittier 9009 (except in

fuzzy base) from vicinity of Valencia, Carabobo, alt. 400-800 m.,

which is noted by N. E. Brown as ‘not matched at Kew’.”’

Fimbristylis tamaensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Culmi compressi, marginibus scabridulis, 40°55 cm. alti, 2-3 mm.

lati, basi foliati; foliis basalibus planis, marginibus scabris, 30

cm. longis, 3-3.5 mm. latis, culmo brevioribus; involucro 1-2 umbella

breviore, 3.5-5 cm. longo; umbella composita pluriradiata; spicis

pluribus ovato-vel oblongo-lanceolatis, 4-4.5 mm. longis, 1.25-1.5

mm. latis; squamis castaneis ovatis, 1.5-2.25 mm. longis, carina

pallida breviter excurrente; stylo 3-fido; achaenio pallido vel stra-

mineo, trigono obovoideo, transversim lineato-reticulato, tuberculis

prominentibus, 0.75-1 mm. longo, 1.25-1.5 mm. lato.

Culms thickened at margins, ancipital, slightly winged; leaves

thickened on the margins, linear, subacute or obtusish; bracts of

involucre 1.75-2 mm. wide; umbel with usually 3-4 longer rays with

a few shorter ones at base, 7.5-8 cm. long, 3-3.5 cm. wide; spikelets

numerous, 50-100 in an inflorescence; scales chestnut-brown with

narrow pale hyaline margins, about 10-11 to a spikelet, all the

flowers fertile (Fig. 5, b, c).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected between Las Delicias

and Paraguita, along Rio Tachira, by Colombian-Venezuelan bounda-

ry, state of Tachira, alt. 1675-1980 m., July 17, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 57422.

This species is at once distinguished by its tuberculate achene,

and is further well-marked by its relatively broad, flattened, ancipital

culm and 3-fid style. It is apparently related to F. tenuis and F.

autumnalis, which have only reticulate and not tuberculate achenes.

Tribe RHYNCHOSPOREAE

Rhynchospora aristata Boeckeler

Rhynchospora immensa Kuk. Engl. Bot. Jahrb. 56: Beibl. 125:

17-18. 1921.

Forested southwest-facing quebrada near Rondon Camp, Mount

Roraima, state of Bolivar, alt. 2040 m., Steyermark 58665. This

40 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

plant matches Kukenthal’s description of R. immensa, based on

Ule 8541 from the forests of Mount Roraima at an elevation of 1400

meters. The present collection was taken at 2040 meters near the

base of the high line of sandstone bluffs. Apparently R. immensa is

synonymous with R. aristata, since the two do not appear to be

separable.

Since the leaves of R. immensa were not adequately described in

the original description, an emended description of them, based upon

Steyermark 58665 is given: culmus 1 m. altus, foliatus; foliis

anguste lineari-lanceolatis; vaginis 88.5 cm. longis, 8 mm. latis,

glabris praeter pilos adpressos paucos prope ore concavo.

Rhynchospora bolivarana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Perennis caespitosa; culmis 30-35 cm. altis; foliis marginibus

scabris, 15-30 cm. longis, 1.7-2 cm. latis; corymbis 2-3 axillaribus

terminalibusque, 1.5-2 cm. longis, 1.2-5 cm. latis; pedunculis tenui-

bus, 2-5.5 cm. longis; spiculis 3-6, fusiformi-lanceolatis, 1 cm.

longis, 2 mm. latis, 6-floris, 6-carpis; squamis ovatis vel lanceolatis

breve aristatis pallido-stramineis; setis 6 antrorse hispidulis, fructu

longioribus 7-8 mm. longis; achaenio obovoideo longe stipitato, 2.25-

2.5 mm. longo, 1 mm. lato, subtilissime puncticulato; tuberculo an-

guste conico, 1.5 mm. longo, glabro foveolato; stylo bifido, ramis

brevibus.

Leaves plane, crowded at base of culm; bracts foliaceous, the

lowest up to 15 cm. long, the uppermost 2-10 cm. long, equaling or

exceeding the inflorescence; spikelets with 10 scales; lowest scales

ovate, the upper lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, 4-8 mm. long;

stipitate part of achene 0.6-1 mm. long, stramineous or pale brown

on body of achene, superficially marked with numerous, small, sub-

quadrate puncticulations; beak long-conic, 2/3 width of achene,

conspicuously foveolate with rather large, elongate foveolae; short

branches of style shorter than or equaling the style proper

(Fig. 5, j, k).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected by edge of waterfall,

Salto de Iwaracaru-meru, at western end of Sororopan-tepul, state of

Bolivar, alt. 1615 m., November 15,1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60206.

Also collected: along rocky stream bank, Ptari-tepui, of forested

slopes along fast-running stream of Large Lunch River’ below

“‘Misia Kathy Camp’’, alt. 1500 m., October 27, 1944, Steyermark

59448,

This is a member of Series Diplostyleae, Div. Eu-Rhynchospora,

Sect. Fuscae (as defined by Clarke), and is probably most closely

related to R. comata Schultes. It is characterized by the pale buff

10- or more-scaled spikelets in 2-3 slender-peduncled inflorescences,

long-stipitate achenes, the elongate bristles greatly surpassing the

achene, and the slender, glabrous, tufted leaves.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 41

Rhynchospora culmenicola Steyermark, sp. nov.

Perennis caespitosa; culmis supra foliatis, 25-30 cm. altis, 0.75-

1 mm. latis; foliis erecto-adscendentibus, supra aggregatis, infra

fere glabris vel parce adpresso-pilosulis, supra magis pubescentibus,

pilis minutis adpressis, marginibus incurvatis, costa manifesta cari-

Mata; vaginis puberulis vel glabrescentibus; paniculis 4-8, laxe

racemosis, 0.5-1.5 cm. longis, axillaribus terminalibusque; peduncu-

lis filiformibus flexuosis, 3.5-5 cm. longis, 1.5-4.5 cm. longis; spicu-

lis 1-3 fusiformi-ellipticis, 5.5-6 mm. longis, 1-1.2 mm. latis, 2-floris,

2-carpis, subsessilibus, pedicellis glabris, 0.5-1.5 mm. longis;

squamis ovatis vel ovato-lanceolatis breve aristatis castaneis; setis

nullis vel 2-3 rudimentariis; achaenio subrhomboideo-oblongo, 1 mm.

longo, subtilissime areolato, transversim striolulato stramineo; tuber-

culo triangulari-lanceolato, fructu longiore 1.6 mm. longo; stylo

ramis brevibus.

Leaves more prominently pubescent with minute appressed hairs on

upper surface, these lying on surface enclosed by incurved margins,

midrib prominent and keeled on one side, 12-15 cm. long, 1-1.5 mm.

wide; panicles loosely racemosely scattered in the upper half of the

culm; uppermost bract exceeding inflorescence; spikelets with 5-6

scales; scales 1-6 mm. long; bristles none, or 2-3 short processes

at very base of achene with or without serrulations; achene biconvex,

stramineous, abruptly narrowed below, rounded or subtruncate above,

finely and shallowly areolate with transverse reticulations, the cells

broader than high (Fig. 6, b).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected around summit of

Cerro Negro, above La Sabana de las Piedras, northwest of Caripe,

state of Monagas, alt. 2180 m., April 15, 1945, Julian A. Steyermark

62110. Also collected in shady, moist, bamboo thickets, Cerro

Turumiquire, between headwaters of Rio Colorado and summit of

southern peak, state of Sucre, alt. 2200-2400 m., May 7, 1945,

Steyermark 62635.

This species belongs to Series Haplostyleae, Div. Calyptrostylis,

Sect. Racemosae (following Clark’s divisions). It is related to R.

eryptantha C. B. Clarke, R. Edwalliana Boeckl., R. racemosa C.,

Wright, R. elongata Boeckl., R. Lechleri Steud., R. uniflora Boeckl.,

and R. Gollmeri Boeckl. From all of these it differs in its combina-

tion of the following characters: ferruginous or castaneous spikelets,

relatively smooth achenes, long beak, no setae or with 2-3 rudiments,

foliose culms 30 cm. or less tall, several sparsely simple racemose

inflorescences, glabrous pedicels, elongate flexuous peduncles,

leaves 1-1.5 mm. wide, and appressed-pilosulous blades and sheaths.

Rhynchospora dentinux C. B. Clarke

Open savanna and igneous rock outcrops, Puerto Ayacucho, Terri-

torio Federal Amazonas, alt. 200 m., Steyermark 58512, This is

apparently the first recorded collection of the species since its

42 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

NA)

OOF ~y

° ys

x ¥'

FIGURE 6

A, Rhynchospora ptaritepuiana. Achene (X 5); B, Rhynchospora

culmenicola. Achene (X 17); C, Rhynchospora paramora. Achene

(X 9); D, Rhynchospora tamana, Achene (X 12); E, Rhynchospora

tomentosa. Achene (X 13); F, Rhynchospora tomentosa. Lower

scale (X 5); G, Rhynchospora tomentosa. Upper scale (X 5); H, Rhyn-

chospora tomentosa. Lowest scale (X 2); I, Hypolytrum tepuianum.

Achene (X 8); J, Hypolytrum tepuianum. Scale (X 3); K, Hypo-

lytrum tepuianum. Floral glume (X 2); L, Hypolytrum tepuianum.

Floral glumes (X 4); M, Exochogyne Steyermarkii. Achene (X 6),

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 43

original publication by Clarke®, who based his description on Spruce

3614 from ‘‘Maypures; in Upper Orinoco’’, a locality on the Colombian

side just south of the present collection, which is the first record for

Venezuela. .

Clarke’s original description of the achene as “‘levi, papillosa,

fusca”’ is both inadequate and misleading, especially as regards the

use of the word ‘“‘levi’’. The rows of tooth-like projections or

papillae on one face certainly belie this part of Clark’s description.

As far as the achene is concemed, this species is one of the most

distinct in the entire genus. There is no doubt, however, what

Clarke had in mind about the peculiar markings, since, near the end

of his description, he states that the achene is ‘‘praesertim in parte

superiore a papillis erecta ornata. Ceteroquin fere ut R. Tricho-

chaeta’’. Both R. Trichochaeta and the Mexican R. mexicana have

markings on the achene similar to those found in R. dentinux.

The following is a description of the achene based on the present

collection: body blackish, 3 mm. long, both surfaces minutely

granulose-puncticulate, but marked on the inner surface with 2 rows

of 10-12 ridges and depressions, the ridges curved, a longitudinal

ridge running down the center between these ridges; beak prominent,

tawny, bidentate, 2 mm. long, 0.5 mm. wide, antrorsely setulose;

awns 5-6, buff-tawny, antrorsely scabrous, surrounded at base by 5

buff-stramineous tufts of hispidulous hairs, 4.5-5 mm. long (Fig. 5, d).

Rhynchospora duidae Steyermark, sp. nov.

Perennis caespitosa; foliis 15-50 cm. longis, 6-7 mm. latis, planis

laevibus, marginibus serratis; culmis erectis trigonis laevibus, 6-7

dm. altis; corymbis pallido-stramineis axillaribus terminalibusque

contractis, 2-2.5 cm. longis, 1-2.5 cm. latis; involucri bracteis 1-2,

2-3 cm. longis, 1.5-2 mm. latis; spiculis lanceolatis (immaturis)

6.5 mm. longis, 3-4-carpis; setis 6 antrorse hispidulis, 4.5-5 mm.

longis (immaturis ?); stylo profunde diviso, ramis longis; tuberculo

lanceolato.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on summit of Cerro

Duida, Savanna Hills, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1065-1220

m., September 2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58254.

Rhynchospora karuaiana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmis trigonis glabris, foliis excedentibus, 10.5 dm.

altis vel altioribus; foliis paucis glabris, 60-70 cm. longis, 2.5-3.5

mm. latis; fasciculis 4, subcapitatis, remotis longe-pedunculatis

axillaribus terminalibusque, 1-2 cm. longis, 1.5-2 cm. latis; peduncu-

lis usque ad 7.5 cm. longis; bracteis infimis erectis scabridulis,

10 cm. longis, 1-2 mm. latis; spiculis 3-6 lanceolato-ellipticis,

Clarke, C. B. New Gen. & Sp. Cyp., Kew Bull. Add. Ser. VII:

33. 1908.

4h FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

7.5-9 mm. longis, 1.5 mm. latis, 2-floris, l-carpis; squamis ovatis

vel oblongo-lanceolatis, breve mucronatis vel aristatis, pallide brun-

neis; setis 6, antrorse hispidulis, fructu longioribus, 5.5-6 mm.

longis; achaenio elliptico-ovato, 4 mm. longo, 2 mm. lato, manifeste

transversim profunde sulcato; tuberculo tenui quam achaenio longiore,

5.5-5.75 mm. longo, antrorse hispidulo; stylo parce vel non diviso.

Leaves mostly at base, 2-3 on culm, canaliculate above, midrib

prominent below, gradually passing into the glabrous, striatulate,

pale hyaline-margined sheath; inflorescence elongated, 13-18 cm.

long; peduncles erect, slender, the lowest more elongated; spikelets

with 4 scales; scales 3-8 mm. long, pale or ashy brown; achene

fulvous-brown, conspicuously transversely wrinkled with deep sulca-

tions, these connected by vertical striations; beak slender elon-

gated, with longer hairs at base and at apex of achene, dark brown

(Fig. 5, 1).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected by fast water, border-

ing forest of Rio Karuai, between Santa Teresita de Kavanayen and

base of Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m., November 18,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60334.

Related to R. amazonica Poepp. & Kunth, from which it may be

distinguished by the transversely wrinkled achene, more elongated

inflorescence, less foliose and less conspicuous bracts, taller, less

leafy glabrous culms, and glabrous leaves. From R. corymbosa (L.)

Hitche. it differs in the color of the spikelets, different type of in-

florescence, and less leafy development of bracts and leaves. From

R. viridi-lutea C. B. Clarke of British Guiana it differs in the type of

inflorescence, color of spikelets, markings of achene, and width of

leaves. Finally, from R. trispicata Steud. it is distinguished by its

less branched inflorescence, more fasciculate heads of spikelets, and

different achene.

Rhynchospora paramora Steyermark, sp. nov.

Perennis caespitosa; culmis foliatis glabris, 27-45 cm. altis, 1.5

mm. latis; foliis planis glabris culmo brevioribus, 12-20 cm. longis,

1.5-2.5 mm. latis; paniculis 3-4 subfasciculatis, 1-1.5 cm. longis,

0.5-1 cm. latis, axillaribus terminalibusque; pedunculis tenuibus,

2.5-4.5 cm. longis; bracteis 815 cm. longis, inferioribus foliaceis,

inflorescentiam excedentibus; spiculis anguste fusiformibus, 7.5-8

mm. longis, 1 mm. latis, l-carpis; squamis ovatis vel lanceolatis,

breve vel manifeste aristatis, castaneis vel brunneis; setis nullis;

achaenio ovoideo, 2.1-2.5 mm. longo, 1.8 mm. lato, fere laevi sub-

tilissime puncticulato, pallide stramineo; tuberculo conico-triangu-

lari, 1.1 mm. longo, superficie squamosa; stylo indiviso.

Cespitose perennial with thick, scaly, stoloniferous off-shoots;

culms striatulate; panicles dense; ‘spikelets mostly 3-4 in a cluster,

with 5-6 scales; achenes buff to stramineous; tubercle about 1/2

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 45

width of achene, the surface whitish crustaceous-squamose, these

scales deciduous in age (Fig. 6, c).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on Paramo de los

Colorados, between El Molino and San Isidro Alto, state of Merida,

alt. 2745-2955 m., May 14, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 56550.

From R. racemosa C. Wright, which it resembles, this species

differs in the subfasciculate instead of racemose inflorescences,

and paler, less rugulose achenes with smaller superficial cells.

From R. cryptantha C. B. Clarke it may be distinguished by the less

foliose culms, different type of inflorescence, which is not concealed

among the leaves or bracts.

Rhynchospora ptaritepuiana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmis infra foliatis, 6-7 dm. altis; foliis erectis, supra

glabris, infra costa glabra vel breve pilosa, aliter glabris, 25-45 cm.

longis, 3-3.5 mm. latis; paniculis 2-6, brevibus, 2-4 cm. longis,

1.5-3.5 cm. latis, axillaribus terminalibusque; pedunculis tenuibus,

3.5-8.5 cm. longis; bracteis infimis foliaceis, usque ad 17 cm.

longis; spiculis fusiformi-ellipticis, 4.5-5 mm. longis, 1.5 mm. latis,

5-floris, 5-carpis; squamis ovatis breviter aristatis vel mucronatis

ferrugineis; setis 6, antrorse hispidulis, quam tuberculo aequantibus -

vel longioribus, 2-2.2 mm. longis; achaenio ovoideo, basi substipi-

tato, superne rotundato, 1.5 mm. longo, 1 mm. lato, nitido, sub-

tilissime puncticulato; tuberculo late conico, basi bilobato, 1.1-1.2

mm. longo, glabro; stylo indiviso vel parce diviso.

Culms glabrous, usually taller than the leaves; spikelets with

7-9 scales, on short pedicels 1.5 mm. long; scales glabrous, the

lower short-aristate, the upper aristate or merely acute and mucronate,

ferruginous; achene abruptly narrowed to a substipitate base 0.3 mm.

long, rounded above, rufous- or dark brown, shining and appearing

smooth, but the surface superficially cellular with reticulations

broader than high; tubercle about 3/4 width of achene, loosely cellu-

lar with depressed cells (Fig. 6, a).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on dripping sand-

stone bluffs, Ptari-tepui, at base of first line of bluffs, on south-

facing part, east of ‘‘Cave Rock’’, state of Bolivar, alt. 2130 m.,

November 4, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59830. Also collected on

moist bluff, Ptari-tepui, at base of and on main south-facing high

sandstone bluffs, alt. 2400-2410 m., October 30, 1944, Steyermark

59599,

A member of Series Haplostyleae, Div. Calyptrostylis, Sect.

Paniculatae (following Clarke’s subdivisions), this species is ap-

parently related to R. polyphylla Vahl, from which it differs in the

more elongated, erect, narrower leaves, which are more crowded

towards the base of the culm and not so uniformly scattered along the

length of the culm, in the shorter inflorescences of brown spikelets,

46 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

and the longer-beaked, larger, and more shining achenes which are

less prominently reticulate with cells broader than high, while from

R. Lechleri Steud. of Peru it differs in the broader leaves which are

not scabrid-serrulate on margins, and in various floral characters.

The distinguishing characteristics of R. ptaritepuiana are the

elongate, narrow leaves, clustered more at the base of the culm, and

not conspicuously scattered on the culm, the short brown panicles,

the shining achene marked with transversely broader than high super

ficial cells, the elongate bilobed tubercle, and the 6 bristles which

equal or are longer than the achene.

Rhynchospora sanariapensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Annua caespitosa; foliis setaceis, glabris, 2.5-5 cm. longis; cul-

mis filiformi-setaceis, glabris, 7-10 cm. altis; corymbis terminalibus,

glomerulis, 8-12 mm. altis, 5-12 mm. latis; floribus 6 vel pluribus;

spiculis lanceolato-subulatis, 2-floris, l-carpis, 3-3.5 mm. longis;

squamis 4, ovatis vel lanceolatis, acutis; stylo diviso; setis nullis;

achaenio oblongo-obovoideo, 0.9-1 mm. longo, 0.5 mm. lato, trans-

versim profunde 4-5-sulcato et prominente gibbo elevato, inter gibbo

subtilissime longitudinaliter striato; tuberculo breve depresso,

0.05-0.1 mm. alto.

Corymbs with central cluster subsessile, the 2 lateral clusters

with 6 or more spikelets; bract shorter or longer than corymbs, 1-1.6

cm. long, scabridulous on margins; lower scales 0.5-1.5 mm. long, the

upper 2.25-3.5 mm. long; style divided into 2 slender branches;

achene somewhat narrowed below, rounded or subtruncate above,

tawny-brown, each face deeply 4-5 transversely sulcate with promi-

nent subacutely angled ridges with fine striae running lengthwise

between the ridges, narrowly ridged lengthwise on each side

CPig: 5,e,-));

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in vicinity of Sana-

riapo, near Rio Sanariapo, tributary of Orinoco river, Territorio

Federal Amazonas, alt. 100 m., September 8, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 58469. Also collected among rock outcrops below mouth of Rio

Sanariapo, along Orinoco river, alt. 100 m., September 8, 1944,

Steyermark 58436.

Related to R. pluricarpa Gilg of the Matto Grosso-P arana portion of

Brazil, but differs in its larger, oblong achene of different color,

prominent sulcations and ridges, and in the single fruit of the spike-

lets instead of 4-5. From R. tenuis it is distinguished by the oblong,

instead of subglobose or turbinate, achene with more prominent sul-

cations, narrower and less prominent tubercle, shorter spikelets,

and shorter culms, leaves, and bracts, while from R. tenella it is

separated by the shape of the achene, absence of the long scabrous

awn of the scales, and denser clusters of spikelets.

Rhynchospora sororopana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Perennis caespitosa; culmis tenuibus foliatis, 15-50 cm. altis,

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 47

0.2-0.5 mm. latis, plerumque quam foliis excedentibus; foliis 15-25

cm. longis, 1.5 mm. latis; fasciculis 3-7, confertis racemoso-subcapi-

tatis, €-8 mm. longis, 3-4 mm. latis, axillaribus terminalibusque;

pedunculis tenuibus, 0.5-5 cm. longis; bracteis setaceis, 2°7.5 cm.

longis, 0.5-1 mm. latis; spiculis ovato-lanceolatis, 3.5-4 mm. longis,

l-carpis; squamis ovatis vel ovato-lanceolatis, aristatis vel acumi-

natis, pallidis; setis nullis; achaenio elliptico-ovoideo, basi angus-

tato, superne nonnihil angustato, 2 mm. longo, 1.2 mm. lato, sub-

tilissime puncticulato; tuberculo conico, 1 mm. longo; stylo breviter

diviso, ramis brevibus.

Culms glabrous; leaves glabrous, several; fascicles of the inflores-

cence scattered along the middle and upper portion of the culms;

spikelets with 4 scales; scales pale buff or gfayish-green to greenish-

stramineous; achene greenish or pale stramineous, minutely puncticu-

late with cells slightly higher than broad; beak about half the width

of the achene.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected along Quebrada

Sororopan, between Santa Teresita de Kavanayen and Rio Tek-

Yunsén, state of Bolivar, alt. 1375 m., December 3, 1944, Julian

A. Steyermark 60831.

A member of Series Diplostyleae, Div. Psilocarya, Sect. P auci-

nucigerae (following Clarke’s divisions), this is related to R. biflora,

R. brevirostris, R. longispicata, and R. nardiflora. It is distin-

guished by its pale greenish, gray-green, or greenish-white spikelets,

small inflorescences, width of leaves, and details of achene and-

beak.

Rhynochospora tamana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Perennis caespitosa; culmis glabris, 7-55 cm. altis, 1.5-2 mm.

latis; foliis plerumque basilaribus, linearibus, rigidis, supra paullo

scabridulis, marginibus scabris, 7-30 cm. longis, 3-3.5 mm. latis;

paniculis plus minusve 4, anguste ellipsoidalibus contractis, 3-3.5

cm. longis, 0.7-1.2 cm. latis, axillaribus terminalibusque; rhachibus

angulatis, angulis scabris; pedunculis tenuibus, glabris, angulatis,

4-13 cm. longis; bracteis 8-13 cm. longis, 2-3 mm. latis; vaginis

bractearum nitidis, fulvo-brunneis; spiculis confertis, fusiformibus,

9-10 mm. longis, 1.5-2 mm. latis, subsessilibus vel breviter pedi-

cellatis, 2-carpis; squamis ovatis vel lanceolatis, breve aristatis,

4-9.5 mm. longis, castaneis; setis 6, antrorse hispidulis, tuberculum

excedentibus, 88.5 mm. longis; achaenio fusiformi-elliptico, basi

manifeste stipitato, 3.5 mm. longo, 1 mm. lato, subtilissime punc-

ticulato; tuberculo conico-subulato, quam achaenio paullo breviore,

1.5-2 mm. longo, basi parce hispidulo; stylo bifido, ramis 3 mm.

longis, stylo brevioribus.

Culms leafy below, exceeding the leaves; lower leaf surface

covered with gray-white stomata between the raised nerves; bracts

somewhat foliaceous; spikelets with 5 scales; achene stramineous

48 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

minutely puncticulate with numerous narrow reticulations much

higher than broad (Fig. 6, d).

Type in herb. Chi, Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on limestone outcrops

of Paramo de Tama, near Colombian-Venezuelan boundary, state of

Tachira, alt. 3045-3475 m., July 15, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

57404. Also collected in same locality, Steyermark 57398.

Related to R. macrochaeta Steud., from which it differs in the more

elongated achene which is stipitate-based, shorter narrower panicles,

longer scales and spikelets, narrower, more rigid, and more scabrid

leaves, and the generally smaller stature.

Rhynchospora tepuiana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Perennis caespitosa; culmis setaceis foliatis, 10-25 cm. altis,

~ 0.5 mm. latis; foliis setaceis, glabris, 8-13 cm. longis, 0.2-0.3 mm.

latis; vaginis membranaceis, glabris, quam laminis latioribus, ore

subtruncato; inflorescentia corymbosa vel subcorymbosa, 6-10 mm.

alta, 5-8 mm. lata; bracteis 2.5 cm. longis, quam inflorescentia

longioribus; spiculis 2-10, anguste ellipticis, 3-4 mm. longis, 5-floris,

5-carpis vel paucioribus; squamis late ovatis, mucronatis, 1.6-2.7

mm. longis, castaneis; setis 1-6 vel nullis, rudimentariis, antrorse

serrulatis, 0.5-0.9 mm. longis; achaenio elliptico-obovoideo, sub-

stipitato, lenticulari, 1.5 mm. longo, 0.6-0.7 mm. lato, breviter

transversim ruguloso, inter rugas leviter reticulato-puncticulato;

tuberculo deltoideo; stylo profunde diviso, ramis longis.

Orifice of sheath with 2 lateral processes; bracts setaceous;

spikelets about 1 mm. wide, with 9 scales; scales mucronate or

short-awned, the lowest 2 empty scales 1.6-1.8 mm. long, the others

2.5-2.7 mm. long; bristles ferruginous-brown; achene abruptly nar-

rowed and substipitate at base, gradually narrowed above, pale buff

or stramineous, pilosulous at summit just below tubercle, shallowly

cross-wrinkled with rows in between the wrinkles of faint puncticula-

tions higher than broad, the cells in the lower fourth longer, broader,

and nearly as broad as high; tubercle inconspicuous, deltoid or conic,

about half the width of achene, pale brown; branches of style much

longer than the style proper (Fig. 5, g).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on forested south-

west-facing quebrada near Rondon Camp, Mount Roraima, state of

Bolivar, alt. 2040 m., September 25, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

58652. Also collected on rocky hematite exposures on open slopes

on summit at west end of Sororopan-teput, alt. 2225-2255 m., Novem-

ber 13, 1944, Steyermark 60061.

This species is related to R. Sellowiana Steud., 1855, not R.

Sellowiana Boeckl., 1873, to R. Golimeri Boeckl., and to R. roraimae

Kuk. From R. Sellowiana Steud, it differs in its castaneous, not

stramineous spikelets with much shorter setae. From R. Gollmeri of

the Caracas and Cordillera de la Costa area, it differs in the shorter

spikelets, long-cleft style, shorter tubercle of achene, much shorter

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 49

bristles, and more conspicuously rugulose or reticulate instead of

almost smooth achene. From R. roraimae it differs in the greater

number of spikelets, longer, iess rigid culms and leaves, shorter

tubercle, presence of setae, and more rugulose-reticulate achene.

Rhynchospora tomentosa Steyermark, sp. nov.

Perennis; culmis foliatis, 7.5 dm. altis; foliis basilaribus et cul-

mis subcoriaceis, rigidis, undique velutino-tomentosis, 25-30 cm.

longis, 9-10.5 mm. latis; paniculis 5-6, oblongo-lanceolatis, densi-

floris, 4-4.5 cm. longis, 1.3-1.5 cm. latis, axillaribus terminali-

busque; rhachibus hispidulis; pedunculis 1.5-6 cm. longis, tomen-

tosis; bracteis foliaceis, paniculas excedentibus, 6.5-12 cm. longis,

3-6.5 mm. latis, adpresso-villosulis infra praesertim; vaginis brac-

tearum foliorumque velutino-tomentosis vel tomentosis; spiculis

confertis anguste lanceolatis vel fusiformi-ellipticis, 5-5.5 mm.

longis, 1.5 mm. latis, breviter pedicellatis, l-carpis; squamis ovatis

vel ovato-oblongis manifeste aristatis, 2-4.5 mm. longis, fusco-

castaneis, arista 1-10 mm. longa, hispidula; setis 2-3, antrorse

hispidulis, achaenio longioribus; achaenio oblongo-obovoideo,

biconvexo, 1.8 mm. longo, 1 mm. lato, subtilissime transversim

lineolato; tuberculo conico, 1 mm. longo; stylo parce diviso.

Lower side of leaves especially velutinous-tomentose, deeply

sulcate or canaliculate above, midrib prominent below; panicles

erect; lower spikelet scales 2-2.5 mm. long, with an awn 1-1.25 mm.

long, the upper 3.5-4.5 mm. long with awns 9-10 mm. long; achene

stramineous, finely transversely lineolate with many vertical rows,

the lineolations broader than high; tubercle 3/4 width of achene

(Fig. 6, e-h).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on limestone out-

crops of Paramo de Tama, near Colombian-Venezuelan boundary,

state of Tachira, alt. 3045-3475 m., July 15, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 57391.

This unusual species is well-marked by its velutinous-tomentose

leaves, bracts, and sheaths, and conspicuously aristate scales. It

is related to R. macrochaeta Steud.

Rhynchospora_ Trichochaeta C. B. Clarke, var. venezuelensis

Steyermark, var. nov.

A typo differt bracteis quam capitulo longioribus, 6-15 mm. longis,

marginibus breviter ciliato-pilosis; tuberculo longiore angustioreque

acutiore, pilis scabris longioribus.

Achene dark brown or blackish-brown (Fig. 5, h).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on rocky savanna

slopes between Ciudad Bolivar and Rio Caroni, state of Bolivar,

alt. 100 m., August 1, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57587.

50 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

In R. Trichochaeta of Brazil (Gardner 2385, type), (Fig. 5, i), the

bracts are only 4 mm. long, densely and long-ciliate on the margins,

and the tubercle is short, broad, and obtuse at apex. Clarke des-

cribes the achene as ‘‘fusce straminea’’, but examination of type

material found in the herbaria of ‘the New York Botanical Garden and

in the United States National Herbarium shows the achenes to vary

from fuscous-stramineous to dark brown.

Cladium costatum Steyermark, sp. nov.

Radix repens; culmo triquetro, 25 cm. longo, 3-3.5 mm. lato, gla-

bro; foliis subxiphoideis, basilaribus numerosis, planis, 35-50 cm.

longis, 7-8.5 mm. latis, multo-nervatis, costa prominenti, glabris;

caulinis brevioribus erectis, supremis spathaeformibus; spicularum

fasciculis paniculatis numerosis, atro-vinaceis vel castaneo-rubris;

spiculis 3.5-5 mm. longis, ovoideis, 2-3-nuciferis; squamis ovatis,

apice obtusis vel rotundatis, 2.5-3 mm. longis, 1.5-2 mm. latis, gla-

bris; staminibus 2; stylo longo, ramis 2, linearibus; setis hypogynis,

nullis; achaenio fulvo, biconvexo, ovato-elliptico, 3.2-3.8 mm. longo,

1.5-2 mm. lato, marginibus conspicue costatis angulatis, glabro,

sensim in rostrum contracto.

Plant growing in colonies, with creeping rootstock; inflorescence

elongate-paniculate, 20-23 cm. long, the 12-15 spikes fascicled;

rachis of inflorescence more or less compressed, ancipital, mostly

scabridulous on angles; peduncular branches of spikes ancipital,

2-angled, more densely scabridulous on margins; spikelets 3-4-

flowered; bracts subtending spikelets 3, ovate, aristate, 2.5-3.5 mm.

long; scales 3, the fruiting ones especially with prominent midrib;

anthers 1.5 mm. long, linear-lanceolate, appendiculate, filaments

elongating to 4 mm.; achene dull brown, subturgid, conspicuously

ribbed and wing-angled on two lateral margins, gradually tapering

into a slender beak blackish-brown at tip.

Type ,in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected along Quebrada

Sororopan between Santa Teresita de Kavanayen and Rio Tek-Yunsen,

state of Bolivar, alt. 1375 m., December 3, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 60829, Collected also at Salto de Iwaracaru-metu, at western

end of Sororopan-tepui, alt. 1615 m., November 15, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 60220.

This species is characterized by the creeping rootstocks, elongate

inflorescence with fasciculate panicles, numerous subdistichous

leaves with prominent midrib, 2 stamens, bifid style, and especially

the biconvex achenes with prominently ribbed and angled margins.

According to Dr. Svenson, who greatly assisted in a critical study of

this plant, ‘‘it has a general appearance to C. restioides (Sw.)

Benth. of the west Indies, but the possession of achenes without

bristles resembles more such species as C. jamaicense than those of

the Machaerina and Vincentia groups.”’

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 51

Tribe HYPOLYTREAE

Hypolytrum tepuianum Steyermark, sp. nov.

Viridis; culmis rigidis, erectis, subacute trigonis, glabris, 1.3-1.6

m. altis, 4.5-5.5 mm. latis; foliis rigidis, subcoriaceis, viridibus,

anguste lineari-lanceolatis, undique pluristriatis, marginibus parte

superiore et costa inferiore valide scabrido-serrulatis, marginibus

parte inferiore glabris, 90-100 cm. longis, 1821 mm. latis; inflo-

rescentia subumbellate decomposita vel subcorymbifere-umbellata

10-16-ramosa; ramis simplicibus monostachyis, striatis, angulatis,

minute hispidulis, 1-3.5 cm. longis, 2-2.5 mm. latis, foliaceo-

bracteatis; bracteis 4-5, inaequalibus, rigidis, subcoriaceis, de-

flexis, lineari-lanceolatis, undique pluristriatis, marginibus mani-

feste serrulatis, costa infra manifeste serrulata prominenti, 6-24 cm.

longis, 4-15 mm. latis; spicis densifloris, confertis, subgloboso-

capitatis, 1-1.5 cm. longis, 1.2-1.4 cm. latis; spiculis ovoideis, 6

mm. longis, 3.5 mm. latis; squamis suborbicularibus apice rotundatis

ferrugineis, 3.5-4 mm. longis, 3.5-4 mm. latis; squamulis oblongis

vel elliptico-oblongis, obtusis, liberis, glabris; staminibus 2; achaen-

io paullo compresso, subtereti-lenticulari, infra medium paullo

constricto elliptico-oblongo, nitido, glabro, fulvo-castaneo, superne

vinaceo-maculato, 5-6 mm. longo, 1.2-1.3 mm. lato; rostro tenui,

achaenio aequale, 1.5-3 mm. longo, glabro.

Culms nodulose; leaves deep green above, dull green below;

inflorescence with 10-16 stout, simple branches; spikelets sub-

obtuse, rufescent; scales subtending spikelets suborbicular, rounded

at apex, membranaceous, rufous-brown with numerous orange-brown

splotches, the margins hyaline; floral glumes 4, free to base, 2 of

them subtending stamens, glabrous, oblong to elliptic-oblong, obtuse

and entire or with hyaline-suberose apex, 4.5 mm. long, 1.2-2 mm.

wide, rufous-streaked below; achene fulvous to dark chestnut brown,

the lower half usually darker brown than the upper ae the upper

half dull purplish-red spotted; stigmatic branches 2 (Fig. 6, i-l).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in savanna, vicinity

of “Misia Kathy Camp’’, on mesa between Ptari-tepui and Sororopan-

tepul, state of Bolivar, alt. 1615 m., November 15-17, 1944, Julian

A. Steyermark 60238.

Very well marked by the tall culms, broad, stiff, elongated leaves

and bracts subtending the subumbellate inflorescence with simple

thick branches, large smooth achenes with long beak, and glabrous

floral scales.

1), OF the LIB.

52 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Tribe SCLERIAE

Scleria tepuiensis Core, sp. nov.7

Rhizomate ligneo, squamis atro-rubris intecto; culmo 1-2 m. alto,

triquetro; foliis 30 cm. longis, 5-12 mm. latis, glabris, rigidis, costa

subtus et marginibus scabris; vaginis glabris, triquetris; ligula

abbreviata, rotundata; paniculis 5-15 cm. longis, purpurascentibus,

densis; bracteis foliaceis; spiculis masculis longe pedicellatis,

numerosis; spiculis foemineis paucis, in ramorum basi subsessilibus;

Squamis masculis anguste mucronatis; squamis foemineis lanceola-

tis; hypogynio sine lobis; achaenio albo, 2-3 mm. longo, hirtello,

obtuse trigono. Scleriae cyperinae proxime affinis.

Rhizome thick, hard, nodose; culms slender, shining, the angles

smooth or somewhat roughened; leaves chartaceous, scabrous on the

margins and main veins beneath; sheaths smooth or somewhat rough-

ened on the angles, wingless or very narrowly winged; ligule rotund-

triangular, with a thin, scarious margin (not appendaged); panicles

terminal, single, or with additional smaller ones in the upper axils,

ovate to ovate-rotund, dense, much-branched, brown-purple, rachis

scabrous, the branches short, divergent; bracts about 3, exceeding

the inflorescence; bractlets linear-setaceous; staminate spikelets

numerous, linear, 5-6 mm. long, on slender peduncles 5-6 mm. long;

pistillate spikelets solitary at the bases of the branches; staminate

scales narrow, purplish; pistillate scales glabrous, purplish; hypo-

gynium rigid, wrinkled, white, the lobes none or very obscure;

achene white or sometimes purplish-tinged.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., isotype in herb. West Virginia

University, collected on summit of Cerro Duida, Savanna Hills,

Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1025-1200 m., September 2, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 58232. Also collected in same locality, Tate

738 (NY). BRITISH GUIANA: Paulo, near Mt. Roraima, alt. 4000

ft., Tate 152 (NY).

This species is closely related to S. cyperina, to which the Tate

specimens had been doubtfully referred. It differs in lacking the

pronounced lobes of the hypogynium characteristic of that species,

and also in the nature of the ligule, which is chartaceous throughout

in S. cyperina, but membranaceous-margined in S. tepuiensis. The

leaves in the latter species also average somewhat nafrower, at

least in the specimens observed. Only two other known members of

the section Hymenolytrum, in addition to S. tepuiensis, lack the

large, conspicuous, scarious appendage to the ligule found in most

members of that section. The third species, S. grandis, is a very

robust plant with leaves 18-35 mm. wide.

The specific epithet refers to its occurrence on sandstone mesas

of Venezuela and British Guiana, which are known locally as tepuis.

"By Earl L. Core

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 53

Tribe CRYPTANGIEAE (LAGENOCARPEAE) ®

Exochogyne amazonica C.B.Clarke, var. esmeraldensis Gilly, var.nov.

Perennis, rhizome brevissime repens; folia basalia 4-6, vaginae

ad 6 cm. longae dense et minute pilosulae, lamina lineari ad 20 cm.

longa et 1.5 mm. lata, glabra marginibus inferioribus sparse hirsutulo-

ciliolatis excepte; culmi floriferi glabri erecti graciles, cum inflor-

escentia ad 12 cm. alti; inflorescentia ad 3 cm. longa, bractea

subfoliacea acuminata, inferioribus ad 4 cm. longis, medioribus ad

1.2 cm. longis, glabra, marginibus inferioribus dense albo-ciliatis

excepte; spicae bisexualae, cum spiculae masculae 2-4 et foemineae

2 vel 3; spiculae masculae 7-9 mm. longae et 0.5-0.7 mm. latae,

glumis vacuis 2 ovatis vel lanceolato-ovatis glabris, ad 2 mm.

longis, glumis fertilibus 2 vel 3 lineari-lanceolatis glabris vel

sparse pubescentibus ad apicem; stamina a gluma fertile subtenta 2,

filamentis persistentibus; spiculae foemineae ad 2 mm. longae,

glumis 3-5 ovatis glabris, 1-2 mm. longis; achaenium breviter stipi-

tatum glabrum laeve bisulcatum oblongo-quadrangulatum sublenticu-

lare, cum rostro laevi et inflato-clavato ad 2 mm. longum; rostro

quam corpore achaenii dimidio breviore; squamellae hypogynae

nullae; stylus bifidus, stigmatibus brunneis ad 3 mm. longis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., isotype in herb. Iowa State

College, collected on dry savanna between Esmeralda Savanna and

southeastern base of Cerro Duida, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt.

200 m., August 22, 1944, julian A. Steyermark 57805.

The typical phase of the species is a more robust plant with

longer leaves, larger inflorescences, and with 6 or more staminate

spikelets in each spike, originally collected from a tributary of the

Rio Madeira in the southwestern part of the Amazon basin. The

several previously described ‘‘species’’ of this genus—which is thus

far known only from 6 or 7 collections from isolated Amazonian

Savannas—appear to represent minor variants of a single species.

Exochogyne Steyermarkii Gilly, sp. nov.

Perennis, subrhizomatis vel caespitosis; folia basalia 4-6, vaginae

ad 10 cm. longae sparse et minute adpresso-pilosulae, laminis

linearibus ad 40 cm. longis et 1 mm. latis, glabris vel subtus sparse

strigillosis; inflorescentia ad 10 cm. longa, bractea inferiore foliacea

ad 18 cm. longa et 1 mm. lata, bracteis medioribus ad 1.5 cm. longis

et 1 mm. latis, glabrae vagina minute strigillosa excepta; spicae

bisexualae, cum spiculae masculae 2 vel 3 et spiculae foemineae

2 vel 3; spiculae masculae 4-5.5 mm. longae et 0.3-0.5 mm. latae,

glumis vacuis 1 vel 2 lanceolatis vel ellipticis glabris, ad 2 mm.

longis, glumis fertilibus 2 vel 3 linearibus vel lineari-lanceolatis

glabris, ad 5.5 mm. longis; stamina a gluma fertile subtenta 2,

*By Charles L. Gilly

54 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

filamentis persistentibus; spiculae foemineae ex vagina protrudens

ad 2 mm. longae, glumis 2-4 ovatis glabris, 1-2 mm. longis; achaen-

ium glabrum laeve marginatum sublenticulare oblongo-quadrangulatum

vel cum rostro laevi et inflato ellipsoideum, ad 2.5 mm. longum;

squamellae hypogynae nullae; stylus bifidus, stigmatibus brunneis

ad 2 mm. longis (Fig. 6, m).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., isotype in herb. Iowa State

College, collected in swampy woods, between Esmeralda Savanna

and southeastern base of Cerro Duida, Territorio Federal Amazonas,

alt. 200 m., August 22, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57820.

This species differs from all the other known species of the genus

in the narrowness and small size of the inflorescence bracts. With

regard to the small number of pistillate spikelets, this species is

most nearly like E. megalorrhyncha Tutin, but in glabrity and cespi-

tose habit it is more nearly like E. amazonica C. B. Clarke.

Cephalocarpus Steyermarkii Gilly, sp. nov.

Caulis gracilis ramosus, ad 10 cm. altus; folia linearia acuta

bicarinata sparse pilosa, 8-20 cm. longa et 1.5-2 mm. lata; culmi

floriferi solitarii in axillibus foliorum, 4-8 cm. alti; inflorescentia

Capitata multispiculata; bracteae inferiores inflorescentiam sub-

tendentes ad 2 cm. longae, dense vel sparse pilosae; spiculae

masculae 4-5 mm. longae, ad 1 mm. diam.; glumis vacuis 3-5, lanceo-

latis mucronatis glabris vel mucrone sparse pilosis, glumis stamini-

bus 2-3, lanceolatis acutis hyalinis glabris; antherae 2.75-3 mm.

longae; spiculae foemineae 4-5 mm. longae, glumis 5-8, lanceolatis

acuminato-mucronatis glabris vel mucrone sparse pilosis; achaenium

subteretium obovoideum glabrum stramineum, 1.75-2 mm. longum, ad

1 mm. diam., rostro 1-1.5 mm. longo persistenti sparse pubescente;

squamellae hypogynae ovatosrorbiculares, ciliis subcopiosis quam

corpore achaenii 4- vel 3-plo brevioribus.

Type in herb, Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., isotype in herb. Iowa Smte

College, collected in shaded spots in scrubby forest on rocky open

portion of plateau on southeast-facing slopes, Ptari-tepui, state of

Bolivar, alt. 1600 m., November 1, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

59640; south-facing slopes, Ptari-tepus, alt. 1800-1900 m., Steyer-

mark 59800.

A member of the subgenus Neocephalocarpus, most closely related

to C. longibracteatus Gilly, but approaching C. lineariifolius Gilly

in length and narrowness of leaves. The several specimens ex-

amined vary considerably in the length to which the branched stem

has developed.

Everardia montata Ridley, var. pilosa Gilly, var. nov.

A plantae typicae differt marginibus foliorum albo-pilosis copiosis;

culmis floriferis dense albo-pilosis; bracteis paniculis secundariis

subtendentibus cum vaginae dense et minute pubescentibus; achaenio

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 55

cum corpore 3 mm. iongo et 1 mm. lato et cum rostro minute pubes-

centi 2.5 mm. longo.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., isotype in herb. Iowa State

College, collected on summit of Cerro Duida, on high moist ridge top,

Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1820-2075 m., September 4, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 58318.

The typical phase of the species is known from the eastern end of

the series of cerros.

Everardia ptariensis Gilly, sp. nov.

Caulis brevis; folia ad 10.5 cm. longa, ad basim 8-10 mm. lata,

glabra, margine et costa scabridulo-ciliolata excepta, margine

revoluta; culmi floriferi laxe adscendentes, cum inflorescentia ad

6 dm. alti; vagina vacua ad basim 1.5 mm. longa, vaginae floriferae

atro-brunneae vel rubro-brunneae glabrae lamina subaequantae;

spiculae masculae 4-5.2 mm. longae, glumis vacuis 3-5, ovatis

mucronulatis ciliolatis ad apicem, glumis staminibus 2-4, oblongis

vel oblongo-lanceolatis glabris acutis vel truncatis et erosis ad

apicem; spiculae foemineae 3-4 mm. longae, glumis 4-6 ovatis cilio-

latis mucronulatis vel mucronatis; achaenium glabrum stramineum

vel pallido-brunneum ellipsoideum, 0.8-1 mm. diam. cum rostro 3.5

mm. longum; rostro conico glabro, quam corpore achaenii 3-plo brevi-

oribus; squamellae hypogynae minute suborbiculares, ciliis copiosis

quam corpore achaenii 3-vel 4-plo brevioribus; stigmata gracilia

atrobrunnea.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., isotype in herb. Iowa State

College, collected on forested south-facing slopes overlying sand-

stone on ‘‘Cave Rock”’ above ‘‘Cave Camp’’, Ptari-tepui, state of

Bolivar, alt. 1810 m., October 29, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59496.

Allied to E. montana Ridley in vegetative habit, but differing

markedly in the very slender, much elongated flowering culms and in

the structure of the achene.

Everardia Steyermarkii Gilly, sp. nov.

Caulis robustus ramosus, ad 2.8 dm. altus, vaginis persistentibus

fibrilosis tecta; folia ad 4.3 dm. longa et 3-3.5 mm. lata, plana vel

bicarinata ad apicem linearia dense albo-pilosa vel albo-lanata et

tarde glabrata; culmi floriferi erecti lanati, cum inflorescentia ad

3.5 dm. alti, vagina vacua ad basim 2.5-3 cm. longa, vaginae flori-

ferae atrobrunneae albo-pilosae lamina subaequantae; spiculae

masculae 5-6.5 mm. longae, glumis vacuis 4-7, ovatis vel lanceolato-

ovatis mucronatis glabris, glumis staminibus 2-4, lanceolatis vel

oblongo-lanceolatis acutis glabris; antherae ad 3.5 mm. longae;

spiculae foemineae, omnes ad apicem inflorescentiae dispositae,

jam deficientes; achaenium ignotum.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., isotype in herb. Iowa State

College, in Brocchinia-Stegolepis-H eliamphora swamp on southwest-

56 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

facing shoulder, Ptari-tepu1, state of Bolivar, alt. 2200 m., November

2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59781.

So far as vegetative habit is concerned, this is the most distinc-

tive species in the genus. It is most closely allied with E. angusta

N. E. Brown and E. gracilis Gilly, two species known only from

Mount Roraima.

Lagenocarpus bifidus Gilly, sp. nov.

Caulis ignotus; folia lanceolato-linearia plana glabra glauca

rigido-coriacea ad 9 dm. longa, ad basim 2 cm. lata et ad medium

1-1.3 cm. lata, marginibus antrorse hispido-serratis; culmi floriferi

triangulares glabri, cum inflorescentia ad 1.2 m. alti; inflorescentia

interrupta e paniculis secundariis pluribus composita; spiculae

masculae ad 2.8 mm. longae in paniculis inferioribus laxe aggregatis,

glumis vacuis 4-6, lanceolatis acutis vel mucronatis glabris, glumis

staminibus 4-8, lanceolatis vel oblongo-lanceolatis subacutis vel

erosis ad apicem; spiculae foemineae uniflorae ad 4.5 mm. longae

paucae in paniculis superioribus rigidioribus congestae, glumis 6-8,

ovatis vel orbiculato-ovatis bifidis et aristatis ad apicem, aristae

ad 1.5 mm. longae hispidae; achaenium rubro-brunneum ovoideum

glabrum lucidum et subrugosum tricostatum, cum rostro conico 3.5

mm. longum; rostro quam corpore achaenii subaequantes; squamellae

hypogynae deltoideae minute ciliolatae ad 0.2 mm. longae; stylo

trifido.

Type in herb, Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., isotype in herb. Iowa State

College, collected on Gran Sabana, between Divina Pastora on Rio

Kukenan and Santa Elena, south of Mount Roraima, state of Bolivar,

alt. 915-1005 m., October = 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59302.

Resembles L. diffusus Gilly in the bifid and aristate pistillate

glumes, but near L. tremulus Nees in characters of the achenes.

Lagenocarpus diffusus Gilly, sp. nov.

Caulis brevis lignosus ad 2 cm. diam., vaginis persistentibus

laceratis tecta; folia grisea lanceolato-linearia plana glabra rigido-

coriacea acuta, ad 9.5 dm. longa, ad basim 1.8 cm. lata et ad medium

1 cm. lata, marginibus antrorse hispido-serratis; culmi floriferi

robusti glabri, cum inflorescentia ad 1.4 dm. alti; inflorescentia

interrupta e paniculis secundariis pluribus composita; spiculae

masculae ad 3.5 mm. longae numerosae in paniculis inferioribus

laxe diffusis aggregatis, glumis vacuis 3-5, lanceolatis vel oblongo-

lanceolatis minute bifidis ad apicem mucronatis vel mucronulatis

ciliolatis, glumis staminibus 4-8, lanceolatis acutis erosis et cilio-

latis; antherae 1.7 mm. longae; spiculae foemineae uniflorae ad 3.5

mm. longae, paucae in paniculis superioribus rigidioribus confertis,

glumis 4-6 ciliolatis ovatis vel orbiculato-ovatis, ad apicem bifidis

et aristatis, aristis ad 1.5 mm. longis; achaenium glabrum laeve

conico-ellipsoideum trisulcatum ad basim, cum rostro laevi truncato

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 57

ad 2.5 mm. longum et ad 1.5 mm. diam.; squamellae hypogynae tri-

angulares, ad 0.5 mm. longae, marginibus laevibus nec ciliolatis;

stylo trifido.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., isotype in herb. Iowa State

College, collected on summit of Cerro Duida, Savanna Hills, Terri-

torio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1025-1200 m., September 2, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 58218.

Allied to L. Sprucei H. Pfeiffer and L. guianensis Nees, but

differing from them in the bifid and aristate glumes and in the charac-

ters of the achene.

Lagenocarpus glomerulatus Gilly, sp. nov.

Subcaes pitosa, caulibus brevibus, vaginis persistentibus reticulato-

fibratis tecta; folia 6.5 dm. longa et ad 7 mm. lata linearia plana vel

bicarinata ad apicem glabra vel hispidulosa; culmi floriferi triangu-

lari glabri, cum inflorescentia ad 6 dm. alti; inflorescentia interrupta,

bracteae paniculis secundarius subtendentes cum vaginae breves et

laminae vaginorum 10- a 30-plo longioribus; spiculae masculae 2.5

mm. longae glomerulatae, 7-15 aggregatae conjunctim in paniculis

inferioribus laxe confertae, glumis vacuis 2-4, ovatis vel lanceolato-

Ovatis mucronatis glabris, margine ciliolatis exceptis, glumis stami-

nibus 6-15, lanceolatis vel lineato-lanceolatis acutis vel erosis et

ciliolatis ad apicem; antherae ad 1.2 mm. longae; spiculae foemineae

uniflorae ad 3.5 mm. longae, solitariae vel geminae in paniculis

superioribus paucifloris rigidis instructis, glumis 5-8, ovatis oblongo-

ovatis vel late ellipticis ciliolatis truncatis vel minute bifidis et

mucronatis ad apicem; achaenium late ellipsoideum subteretium

tubro-brunneum vadose trisulcatum subrugulosum et alveolarum, 2

mm. diam. et cum rostro laevi stramineo 3.5 mm. longum; rostro

minute pubescente ad apicem, quam corpore achaenii 3-plo breviori-

bus; squamellae hypogynae late orbiculares vel quadrangulares ad

0.5 mm. longae ciliolatae et albo-pilosae; cilii quam squamellae

subaequantes; stylo trifido, stigmata rosea vel rubro-brunnea.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., isotype in herb. Iowa State

College, collected on rocks along Rio Karuai between Santa Teresita

de Kavanayen and base of Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m.,

November 18, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60340.

A very distinctive species apparently related, at least in the

characters of the achene and the staminate spikelets, to L. rigidus

Nees of eastern Brazil, but differing markedly from that species in

foliage and type of inflorescence. :

Lagenocarpus sabanensis Gilly, sp. nov.

Subcaespitosa, caulibus brevibus lignosis, vaginis persistentibus

laceratis tecta; folia linearia plana ad 4 dm. longa et 5 mm. lata,

dense minute pubescentia supra et infra, marginibus minute hispidulo-

scabratis; culmi floriferi canaliculati dense adpresso-villosuli, cum

58 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

inflorescentia ad 1.2 m. alti; inflorescentia interrupta, bracteis

paniculis secundariis subtendentibus cum vaginae minute hispido-

pubescentiae et laminae adpresso-villosulae; spiculae masculae ad

4.5 mm. longae in paniculis inferioribus laxe aggregatis, glumis

vacuis 5-8 minute pubescentibus oblongo-ovatis vel ovatis ad apicem

truncatis vel subtruncatis aristatis, glumis staminibus 4-6 glabris

lanceolatis vel lineari-lanceolatis acutis; spiculae foemineae uni-

florae ad 4 mm. longae, paucae in paniculis superioribus rigidiori-

bus dispositis, glumis 6-9 minute pubescentibus ovatis vel quad-

rangulato-ovatis ad apicem truncatis vel sub-bifidis et aristatis;

achaenium flavo-brunneum ovoideum glabrum laeve trisulcatum, cum

rostro conico laevi ad 4 mm. longum; rostro quam corpore achaenii

subaequantes; squamellae hypogynae lanceolatae vel lanceolato-

deltoideae ad marginem minute erosae, 0.8-0.9 mm. longae; stylo

trifido atrobrunneo vel rubro-brunneo.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., isotype in herb. Iowa State

College, collected on Sabana Grande, at southeastern base of Cerro

Duida, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 200 m., August 23, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 57855. Apparently most closely related to

L. guianensis Lindl. & Nees, but differing in the more slender habit,

narrower leaves, general distribution of pubescence, and details of

the spikelets and achenes.

Lagenocarpus Steyermarkii Gilly, sp. nov.

Caulis brevis lignosus ad 1 cm. diam., vaginis persistentibus

reticulato-fibratis tecta; folia argenteo-grisea scabro-hispidae supra

linearia rigida ad 5.5 dm. longa et 1 cm. lata, marginibus antrorse

hispido-serratis; culmi floriferi obtuse triangulares, cum inflores-

centia interrupta ad 9 dm. alti; spiculae masculae 3.5 mm. longae

numerosae in paniculis inferioribus dense congestis, glumis vacuis

2-4, ovatis vel oblongo-ovatis hispidulo-puberulentibus acutis et

mucronatis vel mucronulatis, glumis staminibus 3-6, lanceolatis

vel oblongo-lanceolatis puberulentibus acutis vel erosis ad apicem;

antherae 1.5 mm. longae, filamentis persistentibus; spiculae foemi-

neae uniflorae ad 3.5 mm. longae, paucae in paniculis parvis supe-

rioribus rigidioribus congestis, glumis 5-8, hispidulo-puberulentibus

ovatis subacutis et subemarginatis et mucronulatis; achaenium

ellipsoideum stramineum glabrum subrugulosum et trisulcatum ad

basim, 1.8 mm. diam. cum rostro lacunoso laevi 3.5 mm. longum;

rostro quam corpore achaenii subaequantes; squamellae hypogynae

triangulares ad 0.3 mm. longae, ciliis paucis et minutissimis;

stylo trifido.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., isotype in herb. Iowa State

College, collected in sandy wet ground with Stegolepis and Broc-

chinia on large mesa, between Mission of Santa Teresita de Kava-

nayen and Rfo Karuai, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m., October 26,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59363.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 59

Allied to L. guianensis Nees in characters of the glumes and

inflorescence bracts, and to L. tremulus Nees in characters of the

achenes; amply differing from both of these species in the short and

natrow leaves and the congested secondary panicles of the inflores-

cence,

Pseudoeverardia Gilly, gen. nov.

Herba perennis terrestris vel epiphytica dioica; folia tristicho-

imbricata persistentia; culmi solitarii in axillibus foliorum; inflores-

centia mascula multispiculata, spiculis confertis; spiculae masculae

aggregatae, glumis exterioribus vacuis 4-6, glumis interioribus

staminibus 3-8; stamina a gluma fertile subtenta 1-3, filamentis

persistentibus, antheris apiculato-mucronatis; inflorescentia foemi-

nea elongata verticillata; spiculae foemineae solitariae vel geminae,

glumis 6-8; achaenium subteretium tricostatum, rostro brevi; peri-

antho trifido, lobis membranaceis ad marginem laceratis; stylo

trifido.

Type species: Pseudoeverardia flexifolia (Gilly) Gilly.

Most closely related to the genera Everardia Ridley and Cephalo-

carpus Nees, but differing from both in being dioecious and in the

type of achene, achene beak, and perianth scales; also differing

from Everardia (but not from Cephalocarpus) in having only 1-3

Stamens in each staminate flower.

P seudoeverardia flexifolia (Gilly) Gilly, comb. nov. et descr. ampl.

Didymiandrum flexifolium Gilly, Bull. Torr. Bot. Club 68: 331.

1941.

Planta mascula: caulibus ad 3 mm. latis et 3 dm. altis, vaginis

persistentibus tarde fibrillosis tecta; folia 1.5-6.5 dm. longa, 1.5-2.2

mm. lata, linearia acute plana ad basim et bicarinata supra medium,

dense villoso-pubescentia vel tarde glabrata; culmi floriferi rigidi

erecti minute pubescentes, cum inflorescentia ad 3 dm. alti; spiculae

masculae 5 mm. longae, glabrae aggregatae, glumis vacuis 4-6,

Ovatis acutis vel sub-bifidis mucronatis, mucrone ad 1 mm. longo,

glumis staminibus 6-8, lanceolatis; antherae 2-2.5 mm. longae.

Planta foeminea: caulibus et foliis planta mascula simulans; culmi

floriferi rigidi erecti, cum inflorescentia ad 1.5 dm. alti; spiculae

foemineae solitarii vel geminae ad apicem pedicellorum, verticilla-

tae, 3.5-5 mm. longae et ad 1 mm. diam., glumis 6-8, glabris exteri-

oribus ovatis vel triangulo-ovatis mucronatis, interioribus lanceolatis

vel lanceolato-ovatis acutis vel mucronulatis; achaenium brunneum

tricostatum obovoideum minute pubescentium supra medium, ad 1 mm.

diam., cum rostro 2.8 mm. longum; rostro obtuso-conico stramineo

dense et minute pubescenti, 0.5 mm. longo; squamellae hypogynae

3, membranaceae hyalinae ad apicem lacerato-erosae, ad 0.7 mm.

longae; stylo trifido, stigmatibus gracilibus brunneis vel rubro-

brunneis.

60 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, isotype in U.S. National

Herbarium, collected on summit of Cerro Duida, epiphyte on bark of

tree, flat near stream at Central Camp, alt. 4800 ft., December 20-28,

1928, Tate 542, staminate plants; common as ground cover on dry

slopes throughout Brocchinia Hills, alt. 1700-1980 m., September 1,

1944, Steyermark 58194b. (F), staminate plants; growing with the

preceding, Steyermark 58194a. (F), pistillate plants.

At the time when I described the genus Didymiandrum, based on

D. stellatum (Boeckl.) Gilly, I reluctantly placed this species (then

known only from staminate plants) in that genus for lack of any other

suitable place. It is peculiarly satisfying to be able to dispose of

this species in a satisfactory manner at the present time, now that

both staminate and pistillate plants are available.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 61

Tribe CARICEAE

Uncinia meridensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Stolonifera; culmis 1-7 cm. altis, 1-1.5 mm. latis, obscure trigonis

glabris; foliis patentibus quam culmis multo brevioribus, rigidis

subcoriaceis, 3-5.5 cm. longis, 1.5-3.5 mm. latis, marginibus et

costa inferiore superioreque scabrido-serrulatis; spicis lanceolato-

ellipticis vel clavato-ellipticis androgynis densifloris, 12-20 mm.

longis, 2-2.5 mm. latis, parte mascula brevissima; squamis foemineis

ovatis subacutis vel subobtusis, plerumque glabris, marginibus

brunneis aliter pallido-viridibus, 5.5-7 mm. longis, 3.5-4 mm. latis;

squamis inferioribus aristatis, arista 6.5 mm. longa, scabrido-ciliata;

utriculis ellipticis, basi et apice angustatis, infra glabris, superne

scabrido-hispidulis stramineis vel pallidis, 5-5.5 mm. longis, 1.5

mm. latis, tenuiter et obscure pauce nervatis; stylo basi paullo in-

crassato; achaenio quam utriculo multo breviore, 2.5 mm. longo;

thachilla secundaria utriculo subduplo superante uncinata glabra

recta.

Leaves grass green, conspicuously scabrid-serrulate on margins

and midrib of lower surface, minutely and inconspicuously scabridu-

lous on midnerve of upper surface, complicate at base, otherwise

plane; spikes 10-flowered, glabrous except for minutely erose-

ciliolate margins about apex, subcoriaceous, closely appressed,

imbricate, persistent, 3-nerved, mostly exceeding the perigynia;

rachilla 7.5-8 mm. long, the exserted portion 4-4.5 mm. long; stigmas

3, exserted, reddish-brown (Fig. 7, k-m).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on margin of alpine

lake at El Aguila above Paramo de Mucuchies, state of Merida,

alt. 4025 m., July 6, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57039. Also col-

lected along rocky lake shore, near upper limit of paramo, between

Chachopo and Los Apartaderos, state of Merida, alt. 3930 m.,

Steyermark 55875.

Easily distinguished by the dwarf habit, very short culms, leaves,

and spikes. Most closely related to U. brevicaulis var. macloviana

f. montana (Phil.) Kuk. (U. macloviana var. montana) of Chile and

Patagonia, from which it is distinguished by the practically non-

ciliate scales, shorter culms and leaves, scales longer than or

equaling the perigynia, and margins of the perigynia not hispidulous

in the lower 2/3.

This is a most remarkable plant, there being no locality previously

recorded between Venezuela and Chile for a species of the Ul.

brevicaulis affinity. This is a similar case to that of the composite

Lagenophora, originally known in South America from Chile and

Argentina, and later discovered on the paramos of Venezuela (Steyer-

mark 57501), described by Badillo as L. andina. It also simulates

the distribution of another cyperaceous genus, Oreobolus, in which

a new species has been found recently in Venezuela (Ste yermark

62 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

57198), which is related to one originally described from Chile and

Argentina, and more recently collected in Peru, Ecuador, and Colom-

bia. Remaining species of Lagenophora, Oreobolus, and some spe-

cies of Uncinia are encountered in Australia, New Zealand, Tas-

mania, the Sandwich Islands, Bormmeo, New Guinea, and (or) the

Hawaiian Islands. Such distributions reveal ancient geological

connections, and indicate that these isolated paramo-inhabiting

(

FIGURE 7

A, Carex roraimensis. Achene (X 6); B, Carex roraimensis. Peri-

gynium, ventral view (X 7); C, Carex roraimensis. Perigynium, dorsal

view (X 7); D, Carex culmenicola. Achene (X 9); E, Carex culmeni-

cola. Perigynium (X 7); F, Carex culmenicola. Pistillate scale (X 5);

G, Carex culmenicola. Pistillate scale (X 5); H, Carex turumiquiren-

sis. Achene (X 7); I, Carex turumiquirensis. Perigynium, ventral

view (X 7); J, Carex turumiquirensis. Perigynium, dorsal view (X 7);

K, Uncinia meridensis. Perigynium (X 7); L, Uncinia meridensis.

Achene with perigynium removed (X 7); M, Uncinia meridensis.

Pistillate scale (xX 4),

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 63

species may go back a long time in geological history for their

original segregation and ancestral home.

Vesicarex Steyermark, gen. nov.

Folia evaginantia, ligulo marginibus cartilagineis. Flores dioicae.

Stigmata 2. Stylus rectus. Squamae cucullatae incurvatae, infra

apicem coalescentes, hyalinae. Flores foemineae cacumene appendi-

culata carnosa. Perigynia 2-parietina.

Leaves sheathless, ligules grass-like with cartilaginous margins.

Flowers dioecious. Stigmas 2. Style straight, persistent at base.

Scales cucullate-incurved, margins joined below apex, hyaline.

Pistillate flowers subsessile, the summit of perigynium crowned by a

whitish fleshy somewhat lobed appendage. Perigynia with the peri-

carp apparently 2-layered, separating at maturity into a whitish

somewhat thickened inner membrane, surrounding the achene, and a

firmer outer layer.

The generic name, from vesiculus or vesica, refers to the extra

sac-like membrane or inner layer of the pericarp which encloses the

achene.

Vesicarex collumanthus Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta caespitosa acaulescens vel subacaulescens; foliis glaucis

caeruleo-viridibus patentibus, supra sulcatis, subtus prominente

costatis, 1.3 cm. longis, 1-2.5 mm. latis, glabris vel marginibus et

costa inferiore scabridis; ligulo ore brunneo obtuso; floribus foemi-

neis subsessilibus; spiculis capitulis ovoideis 4-floris, 4 mm. longis,

2 mm. latis; squamis flores subtendentibus hyalinis, 3.75-5.5 mm.

longis, 3 mm. latis, ovatis cuspidatis; appendice 0.5 mm. longo; peri-

gyniis subcapitatis congestis terminalibus, 4.5-5.5 mm. longis, 1.5-

2.25 mm. latis, plano-convexis, biconvexis, vel obscure trigonis,

2-angulatis, elliptico-oblongis, glabris basi rotundatis, sensim in

rostrum attenuatis, ore bidentato; achaenio lenticulari-subtereti vel

trigono, ovato- vel late oblongo-elliptico, 2-3 mm. longo, 1.2-1.5 mm.

lato, superne et inferne angustato, minute puncticulato.

Plant in dense rosettes; leaves subcoriaceous, complicate, the

lower crowded portions of the sheathless leaves subimbricate,

membranaceous, whitish, 10-nerved; orifice conspicuously protruded

upward; pistillate flowers subsessile or shortly pedicellate, the

pedicels about 0.5 mm. long; spikelets terminal; pistillate scales

with central midrib prominent, the other 2 lateral nerves scarcely

prominent, shorter than the perigynia, but as broad as and clasping

the perigynia at the base; perigynia firmly membranaceous, con-

gested, fulvous- or olivaceous-brown, somewhat shining, faintly

3-4-nerved on one side, rather obscurely or not nerved elsewhere;

achene about half filling the perigynium, lenticular-subterete when

immature, trigonous when mature, dark brown (Fig. 8, a-f).

64 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Uist. Mus., collected on margin of alpine

lake at El Aguila, above Paramo de Mucuchies, state of Mérida, alt.

4025 m., July 6, 1944, _Julian A. Steyermark 57040, Also collected

near upper limit of paramo, around small lake, between Chachopo

and Los Apartaderos, near E] Aguila, state of Mérida, alt. 3930 m.,

April 16, 1944, Steyermark 55875a, Also collected on limestone

outcrops ‘of Paramo de Tama, near Colombian-Venezuelan boundary,

FIGURE 8

A, Vesicarex collumanthus. Pistillate scale (X 6); B, Vesicarex

collumanthus. Perigynium (X 5); CC, Vesicarex collumanthus.

Achene (X 9); D, Vesicarex collumanthus. Pistillate flower (X 13);

E, Vesicarex collumanthus. Appendage at summit of perigynium

(X 30); F, Vesicarex collumanthus. Leaf with ligule and sheath

(X 1.5); G, Carex larensis. Perigynium (X 9); H, Carex larensis.

Achene (X 9); I, Carex tachirensis. Tip of leaf (highly magnified).

J, Carex tachirensis. Margin of leaf (highly magnified; K, Carex

tachirensis. Pistillate scale (X 8); L, Carex tachirensis; Peri-

gynium (X 8), M, Carex tachirensis. Achene (X 8);

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 65

state of Tachira, alt. 3045-3475 m., July 15, 1944, Steyermark 57370,

fruiting specimen.

The specific name refers to the collar-like apical appendage of

the perigynium.

This genus may be separated from Carex and related segregates,

such as Cymophyllus (if that is considered generic), by the combina-

tion. of sheathless leaves, the peculiar grass-like ligule with carti-

laginous margin, cucullate-incurved scales with the margins joined

below apex, apparently dioecious flowers, the peculiar whitish fleshy

lobed appendage at the summit of the young perigynium, and the

double-layered pericarp, which separates into an inner whitish mem-

branous layer surrounding the achene, and the outer firm part of the

pericarp proper. This inner layer becomes separated and stands

between the achene and the perigynium proper at maturity, but in the

younger flowers appears to be part of the inner part of the pericarp.

The peculiar appendage crowning the perigynium appears to be

separated from the perigynium proper, and not a direct continuation

of it, such as the beak in Carex. In Carex I have not found this

2-layered type of perigynium or the peculiar collar-like appendage

which appears to be separate from the perigynium.

Carex culmenicola Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta subcaespitosa; culmis 30-45 cm. altis, foliaceis, trigonis,

glabris; foliis 15-30 cm. longis, 3-5 mm. latis, marginibus scabridulo-

serrulatis; spicis pluribus, superioribus masculinis, inferioribus

foemineis, 4-8 cm. longis; bracteis foliaceis, erectis, 9-15 cm. longis,

4 mm. latis, longe vaginatis, vagina 8-20 mm. longa; glumis masculis

ovatis vel late oblongis, abrupte aristatis, 2.5-3.5 mm. longis, 1-1.5

mm. latis; glumis foemineis late ovatis vel suborbiculari-ovatis,

aristatis, 2.7-3 mm. longis, 1.5-1.8 mm. latis; stigmatibus 3; peri-

gyniis trigonis, ellipticis, sensim in rostrum brevem scabridulum

attenuatis, 3.25-3.5 mm. longis, 1 mm. latis, marginibus scabris, ore

bidentato; achaenio trigono, elliptico-oblongo, stipitato, 2 mm.

longo, 0.75 mm. lato.

Leaves erect, prominently sulcate on upper side along center;

pistillate spikes on stout, erect peduncles, 4-8 cm. long, the rachis

scabrid-serrulate; lowest bracts shorter or nearly equaling the upper

spikes; sheaths tight, the truncate ligule up to 5 mm. long; staminate

scales pale to stramineous-brown, with elongate streaks, the aristae

serrulate-scabrid; pistillate scales 10-12-striate with pale Striations,

rufous-brown with whitish hyaline margins and pale midrib, speckled

and streaked with reddish-brown; perigynia firm, closely enveloping

the achene, not inflated, conspicuously thickened along margins, one

side concave, the other two more or less plane, olivaceous-brown,

longer than the subtending scales, 3-nerved ventrally, two of the

margins scabrid from below the middle to apex of beak; beak about

1 mm. long, nearly as long as or more than half as long as body;

66 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

style jointed to achene; achene long-stipitate, castaneous-brown, the

sides concave (Fig. 7, d-g).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on rocky sandstone

summit of eastern peak, Cerro Turumiquire, state of Sucre, alt. 2500

m., May 6, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 62605.

Apparently a member of the section E latae, and the second species

of this section known from the western hemisphere, the other being

C. Bermudiana Hemsl. From the latter this new species differs in

the rootstocks not elongated, narrower and more branched pistillate

spikes, shorter and fewer-ribbed perigynia scabrid on two of the

margins from below the middle to the apex of the beak, smaller

pistillate and staminate scales, and shorter achenes. Another re-

lated species is C. Dianae Steud. of the Island of St. Helena.

Mackenzie9 states that the group is ‘‘represented by numerous

species in Africa and the islands adjacent. One Australian, one

Asiatic, and two species in the temperate and warmer parts of

Europe are also referred here. Represented in the western hemi-

sphere by one very local species in Bermuda.’’ The occurrence of

this new species on a remote peak in eastern Venezuela adds another

endemic, allied most closely to the two species, C. Bermudiana of

Bermuda, and C. Dianae of St. Helena. It may possibly represent a

Survivor pointing to a former geological relationship between Europe,

Africa, and South America.

Carex larensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta caespitosa; culmis 3-3.5 mm. altis, 1.5 mm. latis, glabris;

foliis 4-15 cm. longis, 3 mm. latis, marginibus scabrido-serrulatis;

spicis 4-5, terminalibus masculis, ceteris foemineis; bracteis folia-

ceis, 4-11 cm. longis, 2.5 mm. latis, longe vaginatis, vagina ventrali

saepe paullo transverso-rugulosa et albo-hyalina; spiculis masculis

solitariis anguste oblongis, 1 cm. longis; spiculis foemineis approxi-

matis vel inferioribus remotis, late oblongis, 6-12 mm. longis, 5-6

mm. latis, erectis; glumis foemineis late ovatis, obtusis vel acutis,

2 mm. longis; stigmatibus 3; perigyniis obscure trigonis, ovatis vel

elliptico-ovoideis, 2-angulatis, paullo abrupte in rostrum sparse

scabridulum contractis, 3 mm. longis, 1.5 mm. latis, glabris, patento-

adscendentibus, ore bidentato; achaenio trigono obovato, substipi-

tato, 1.25-1.5 mm. longo, 1 mm. lato.

Culms stiff, much exceeding the leaves; leaves more or less

bunched at base, the well-developed blades many to a culm, not

septate-nodulose, rather stiff; inflorescence 1.5-5.5 cm. long, of

4-5 spikes, sessile, except for the lowest which is pedunculate;

bracts exceeding the culms, the lowest the longest; sheaths smooth,

concave at orifice with short ligule; pistillate spikes closely 30-45-

flowered; pistillate scales shorter than the perigynium but about as

°Mackenzie, K. K. N. Am. Fl. 18, part 5: 309. 1935.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 67

wide, pale or ferruginous-brown, margins narrowly hyaline, the

central portion broad, 3-nerved; perigynia firmly membranaceous,

pale brown, olivaceous, or pale brownish-green below, prominently

severalenerved, narrowed below to an obtuse or rounded base; beak

1 mm. long and 1/2-3/8 length of perigynium, 1/2 or slightly over

1/2 length of body; achene rounded and broadest above the middle,

convex above, concave below, gray- or purplish-brown (Fig. 8, g-h).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in swampy meadow,

between Buenos Aires and Paramo de las Rosas, state of Lara, alt.

2285-3290 m., February 11, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 55470; also

same locality, 55467. Vernacular name: ‘‘pajilla de montana’’,

A member of Kukenthal’s section Spirostachyae Drejer and treated

by Mackenzie under section Extensae Fries, this species is related

to C. extensa Good. and C. fuscula D'urv. From C. extensa it differs

in the smaller achenes which are more conspicuously broadened

above the middle, while from C. fuscula and varieties of southern

South America it differs in the obtuse noneciliate pistillate scales,

and the smaller, obovate, upwardly broadened achenes. The achenes

of C. extensa are described as being yellow-brown, and of C. fuscula

as yellow-green, but ones with purple-brown color may also be found

in those species.

Steyermark 55467 is apparently a dwarfed plant of this species,

but with shorter culms and leaves, shorter inflorescence, and smaller

pistillate spikes.

Carex roraimensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta caespitosa; culmis 70-80 cm. altis, trigonis, infra capitulum

scabridulis, folia excedentibus; foliis 12-25 cm. longis, 2.5-3 mm.

latis, marginibus minute serrulatis, vaginis ore productis; spicis

gynaecandris subglobosis vel breve oblongis, 7-8 mm. longis, 4-5

mm. latis; bractea erecta, 2.5-4 cm. longa, 0.5-1 mm. lata; glumis

ovatis acutis, 2.8-3 mm. longis, pallide viridibus, perigyniis breviori-

bus; stigmatibus 2; perigyniis oblongo-lanceolatis, basi substipi-

tatis, sensim in rostrum scabridulum attenuatis, marginibus paullo

alatis, 3.5 mm. longis, 1.25-1.5 mm. latis, undique moderatim vel

valde nervatis, pallide viridibus, ore bidentato; achaenio lenticulari,

obovoideo-oblongi, substipitato, 2 mm. longo, 1 mm. lato.

Sterile culms absent or poorly developed; fertile culms triquetrous;

leaves erect-ascending, becoming foliose about 25 cm. above base,

well-developed blades 5-6 to fertile culm; sheaths pale brown around

orifice, rather tight and white-hyaline ventrally; inflorescence erect

or slightly flexuous, 2-2.5 cm. long, 0.8-0.9 cm. wide; spikes 5-6,

approximate, subclavate at base, rounded above, the basal staminate

flowers few and inconspicuous; perigynia 12-20 in a spikelet, ascend-

ing; bract stiff, prolonged, equaling or longer than the inflorescence;

scales pale greenish-white with a pale green center, narrowed above,

exposing the upper part of the perigynia; perigynia concavo-convex,

68 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

the body widest just below the middle, membranaceous, pale to

silvery green, tapering into a beak about equaling the length of the

body, the beak flat, scabrid from middle to apex; style straight,

slender, jointed with achene, at length deciduous; achene somewhat

nafrowed above, yellow-brown (Fig. 7, a-c).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in spongy soil with

dense mats of vegetation in depression of morro, summit of Mount

Roraima, on southern half of the summit between Summit Camp,

Great Central Rift, Central Swamp, and pond at southern end, state

of Bolivar, alt. 2700-2740 m., September 28, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 58870,

This species is characterized by the greenish-white perigynia and

scales, perigynia broadest in lower half and relatively narrow

achenes 2 mm. long, culms scabridulous below the heads, poorly

developed sterile culms, and elongated bract of inflorescence. It is

placed here in section Ovales, because of the wing-margined peri-

gynium, which is not spongy-thickened at base.

This is the second member of the group Ovales to be recorded

from South America, C. Longii Mack. (C. albolutescens) being the

other. It is the first of the group belonging to the sections Festuca-

ceae of Fetae, as treated by Mackenzie in the North American Flora,

to be recorded from South America, since Mackenzie placed C. Longii

in section Alatae.

Although I have not seen the specimen, this is apparently the

plant from the summit of Roraima (Ule 8536) reported by Kukenthal,

in Engl. Bot. Jahrb. 56. Beibl. 125: 25 (1921), as C. Bonplandii

Kunth. However, careful study of our material shows that it is not

C. Bonplandii, nor even in the section to which that species belongs.

From C. Longii this new species may be distinguished by the nar-

rower perigynium, not broadest above the middle, the longer beak

and achene. Its elongate bract, together with other characters of the

perigynium, distinguishes it from C. tenera, C. normalis, C. molesta,

and C. feta, all of which it resembles. From the members of the

Athrostachyae and Cyperoideae, in which the bracts are either leaf-

like or conspicuously exceed the head, this species differs in the

heads not congested, and either paler-colored scales, or different

shape and size of perigynium. From C. foenea, which has an elon-

gated bract of the inflorescence, this species differs in having the

sterile culms poorly developed, narrower perigynia, larger achenes,

and beak larger in proportion to the rest of the perigynium.

Carex tachirensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta caespitosa; culmis in anthesi 3.5-8 cm. altis, in fructu

15 cm.altis,angulis scabridulis 2-bracteatis;foliis erectis, coriaceis,

basi aggregatis, linearibus, obtusis, 3-5 cm. longis, 1-1.5 mm. latis,

marginibus et superne per margines partis canaliculatae subtilissime

denseque setulosis evaginantibus; spica simplici androgyna, apice

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 69

mascula anguste lineari, 11-17 mm. longa, 1 mm. lata; bracteis 2,

longe aristatis, bractea superiore 18 mm. longa, breve vaginata,

bractea inferiore 17-25 mm. longa, vagina 6.5 mm. longa; glumis

masculis ovatis, acuminatis, 3 mm. longis, 1.2-2 mm. latis; glumis

foemineis late ovatis vel lanceolatis, breve acuminatis vel longe

aristatis, 3.5-7 mm. longis, 1.5 mm. latis, apice et marginibus supe-

fioribus parce setulosis, aliter glabris; stigmatibus 3; perigyniis

obscure trigonis, lanceolato-ellipticis, breve stipitatis, 2-angulatis,

14-nervatis, longe rostratis, 3.75 mm. longis, 1 mm. latis, glabris,

ore bidentato; achaenio (immaturo) elliptico-oblongo, longe stipitato.

Leaves finely many-nerved, bases of the blades many-nerved and

becoming fibrillose in age; spike pseudolateral, the staminate portion

small, densely flowered, 5 mm. long, pistillate portion rather laxly

flowered, 8-11 mm. long; staminate scales purplish-castaneous on

outer margins, yellowish-green along midrib and central part, the

margins incurved; lowest pistillate scales longearistate, the awn

3-3.5 mm. long and setulose on margins, all the scales 3-nerved, cas-

taneous on outer margins, pale green along midrib and central part;

stigmas short, about 1.5 mm. long; perigynia firmly membranaceous,

with nerves raised on surface; achene (im mature) about filling the

perigynium, laterally compressed (Fig. 8, i-m).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on limestone out-

crops of Paramo de Tama, near Colombian-Venezuelan boundary,

state of Tachira, alt. 3045-3475 m., July 15, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 57367,

A member of the subgenus Primocarex, as defined by Kukenthal,

on account of the single terminal spike. It is a member of either

section Circinatae or section Unciniaeformes, but it is difficult to

state whether the pistillate scales are quickly caducous or not.

From C. anthoxanthea Presl and C. circinata C. A. Mey., of northern

North America, this is distinguished by the cespitose rhizomes,

acuminate pistillate and staminate scales, and short rigid leaves,

while among the members of the section Unciniaeformes its relation-

ship would be closest to the bracteate-spiked subsection Aciculares,

as defined by Kukenthal, and especially close to C. vallis pulchrae

Phil. of Chile and Argentina because of the 3 stigmas. From this

last species it differs in its narrowly linear, longer spike, and

Straight, not curved, culms.

The outstanding characters of this new species are the combina-

tion of the narrowly linear, single, terminal, androgynous spike, 2-

bracteate erect culms, short, erect, rigid, canaliculate, setulose-

margined and channelled leaves, relatively long, bidentate beaks,

glabrous, prominently nerved perigynia, short acuminate scales

which are minutely setulose on upper margins and tips, and densely

cespitose habit.

70 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Carex tamana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Stolonifera; culmis 10-50 cm. altis, foliaceis, glabris; foliis erect-

is, anguste linearibus, 10-40 cm. longis, 2-4.5 mm. latis, supra

saepe scabridulis; spicis 4-5, terminalibus masculis, ceteris foemin-

eis approximatis, erectis, sessilibus vel subsessilibus, confertis,

1-3 cm. longis, 2-5 mm. latis; bracteis foliaceis, erectis, inflores-

centiam excedentibus, 5-15 cm. longis, 2-3.5 mm. latis, evaginanti-

bus; glumis masculis lanceolatis, acuminatis, carinatis, 5.5 mm.

longis, 1 mm. latis; glumis foemineis ovatis vel lanceolatis, acutis

vel acuminatis, carinatis, 4-4.5 mm. longis, 2-2.5 mm. latis, glabris;

Stigmatibus 3; perigyniis paullo biconvexis, erectis, anguste

elliptico-fusiformibus, 2 nervis marginalibus abrupte anguste ros-

tratis, 6 mm. longis, 1.5 mm. latis, rostro 1.5 mm. longo, ore biden-

tato; achaenio trigono, elliptico-oblongo, 2.25 mm. longo 1 mm. lato.

Leaves rigid, equaling or longer than the culms, glabrous, or the

upper surface often scabridulous; staminate scales with narrowly

hyaline margins; pistillate scales membranaceous, the prominent

midnerve bordered on each side by a cellular portion; perigynia ex-

ceeding the scales, membranaceous, dull brown-olivaceous, tapering

gradually below to a narrow base, shining; achene not filling the

perigynium, with concave sides; style bent at base, continuous with

achene.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on limestone out-

crops of Paramo de Tama, near Colombian-Venezuelan boundary,

state of Tachira, alt. 3045-3475 m., July 15, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 57401; also same locality, Staycruark 57369.

A member of the subgenus E ucarex, section Hymenochlaenae, as

treated by Kukenthal, this species is characterized by its glabrous

leaves, culms, and perigynia, the single terminal, staminate spike,

subsessile, lateral pistillate spikes, sheathless, foliaceous bracts,

and bidentate, erect, nerveless, 2-margined perigynia.

Carex turumiquirensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta caespitosa; culmis 15-30 cm. altis, triquetris, angulis

scabridulis; foliis 10-20 cm. longis, 1-2 mm. latis, plerumque culmis

brevioribus, marginibus scabrido-serrulatis; spicis 2-5, gynaecandris,

subglobosis vel breve oblongis, 4-8 mm. longis, 3-5 mm. latis; glumis

foemineis ovatis, acutis vel breve aristatis, 1.75-2 mm. longis, ca.

1.25 mm. latis; perigyniis planis, ovato-oblongis, dorso prominente

nervatis, antice paullo prope basem, abrupte in rostrum angustatis,

2.75 mm. longis, 1 mm. latis, rostro 1-1.25 mm. longo, ore bidentato,

marginibus ventralibus incurvatis; achaenio lenticulari, ovato-

suborbiculari, paullo longiore quam latiore, 1.3-1.4 mm. longo,

1 mm. lato.

Inflorescence 1.5-2.5 cm. long; spikes interrupted; pistillate

scales yellow to dull brown with white-hyaline margins and a pale

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 71

green or darker brown midrib, often short-excurrent; stigmas 2; peri-

gynia squarrose at maturity, brownish or yellow-brown or brownish-

rufous, prominently nerved dorsally and somewhat ventrally near

base; beak 1/2-3/4 length of perigynium body (Fig. 7, h-j).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in swampy meadow,

on ridge dividing headwaters of Rio Manzanares and Rio de Amana,

Cerro Turumiquire, state of Sucre, alt. 1900-2000 m., May 10, 1945,

Julian A. Steyermark 62705.

This is the first South American record of a species that might

be referred to C. angustior Mack. or the related C. interior L. H.

Bailey. Carex Bonplandii, previously known from South America, is,

of course, related to both of these species. The nearest locality to

which the related C. angustior has been collected is in Santo Do-

mingo, cited by Mackenzie in North American Flora, and in Chi-

huahua, Mexico, for C. interior. However, in C. angustior the beak

is ‘more than half to about length of body’’, measuring longer than

in our collection, and the achenes in that species are longer, being

1.75 mm. long and ‘‘ovate or oblong-ovate’’ (Mackenzie, N. Am.

Fi, p. 113).

In C. interior, which Mackenzie cites as occurring as far south as

the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, the beak is ‘‘about one third or one

fourth the length of the body’’ and the achene is ‘‘broadly ovate-

orbicular, 1.5 mm. wide.’’ Our species is, therefore, somewhat inter-

mediate between C. interior and C. angustior, if these can be com

sidered as distinct species, and agrees more closely with the relative

length of the beak in its relation to the body of the perigynium and

to the shape and size of the achene of C. angustior than with C.

interior.

To summarize, C.. turumiquirensis differs from C. interior in its

longer beak which is more conspicuously bidentate, acute to short-

aristate scales, and narrower perigynium body with more incurved

margins, while from C. angustior it differs in the shorter, somewhat

more ovate-suborbicular achenes, and more prominently ventrally

and dorsally nerved perigynia.

PALMAE

Bactris bergantina Steyermark, sp. nov.

Palma 5 m. alta, caespites formans, caudice 7.5 cm. crasso,

aculeis nigris armata; petiolo 52-55 cm. longo, 1.3 cm. crasso, infra

convexo rotundatoque, bicanaliculato carina acri, parte infima dense

stramineo-furfuracea, partibus medianis et superioribus stramineo- vel

fusco-furfuraceis squamis parvis et pilis fuscis, plerumque utrinque

aculeis nigris; aculeis applanatis, nigris 7-30 mm. longis fasciculis

flabellatis; rhachi aculeis minoribus et paucioribus; fronde 2.37 m.

longa; pinnis utroque latere circ. 40 circ. 4-5 per greges nonnihil con-

fertis, lanceolatis subfalcatis apice bidenticulatis supra glabris infra

72 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

per costam mediam et 1-2 nervos laterales linea squamorum fuscarum

vestitis aliter glabris, inferioribus 55-65 cm. longis, 2.5-4 cm. latis,

supremis 30-35 cm. longis, 2-3 cm. latis, ad marginem setoso-ciliata

nigra; spatha 40 cm. longa cylindrica angusta extus fusco-tomentu-

losa, aculeis pluribus acicularibus subteretibus nigris 12-37 mm.

longis dense confertis; spadice multiramoso tomentuloso; rhachi 21

cm. longa; pedunculo 13 cm. longo, 2 cm. crasso, robusto declinato

aculeato, setis brevibus tenuibus; ramis numerosis 4-12 cm. longis, 2

mm. crassis; calyce fructifero annuliforme adpresso, margine sub-

integro, 4-4.5 mm. alto, 1 cm. diametro; drupa oblato-globulari vel

turbinata, 18-19 mm. alta, 1820 mm. lata, apice subtruncata ad

basim subito angustata glabra.

Petiole 52-55 cm. long from base to lowermost pinnae, 1.3 cm.

thick, convex and rounded below, bicanaliculate above with sharp

keel, densely buff-furfuraceous in lowermost part, middle and upper

parts less closely but conspicuously buff- or brown furfuraceous with

minute scales mixed with brown hairs, densely black-spiny over most

of length; spines on lower convex surface more prominent, arranged

in fan-like clusters, black, those near base of rachis white-pubescent

in lower part, those in upper and middle portions less noticeably

pubescent below or glabrescent; spines on lower side in upper part

of rachis smaller, 7-10 mm. long, less numerous, absent from upper-

most portion of rachis; pinnae membranaceous, dull green both sides,

in groups of 4-5, rather closely crowded, the uppermost alternate,

narrowed above into a bidenticulate apex, with one side longer than

the other, glabrous above except for black slender sparse setae 3-6

mm. long on midrib of uppermost ones, below midrib and 1-2 main

lateral nerves covered with a line of brownish scales especially

prominent at base of pinna, otherwise glabrous, lower pinnae 55-65

cm. long, 2.5-4 cm. wide, middle pinnae 65 cm. long, 4 cm. wide,

uppermost pinnae 30-45 cm. long, 2-3 cm. wide; spathe long-

cylindric, shortly exceeding the spadix, the brown-tomentulose

surface thickly covered by numerous slender black spines; axis of

rachis continued through most of length of spadix; fruiting clusters

pendent, arising on old wood at base of leaf clusters; drupe at first

dark green, turning purple, the edible white interior with coconut-

like flavor.

xxType in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in woods along Rio

Leon by Quebrada Danta, tributary to Rio Neveri, northeast of

Bergantin, state of Anzoategui, alt. 500 m., February 20, 1945,

Julian A, Steyermark 61039,

Local name: “‘Maquenilla’”’. The woody part of the trunk serves

for frames used in connection with hand-made Venezuelan sandals

(alpargata). The alpargatas are woven with various colors of cotton

thread, and started on a wooden support, which is derived in this

section of Venezuela from the woody trunk of this species of Bactris.

In its combination of concolorous setulose-margined pinnae, which

have 1 or 2 lines or nerves minutely buff-brown furfuraceous on the

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 73

lower surface, the rachis of the frond buff-tomentulose in the lower

part to minutely brown-scurfy in the upper half, the upper surface of

the uppermost pinnae with black setae on the midrib, the flattened

spines, the bifurcation of the leaf tips into an equally bifid apex,

and the many-branched spadix with its slender elongated densely

spiny spathe, this species differs from B. Sworderiana Becc., B.

Cuesa Crueger, B. Lindmaniana Drude, B. littoralis Barb., B. setu-

losa Karst., and B. setosa Mart. The flattened or nearly flattened

spines on the rachis of the petiole, if this character is to be relied

upon, separates B. bergantina from the closely related B. Cuesa of

Trinidad and B. Sworderiana of Tobago. The pinnae in B. Cuesa are

described as ‘‘glabrescent’’, and in B. Sworderiana as ‘‘utrinque

glabris’’, but in B. bergantina there are 1 or more lines of furfu-

raceous or buff-brown or brown scales on the lower surface of the

pinnae.

Bactris duidae Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caudex 3 m. altus, 1.5-2.5 cm. crassus, solitarius; fronde 0.7-0.8

m. longa; petiolo 33 cm. longo usque ad 5 mm. crasso prope basim

fusco-furfuraceo vel tomentoso, inferne aculeis nigro-fuscis appla-

natis 3-18 mm. longis armato; lamina ultra medium (ad 2/3) simplice

bifida, oblanceolato-obovata utrinque nervis primariis 10-12 percursa,

72-83 cm. longa, usque ad 17 cm. lata, infra glabra, ad margines

setis tenuibus nigris 2-5 mm. longis dense ciliata; costa media

glabra; laminae lobis late triangulari-lanceolatis, apice falcato-

curvatis, 39-41 cm. longis, usque ad 11 cm. latis; spatha interiore

elliptico-lanceolata acuta 13-15 cm. longa, 4.5 cm. lata, extus pallide

fusco-tomentosa aculeis 6-9 mm. longis pallido-fuscis tenuibus

subapplanatis dense vestita; spathae pedunculo 6-7 cm. longo supra

dense fusco-tomentoso parce setuloso, infra saepe inermi; spadice

multiramoso, 9 cm. longo, 7.5 cm. lato, ramis 9-11 tenuibus 5-7 cm.

longis, circ. 1 mm. crassis, dense scrobiculatis minute parceque

fusco-tomentosis, rhachi breviter producta 2.5 cm. longa; spadicis

pedunculo 5 cm. longo, 4 mm. lato, dense tomentosonpilis castaneis

et moderatim vel parce aculeatis aculeis applanatis nigris 4-4.5 mm.

longis; floribus foemineis: calyce tubulosa quam corolla longiore

circ. 5 mm. longa, 2 mm. lata pluristriata glabra 3-denticulata, lobis

late subtriangularibus; corolla 3.5-4 mm. longa apice truncata ad

margines ciliata, intus pubescenti extus parce adpresso-setulosa

setis pallido-brunneis; gynaeceo pyriformi, 8-9 mm. longo apice basi

attenuato.

Petiole glabrous and unarmed in upper 2/3; lamina dull green both

sides, broader above the middle and narrowed below, conspicuously

netved, the 6-7 secondary nerves occurring between the 10-12 primary

nerves on éach side; inner spathe often pubescent in lower part; axis

of spadix produced only a short distance, not continued throughout

inflorescence; peduncle of spadix moderately to sparsely aculeate

with flattened spines black at base and brown above; branches of

spadix densely scrobiculate where the flowers occur; staminate

74 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

flowers fallen, but occupying most of the sunken depressions of the

rachis; pistillate flowers scattered on the branches: calyx longer

and enveloping the corolla, tubular, the short broadly subtriangular

lobes minutely apiculate; corolla scaly-pubescent within, sparsely

shorteappressed setulose without, many-striate; bract suborbicular-

ovate, acuminate, 0.5 mm. long, 0.80.9 mm. wide, glabrous; young

fruit or ovary pyriform, 8-9 mm. long, attenuate at apex and base

(Fig. 9).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in forest near Base

Z yj

tiie

p SIG F! Me

POH

Sf Wd) Gand 3

Y fe i‘

FIGURE 9

Bactris duidae Steyermark

A, Frond (X1/10); B, Inflorescence with spathe (X1/10); C, Pistillate

flower (X 3); D, Pistillate perianth opened (X 3);

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I rb

River (Cano Negro), at southeastern base of Cerro Duida, Territorio

Federal Amazonas, alt. 215 m., August 23, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

This species is characterized by the bifid elongate leaves, which

are glabrous on the lower surface, the petiole aculeate near base,

the densely brown-spiny spathe, and the many-branched spadix.

It is apparently related to B. chaetospatha Mart. of Amazonas,

Brazil, from which it differs in the glabrous rachis and lower leaf

surface, the aculeate base of the petiole, and the densely spiny

spathe. From B. armata Barb. it differs in the much shorter spines

of the petiole, which are confined near its base instead of scattered

along the length. From other species of similar type, such as B,

longipes Poepp., B. fissifrons Mart., B. Luetzelburgii Burret, and

several others, it differs in the combination of characters mentioned

above.

Bactris duidae is somewhat intermediate between Bactris proper

and the group of species sometimes referred to Pyrenoglyphis (which

is now considered by Bailey, Dahlgren, and others as a section of

Bactris), forming a transition between B. chaetospatha and B. bifida

Mart. The latter has a simple spadix, while the former has a many-

branched inflorescence. Because of the lack of a staminodial ring

in the pistillate flowers and the calyx not duplicate on the interior,

this species should be placed with the section of Bactris relegated

to Pyrenoglyphis.

Bactris Kamarupa Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caudex 3-3.75 m. altus, 5 cm. crassus, solitarius, aculeis canis

applanatis 20-30 mm. longis 2-3 mm. latis armatus; frondibus 1.75 m.

longis membranaceis; petiolo 70 cm. longo, 6 mm. crasso, supra

canaliculato, fusco-furfuraceo, parte inferiore aculeis inaequalibus

applanatis pallido-brunneis praeter apicem nigrum 0.9-3.5 cm. longis,

0.5-2.5 mm. latis armata; rhachi 1 m. longa, 2-6 mm. crassa, utrinque

dense brunneo-furfuracea inermi; pinnis undique 10 vel 12 per greges

2-4 inaequaliter dispositis, falcato- vel sigmoideo-lanceolatis, ad

apicem longi-acuminatis, terminalibus 27 cm. longis, 6-6.5 cm. latis,

prope apicem dense setulosis, ceteris 30-48 cm. longis, 2.5-6 cm.

latis, costa media prope apices asymmetrica, nervis primariis 6,

supra glabris subtus basi costae mediae et ad nervos primarios et

basi pinnae pallido-furfuraceis; spatha 11-12 cm. longa dense pu-

bescenti setis nigro-fuscis et pilis atrofuscis et aculeis basi fuscis ap-

planatis lanceolatis velovato-lanceolatis 7-13 mm. longis intermixtis;

spadicis fructiferae pedunculo pendenti curvato, 14 cm. longo, 7-8

mm. Crasso, parte superiore dense atrofusco-setuloso-hispidulo pilis

adpressis tenuibus; spadicis rhachi brevi, 1.5 cm. longa, ramis 9, 5-

7.5 cm. longis, 2.5-3 mm. crassis, brunneo-furfuraceo-pubescentibus

scrobiculatis; calyce fructifera duplico, exteriore minore 3-4 mm.

76 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

longa, 7.5 mm. lata, 3-lobata, lobis 3-4 mm. latis rotundatis sparse

hispidulis, supra pilis fusco-nigris pluristriatis ad margines scarios-

is, interiore 5-6 mm. longa, 11-12 mm. lata, irregulariter 5-7-lobata,

lobis 2.5-3 mm. longis, 2-3 mm. latis, rotundatis moderatim vel

tenuiter hispidulis, pilis nigris vel fuscis ad margines scariosis;

drupa subgloboso-oblata vel late turbinata, apice subtruncata, 15-16

mm, alta, 18-21 mm. lat, glabra tenuiter pluristriata.

Stems armed with pale spines arranged in fan-like groups; fronds

dark green above, dull green below; pexiole moderately armed in

lower half with flattened unequal spines, pale brown except black

at base and tip, these densely scattered over the basal 30 cm., but

sparse and irregular in the next 30 cm., absent beyond this, all parts

of the rachis densely dark brown scurfy-furfuraceous; pinnae 10 pair

on one side, 12 on the other, unequally arranged and interrupted with

gaps of 10-20 cm. along rachis, the pinnae arranged in groups of 2-4;

terminal pinnae widely divergent at a 60° angle, densely setulose

near apex; middle pinnae 37-47 cm. long, 4.5-6 cm. wide, conspicu-

ously narrowed and curved to the base, lower pinnae 30-48 cm. long,

2.5-6 cm. wide, the main midrib mostly in center of pinna, but becom-

ing asymmetric or towards one side near either end of the pinnae;

primary nerves 6, glabrous above, below buff-furfuraceous at base of

and (or) on main midrib and on some of primary nerves at base of

pinnae, otherwise glabrous below, sometimes portions of the surface

minutely scurfy, the margins of the apices and upper portion black

setulose with slender setae 1.5-2.5 mm. long; spathe densely pubes-

cent with dark brown hairs and black-brown setae mixed with flatten-

ed membranaceous spines which are long-attenuate at apex, brown

and buff-scarious on margins, dark brown at base; axis of rachis of

spadix not produced through the inflorescence, but terminating short-

ly, the branches of the spadix scrobiculately marked by the locations

of the flowers; fruiting calyx double, the outer smaller; fruit purple-

black, edible, with sweetish-acid juice, subtruncate at apex, abruptly

tapering to a slightly raised central mound, apiculately tipped, the

central mound about 8 mm. in diameter and marked by a circular de-

pression, gradually attenuate at base, the body of the fruit 18-21

mm. broad.

Type in herb. Chi, Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in lower portion of

Quebrada O-paru-ma, tributary of Rio Pacairao, below Santa Teresita

de Kavanayen, state of Bolivar, alt. 915-1065 m., November 25, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 60542,

Local name: ‘‘Kamar-ba-yek’’, The trunk of this palm is used

locally by the Indian inhabitants for the terminal portion of the arrow

(Kamarba), the other part of the arrow being known as ‘‘purau’’.

The specific name is taken from the Pemon language of the

Taurepan Indians of Ptari-tepui, the word ‘‘kamarupa’’ signifying a

Spiny tree used for making arrows. Although the name for the tree

was given apparently as ‘‘kamarba’’, it seems preferable to employ

the more generally known word ‘‘kamarupa”’.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I TA

This species somewhat approaches Bactris Gastoniana Barb.,

but differs in the leaf rachis, which is smooth except at the basal

part, shape of the drupe, greater number of pairs of pinnae, long

spiny stem, pale spines of the stem, and other differences. From

B. aristata Mart. it differs in its many-branched spadix and rachis

armed at base; from B. rivularis Barb. it differs in the shape and

number of the pinnae, and other particulars, while from B. maraja

Mart. it differs in the fuscous-pubescent rachis which is aculeate

only at base, in the larger number of pinnae, and the shorter spadix.

It is characterized by the scurfy-furfuraceous leaf rachis which is

unarmed except at base, the sigmoid oblanceolate long-falcate pinnae

acuminate at apex, the long pale-colored spines arranged in fan-like

groups on the stems, the densely spinose spathe, and the short

several-branched spadix.

Bactris ptariana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caudex 6-9 m. altus, 5-10 cm. crassus, solitarius, ad annulos

aculeis nigris 4-32 mm. longis dense aggregatis armatus; fronde

1.91 m. longa; vagina fusco-tomentosa aculeis brevibus 0.6-2 cm.

longis applanatis; petiolo 55-60 cm. longo basi 4 cm. lato; rhachi

infra prope basem aculeis nigris dense aggregatis annulatis minori-

bus et majoribus; pinnis inermibus utrinque 40 plus minusve regulari-

ter dispositis suboppositis concoloribus lineari-lanceolatis tenuiter

acuminatis, 55-85 cm. longis, 1-3 cm. latis, supra glabris infra

omnibus nervis hispidulis; spadice 15-22 cm. longo, usque ad 10 cm.

lato, ramulis 20-25, 13-17 cm. longis, 2-3 cm. crassis dense hirtellis;

pedunculo 18 cm. longo, 15 mm. lato, supra inermi dense pallido-

velutino infra setis brevibus nigro-fuscis dense vestito; spatha fusi-

formi clavato-acuta, 40-48 cm. longa, parte inferiore usque ad 7 cm.

lata, aculeis densis brevioribus fuscis vel castaneis et longioribus

intermixtis nigris patentibus obtecta, dense velutina; floribus mascu-

linis cum foemineis intermixtis ad ramorum apices aggregatis,

breviter pedicellatis, pedicellis 0.8 mm. longis glabris: calyce 1 mm.

longa, 3 lobis late triangularibus obtusis 0.8 mm. longis, 0.6-0.7 mm.

latis, glabris fusco-maculatis lineolatis; corolla ultra medium divisa,

3 lobis ovatis superne subito angustata 2 mm. longis, 1.5 mm. latis,

apice fusco-maculatis; staminibus 6, filamentis tenuibus glabris,

1.2 mm. longis; antheris oblongis, 0.8-0.9 mm. longis; floribus foem-

ineis: calyce 0.8-1.1 mm. longa, 3.5 mm. lata, 3 lobis fere obsoletis;

corolla 3 mm. longa, 3 mm. lata, 3 lobis late triangularibus sub-

cuculatis obtuse apiculatis, parce stipitato-glandularibus obtecta;

drupa obovoidea, 11 mm. longa, 11 mm. lata, glabra plerumque calva

apice apiculata.

Spines on trunk densely clustered in annulate arrangement, the

trunk annulate about 3 cm. between the spines; frond subcoriaceous

to firmly menibranaceous, deep green above, dull green below; rachis

of frond concave above at very base, convex below, in lower and

middle parts convex below, carinate and bifacial above, the lower

78 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

portion armed on both surfaces with flattened black spines 2-6 cm.

long, 1 mm. wide, these more or less furfuraceous at or near the base,

middle part of rachis with the lower convex side spinose with aggre-

gations of black spines 1.5-3.5 cm. long, mixed at the base with

small, slender, black or gray scales and (or) hairs, the upper carinate

side without spines, the upper part of rachis with shorter black

spines 0.4-1.1 cm. long on the lower surface mixed with short, black-

brown hairs and scales, spineless on the upper side, the uppermost

part of rachis spineless on the lower side with only small clusters of

blackish scales; spines at base of rachis on lower surface arranged

in fan-like aggregations; pinnae 2-ranked, the uppermost ones with

6 primary nerves on each side, the lower and middle ones with 8-10

on each side, all the nerves on lower surface hispidulous with tiny

brown appressed scales at base of hairs, lower pinnae 7885 cm. long,

1.5-2 cm. wide, middle ones 75-85 cm. long, 2-3 cm. wide, uppermost

ones 55-60 cm. long, 1-2 cm. wide, some pinnae sparsely and remote-

ly setulose-ciliate, otherwise entirely unarmed; inflorescence erect,

arising at base of leaf sheath; rachis creamy white; flowers yellow

(Fig. 10).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in forest near

‘Misia Kathy’ camp, on southeast-facing slopes of Ptari-tepui,

state of Bolivar, alt. 1585-1600 m., November 10-11, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 60046. Also collected on lower southeastern slopes of

Carrao-tepul, state of Bolivar, alt. 1675-1980 m., December 5-6,

1944, Steyermark 60869.

Local name: ‘‘Moi-ye-kai-yek’’.

This species shows a relationship to 8. longisecta Burret, B.

balanophora Spruce, B. littoralis Barb., B. glaucescens Drude, B.

bidentula Spruce, B. megistocarpa Burret, B. setosa Mart., and

B. vulgaris Barb., but differs from them by its combination of solitary

trunk, dense fan-like clusters of long, black spines on lower surface

of rachis and petiole, the long, black spines densely covering the

spathe, the unarmed rachis of the inflorescence which is much

branched and densely hirsutulous, the regularly many-pinnate frond

with narrowly linear-lanceolate, concolorous pinnae which are

densely hispidulous on the nerves of the lower surface, the glabrous

fruit, and the minutely stipitate-glandular, otherwise glabrous,

pistillate corolla.

Bactris sororopanae Steyermark, Sp. nov.

Caudex 1.7-1.9 m. altus, 9-10 mm. crassus, solitarius, aculeis

brevibus tenuibus nigris, 3-4 mm. longis; frondis vagina fusco-

tomentosa aculeis brevibus tenuibus 3-5 mm. longis apice fusco-

setosa; lamina 25-27 cm. longa, 18 cm. lata; petiolo 10-15 cm. longo,

3 mm. crasso, inermi ancipitali costato pallido-brunneo tomentoso-

leproso; rhachi fusco-leprosa 10-12 cm. longa; pinnis utrinque 5-6

irre gulariter proxime dispositis alternatis vel suboppositis sigmoideis

lanceolatis apice longi-acuminatis superne curvatis, 12-16 cm.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 79

longis, 1.7-4.5 cm. latis, utrinque glabris vel infimis infra saepe

fusco-leprosis ad margines prope apicem aculeis nigris tenuibus;

spadice 3 cm. longa, in axillis, mox pendenti; rhachi unica et sim-

plice glabra, floribus et fructibus spissis; spatha inermi 3-3.3 cm.

longa furfuracea glabrescenti mox in partes longitudinales divisa;

calyce quam corolla breviore persistenti, 3 lobis late ovatis apice

rotundatis, 2.5 mm. longis, 2-2.5 mm. latis pluristriatis, extus glabra

scariosa; corolla persistenti, 3 lobis ovato-suborbicularibus apice

obtusis 3.5-4 mm. longis, 3.5-4 mm. latis, pluristriatis, extus glabra

scariosa; drupa subgloboso-ovata, rostro brevi, glabra, 1 cm. longa,

9 mm, lata.

FIGURE 10

Bactris ptariana Steyermark

A, Portion of middle section of frond (X 1/3); B, Portion of trunk

(X 1/3); C, Inflorescence with spathe (X 1/6); D, Fruit (X 4); E,

Pistillate flower (X 4); F, Pistillate corolla (X 4); G, Pistil (X 4);

H, Staminate flower (X 4), I, Stamen (X 4).

80 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Pinnae chartaceous, deep green above, dull green below, irregu-

larly but closely disposed, proximate, sigmoid, the apex upwardly

curved and long-acuminate, the terminal pair, and sometimes the

lowest pair, the longest, the midrib prominent, but shifting from

central to the other side near the ends of the pinnae, primary ribs

1-2 on each side; spathe furfuraceous, becoming glabrescent; drupe

green, filled with a homogeneous seed.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in woods bordering

savanna, along Rio Karuai, at base of Sororopan-te pur, west of La

Laja, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m., November 29, 1944, Julian A.

Ste yermark 60781.

Local name: ‘‘Moy-ye-ki-yek’’. A game is sometimes played with

the stems of this species. An Indian that can pull the tough stem

from the ground thereby gives proof of his strength or force.

This species is related to Yuyba Maguirei Bailey (Bailey, L. H.

Bull. Torr. Bot. Club 75: 106. 1948.) = Bactris Maguirei (Bailey)

Steyermark, comb. nov. I cannot agree with Bailey that these diminu-

tive palms should constitute a genus distinct from Bactris. The

dwarfing of general stature, together with its associated smaller size

of spathe, peduncle, and reduction of spines on the trunk, should not

be regarded as generic characters. They might, on the other hand, be

considered as setting off a distinct section within the genus. Both

Yuyba and Bactris have 6 stamens, and Bactris may have even 9

or 12.

From B. Maguirei this new species differs in its more densely

brown-scurfy leaf rachis, the tips and upper margins of the pinnae

more closely blackesetulose, the shorter spathe and spadix, the

more Closely crowded pinnae, and the somewhat shorter spines of the

stem and leaf sheath.

From B. microspadix Burret, it may be distinguished by the smaller

peduncle of the inflorescence, the shorter petiole not spiny at base,

and the shorter spathe and pinnae, while the simple spadix, brown-

furfuraceous leaf rachis, and the number of pairs of pinnae differ-

entiates it from B. microspatha Barb. It is closely related to B.

mitis, which, however, has a 2-3-fid spadix with glabrous rachis, an

unarmed leaf sheath and rachis, and 6,8-10 pairs of pinnae not as

closely set together as in. B. sororopanae. From the closely related

B. paucisecta Burret of British Guiana, the new species differs in

the tomentose or furfuraceous rachis, shorter spadix, narrower and

shorter apical leaf segment, and less number of primary nerves.

Bactris venezuelensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caudex 3 m. altus, supra 1.5 cm. crassus; frondis vagina fusco-

tomentosa furfuracea, aculeis brevibus tenuibus nigris instructa;

petiolo 20-27 cm. longo infra pallido-tomentoso-furfuraceo, aculeis

nigtis supra longioribus 3-4 cm. longis, infra brevioribus numerosis

0.6-2.2 cm. longis armato; rhachi 28 cm. longa, 4-5 mm. crassa,

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 81

pallido-fusca furfuracea mox glabrescenti, prope basim aculeis nigris

2-3.5 cm. longis armata; lamina 55-75 cm. longa, 30 cm. lata, apice

profunde bifida, paucisecta, segmentis utroque latere infra 2-4 irregu-

lariter et inaequaliter dispositis lanceolatis sigmoideis supra glabris

subtus pilis pallidis dissitis minute adpressis et ad nervos incon

spicue furfuraceis, ad margines setis brevibus tenuibus nigris 1.5-2

mm. longis; segmenta terminali magna cuneato-oblanceolato-obovata,

parte indivisa 13-16 cm. longa, 12-18.5 cm. lata, lobis oblongo-

lanceolatis, 20-35 cm. longis, 7-10 cm. latis, nervis primariis utroque

latere 8-9; segmentis lateralibus altermatis aut suboppositis, 30-50

cm. longis, 1.5-4.5 cm. latis, nervis primariis utroque latere 2-3,

nervis secundariis 7-10; spatha exteriore 5 cm. longa, interiore

fusiformi 11-12 cm. longa, setis fuscis pilosis vel glabrescentibus

5-6 mm. longis vel brevioribus dense obtecta, fusco-tomentosa;

spadice patenti demum pendenti, ramulis 8 gracilibus, 7.5-9.5 cm.

longis, 1-1.5 mm. latis, crassis conspicue scrobiculatis paullo tomen-

tosis; rhachi 1 cm. longa dense fusco-tomentosa, pedunculo 4-4.5 cm.

‘longo, 4 mm. crasso, inermi dense pallido-fusco-tomentosa fur-

furacea; floribus masculinis ignotis; floribus foemineis: calyce

urceolata, 3-3.5 mm. longa, 2.5-3 mm. lata, 3-denticulata glabra

pluristriata; corolla quam calyce longiore tubulosa 5-5.5 mm. longa,

apice subtruncata ciliato-setulosa, pluristriata, superficie setulosa

setis brevibus paucis nigris, mox deciduis.

Petiole spiny, the spines above longer and more scattered, shorter

and more numerous in lower part; sheathing base of petiole shredding

at sides; lamina deeply bifurcate at apex into a large terminal seg-

ment with 2-4 pairs of lanceolate sigmoid segments irregularly and

unequally distant below, glabrous above, minutely appressed-

pubescent below with scattered pale hairs and furfuraceous on the

lower surface of some of nerves; lateral segments tapering to an

elongate apex, often remotely separated from the terminal bifurcate

segment; axis of spadix not continued throughout its length, branches

conspicuously scrobiculate from the insertions of the flowers; pistil-

late calyx slightly 3-denticulate with shallow lobes.

Type in herb, Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in forest along Base

River (Cano Negro), at southeastern base of Cerro Duida, Territorio

Federal Amazonas, alt. 225 m., August 23, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 57933.

This species is closely related to B. corosilla Karst., B. geono-

moides Drude, B. incommoda Trail, and B. penicillata Barb. From

the last one it differs in the shorter spathe and spadix, shorter

lamina, and black instead of brown petiolar spines. From B. geono-

moides and B. incommoda it differs in the broadly lanceolate-falcate

instead of linear lowermost pair of pinnae, in shorter brown instead

of longer black spines covering the outer surface of the spathe, and

in the somewhat shorter spathe.

82 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Dahlgrenia Steyermark, gen. nov.

Monoeca, spadicibus distinctis unisexualibus. Spadis utriusque

sexus ramosus, famis masculinis tenuibus. Flores masculi minutuli:

calyx parvus, sepalis 3 imbricatis late subrhomboideo-subglobosis;

corolla petalis 3 valvatis liberis non patentibus basi non-dilatatis

nec gibbosis oblongis; staminibus 6, Flores foeminei parvi: calyx

sepalis 3 imbricatis suborbicularibus; corolla petalis 3 valvatis late

ovatis; staminodia 6 ad basim ovarii adhaerentibus; ovario integro

glabro, loculis 3, ovulo in loculo solitario, stigmatibus apicalibus.

Palmae inermes, frondibus paripinnatis. Pinnae apice praemorsae

et erosae. .

Type species: Dahlgrenia ptariana Steyermark.

This genus is dedicated to and named in honor of Dr. B. E.

Dahlgren, Curator Emeritus of the Department of Botany at the

Chicago Natural History Museum. Students of palms owe Dr.

Dahlgren a debt of gratitude for his contributions to the study of

tropical American palms, for the excellent series of palm exhibits

and palm herbarium which he has organized and developed at the

Museum, and especially for his monumental work ‘‘Index of American

Palms’’ published in 1936.

Dahlgrenia ptariana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caudex 11-14 m. altus, 9.5-10 cm. crassus, solitarius; frondibus

2.2 m. longis 4-seriatis subcoriaceis supra viridibus infra argillaceis

lineis latis fuscis ad margines exteriores et squamis fuscis sessili-

bus microscopicis obtectis; rhachi usque ad 4.5 cm. lata tomentosa

cinereo-fusca praedita supra carinata infra convexa; pinnis utroque

latere 28 valide sulcatis, pinna terminali cuneata praemorsa 50 cm.

longa, ceteris angustate ligulatis apice oblique praemorsis et erosis,

86-115 cm. longis, 7 cm. latis, infra usque ad 16 nervis, lineo lato

marginali 4-8 mm. lato; spathis elongatis; spadice masculina alba

famis numerosis tenuibus 9-12 cm. longis, 2 mm. crassis, glabris;

floribus masculinis confertis glabris; sepalis supra rotundatis 0.5

mm. altis, 0.7-0.8 mm. latis, petalis ovatis vel elliptico-oblongis,

0.7 mm. longis, 0.5 mm. latis, obtusis; antheris sessilibus vel fere

0.5-0.6 mm. longis; spadice foeminea alba tomentella pilis brevibus

albidis, rhachi 60 cm. longa, 1-2.5 cm. crassa, ramis numerosis 60

cm. longis, 2 mm. crassis; bracteis late ovatis acutis vel acuminatis,

2.5-3 cm. longis, basi 2 cm. latis, extus fulvo-tomentosis, intus

basi nigris; sepalis rotundatis 1.5 mm. altis, 2.5 mm. latis ad mar

gines ciliatis; petalis obtusis 2 mm. latis, 2 mm. altis, striatis;

staminodiis 0.2 mm. longis dentiformibus; ovario 1.2 mm. longo.

Fronds 4-ranked; rachis covered with a fine dull gray-brown

tomentum which wears off in age, but persists in places as a dark

brown tomentum; pinnae subcoriaceous, deep rich green above,

silvery below with a broad, dark brown, tomentose band extending

along outer margin on lower surface of each segment, sometimes

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - 1 83

é gE

FIGURE 11

Dahlgrenia ptariana Steyermark

A, Leaf segment from lower portion of frond (X 1/7); B, Terminal

portion of frond (X 1/5); C, Pistillate flower, from above (X 5.5);

D, Pistillate sepal (X 5.5); E, Pistillate petal (x 6); F, Pistil

(X 10); G, Pistil, from above (x 10), H, Staminate sepal (X 9);

I, Staminate petal (X 5); J, Stamen (X 10).

84 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

other narrower, dark brown bands occur elsewhere on the segment,

the lower surface covered with numerous, microscopic, sessile,

deep brown scales, strongly sulcate above and conspicuously ribbed

below; terminal segment cuneate, shallowly and irregularly erose

at apex, 50 cm. long; middle and lower pinnae narrowly ligulate,

obliquely praemorse and shallowly erose along apex, up to 16- nerved

on lower surface, but often with only 3-5 strong nerves, the dark

brown, tomentose, marginal band 4-8 mm. wide; spadices unisexual,

arising on trunk at base of leafy shoot, white; staminate spadix with

numerous branches, the branches slender with crowded staminate

flowers; staminate sepals broadly depressed-rounded; staminate

petals separate and free to the base, the margins pale; pistillate

spadix covered minutely with short whitish tomentum; pistillate

sepals depressed-suborbicular; staminodia attached at base of

ovary (Fig. 11).

Type in herb. Chi, Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on southeast-facing

slopes of Ptari-tepul, state of Bolivar, alt. 1585-1600 m., November

10-11, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60044,

Local name: ‘‘Puruea-yek’’, This is one of the dominants of the

understory of the moist forest covering the southeast-facing slopes

of Ptari-tepui. The inside of the shoot is not edible.

The characteristics of this new genus are the occurrence of the

pistillate and staminate flowers in separate spadices, the pistillate

flowers much smaller than in Socratea, Iriartea, Dictyocaryum,

Catostigma, or Catoblastus, the entire glabrous ovary with apical

stigmas, the very small staminate flowers with separate petals not

spreading and not dilated or gibbous at base, and the 6 stamens.

In Dugand’s key to the Iriarteae (Caldasia 1: 33-34. 1940), this

plant does not fall into either section. He has ‘‘Flores de ambos

sexos en el mismo espadice; ovario entero, de estigmas apicules o

excéntricos”, which includes Socratea, Iriartea, Iriartella, Dictyo-

caryum, and Cuatrecasea, as opposed to ‘‘Flores de cada sexo en

espadices, separados’’, which includes Catoblastus, Catostigma,

Wettiniicarpus, and Wettinia. Our collection would fall in the latter

group. However, that group has the “‘ovario casi siempre trilobulado

(1 6 2 lobulos mas pequefios abortivos) a menudo pubescente o

velludo, con estilo o estigmas basilares o sobre los lobulos basales;

palmeras medianas o elevadas’’, whereas our collection has ‘‘ovario

entero, de estigmas apicales o exceéntricos’’ which would place it

with Socratea, Iriartea, and Dictyocaryum.

Like Dictyocaryum our collection has 6 stamens, entire ovary with

apical stigmas, / pest a and the segments of the leaves quite

laciniate in different directions; however, unlike that genus, the

staminate and pistillate flowers are in separate spadices, the pistil-

late flowers are much smaller, and the staminate sepals are not

dilated or gibbous at the base, and are much broader than long. In

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 85

Dictyocaryum the staminate sepals are narrower and much longer

than broad.

It will be observed that the segments of the fronds in Dahlgrenia

are narrow, because they have become split at maturity apparently

‘into five narrow divisions, whereas actually it may represent just

one leaf segment up to 21 cm. wide that has become split into por

tions from 3-5 cm. wide. On such a wide leaf the brown bands may

number as many as nine, but when each segment splits lengthwise

of the whole of which it is a part, these brown bands then appear

marginal, with the result that there may be up to twenty-five main

nerves extending lengthwise, these becoming fewer in number as the

segment becomes split.

Desmoncus duidensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Scandens vel subscandens; frondis vagina inermi fusco-furfuracea;

fronde 0.78 m. longa; flagello tenui 20 cm. longo, foliolis hamatis

4-jugis rectis 12-25 mm. longis, 1-1.5 mm. latis, aculeis brevibus

retrorsis curvatis 1.5 mm. longis fusco-furfuraceis; rhachi tenui 2-3

mm. crassa fuscoefurfuracea aculeis retrorsis brevibus viridibus vel

Stramineis praedita; pinnis oppositis 4-jugis sessilibus oblongo-

ellipticis ad apicem acuminatis ad basim nonnihil angustatis 12.5-16

cm. longis, 3.5-6 cm. latis, supra glabris, infra minute fusco-

maculatis vel punctatis, ad margines fusco-furfuraceis 2 mm., firme

membranaceis.

Low climbing or sprawling plant; frond dark green above, dull

paler green below.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in forest along Base

River (Cano Negro), at southeastern base of Cerro Duida, Territorio

Federal Amazonas, alt. 225 m., August 23, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 57944,

Desmoncus duidensis is distinguished by the few pairs of oblong-

elliptic sessile opposite pinnae, the slender, short, few pairs of

straight barbs of the cirrhus, the unarmed leaf sheaths and leaflets,

the minutely aculeate rachis, and the brown-furfuraceous margins.

From D. nemorosus Barb. it differs in the unarmed leaf sheath,

shorter more slender barbs of the cirrhus, and the fewer leaflets,

which are not aculeate on the lower surface of the midrib. From

D. aereus Drude it may be distinguished by the shorter, more slender,

fewer barbs of the cirrhus, and by the shorteaculeate rachis.

Desmoncus multijugus Steyermark, sp. nov.

Scandens; frondis vagina pallido-viridi, tomento flavo-cinereo,

setis fuscis confertis 2-15 mm. longis; fronde 1.7 m. longa brevi-

petiolata; petiolo 1 cm. longo; flagello 50 cm. longo, foliolis hamatis

6-jugis oppositis rectis robustis, 1.3-5 cm. longis, 3-4 mm. latis,

thachi inermi; infra foliola hamata 2 foliolis aliis longioribus

retrorso-patentibus 7.5-10 cm. longis; frondis rhachi utrinque fusco-

86 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

furfuracea, parte inferiore pubescente, aculeis fuscis 11-40 mm.

longis abundanter instructa; pinnis plerumque alternatis vel sub-

oppositis, utrinque 23-25, sessilibus anguste lanceolatis ad apicem

acuminatis, ad basim angustatis, 20-30 cm. longis, 2-3 cm. latis,

glabris praeter utrinque lineas fusco-furfuraceas aut tomentosas per

nervos, supra omnino glabrescentibus, utrinque in costa media

aculeis 2-6 fuscis, 13-32 mm. longis armatis, aculeis praesertim

basi et parte inferiore saepe pubescentibus; spatha superiore aut

interiore elliptica, 30 cm. longa, 8-10.5 cm. lata, tomentosa fusca,

aculeis brevibus tenuibus nigro-fuscis basi straminea bulboso-

crassiuscula oriundus; spadice simpliciter ramoso 15 cm. longo

fusco vel purpureo-fusco-furfuraceo; spadicis ramis 37 angulatis

undulatis 10-15 cm. longis, 2 mm. crassis, prope basim atro-fusco-

furfuraceis aliter glabris; floribus foemineis: calyce cupulare gamo-

sepala 0.5 mm. alta margine 3-apiculata; corolla gamopetala pluri-

striata 3-lobata, 1.5 mm. alta, lobis suborbicularibus, late rotundatis,

per margines obscuros, 1.5 mm. alta, 2 mm. lata; spadicis pedunculo

Compresso, parte superiore 5 cm. ‘longa, 1 cm. crassa, purpureo-

fusco-furfuracea aculeis brevibus nigtis 3-5 mm. longis praedita,

parte inferiore 11 cm. longa, inermi; drupa novella ovoideo-oblonga

superne subito angustata, 8.5-9 mm. longa, 5 mm. crassa.

Pinnae closely but unequally distributed along the rachis, mem-

branaceous, grass dull green above, dull paler green below, narrowly

lanceolate, tapering to an acuminate apex, gradually narrowed to

base, armed on midnerve and lower and upper leaf surfaces with 2-6

dark brown spines 13-32 mm. long, the spines often pubescent,

especially at base and lower half, the leaf surface glabrous except

for brown-furfuraceous or tomentose lines along one or more nerves

above and below, becoming entirely glabrescent above; rachis

fuscous-furfuraceous throughout; upper spathe moderately armed with

short slender black-brown spines 6-11 mm. long, arising from a

bulbous-thickened buff-colored base; drupe becoming scarlet.

Type in herb, Chi, Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in vicinity of

Tumeremo, between south of town and airport, state of Bolivar, alt.

305 m., December 18, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60968,

Known locally as ‘‘Camuari’’, The stems are stripped of their

spines and split into lengths which are woven into various types of

baskets (canaste) and back carriers (guayare).

This species is characterized by its numerous closely and un-

equally spaced pinnae, elongate black spines of the brown-furfur-

aceous leaf rachis, the spiny leaves, and the spiny broadly ovate

inner spathe. It is most closely related to D. rudentum Mart., D.

horridus Splitgerb., D. palustris Trail, and D. angustisectus Burret,

to which group it belongs by reason of the broad ovate inner spathe,

and, following Burret’s establishment of the section Orthacanthium,

by the straight instead of recurved pairs of hooks, but from all these

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 87

it is distinguished by the greater number of pinnae, combined with

the other characters stated above.

Euterpe ptariana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caudex 8-9.5 m. altus, 5-7.5 cm. crassus; frondibus magnis 2.2 m.

longis, in parte media 1.4 m. latis, pinnis utrinsecus 32, petiolo

30-32 cm. longo, 2-2.5 cm. lato, supra concavo, subtus convexo

uttinque atro-leproso, ad vaginam dilatato; frondis vagina elongata

coriacea glauca canoeviridi maculis purpureo-fuscis, rhachi triangu-

lari, 2.5-20 mm. crassa, subtus squamis nigris aut purpureo-fuscis

persistentibus obtecta, lateribus squamis paucioribus; pinnis sub-

Coriaceis suboppositis vel alternatis ligulato-lanceolatis acuminatis

vel filiformi-caudatis, usque ad 80 cm. longis et 5 cm. latis, 2

infimis angustissimis 0.4-0.8 cm. latis, plerumque 5-nervatis, subtus

costa media et nervis primariis squamis elongatis persistentibus

purpureo-fuscis obtectis, inter nervos maculis fuscis parvissimis;

spatha coriacea squamis purpureo- vel nigro-fuscis partim vel omnino

obtecta, mox glabrescenti; spadice immatura 15 cm. longa, pedunculo

brevissimo 2-3 cm. longo, ramis circ. 30, 20-25 cm. longis, 1.5-2

mm. cfassis, minute puberulis pilis pallidis vel stramineis, bracteis

3.5-4 mm. longis ovatis acuminatis; floribus immaturis.

Pinnae subcoriaceous, deep green above, dull green below, upper

sutface (in dried state) covered with a ‘‘bloom’’, middle pinnae fal-

cate with a long acuminate or filiform-caudate tip, 58-61 cm. long,

4.5-5 cm. wide, the caudate part up to 5.5 cm. long, the upper pinnae

short, abruptly acuminate, the uppermost ones 20-37 cm. long, 2.53.5

cm. wide, the 2 lowermost pinnae much narrower than the others,

63-80 cm. long, 0.4-0.8 cm. wide, the pinnae mostly 5-nerved (includ-

ing the midnerve and 2 strong nerves on each side), the principal

nerves and especially the midrib on lower surface covered with

elongated purplish-brown persistent scales attenuate at each end

and darker black-brown in the center, minutely dotted with dull

brown spots on the leaf surface between the nerves.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in forest near

‘‘Misia Kathy’’ camp, southeast-facing slopes of Ptri-tepui, state

of Bolivar, alt. 1585-1600 m., November 10-11, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 60045.

Local name: ‘‘Manacassi-yek’’, The interior of the shoot of this

palm is edible. It is a common species of the forest at the elevation

noted.

This species is characterized by the purplish-brown or blackish

scales attached to the nerves of the lower leaf surface, the blackish-

brown scurfiness on the lower part and sides of the leaf rachis, the

glaucous gray-green leaf sheath with purple-brown specks, the

minutely puberulous branches of the rachis of the inflorescence with

pale buff pubescence, and the very narrow lowermost leaf segments.

88 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

It differs from E. rorainae Dammer, which also possesses pe-

culiar, large, colored scales, in that the scales of the lower leaf

surface of E. roraimae are rich brown, whereas those of E. ptariana

are much darker brown, being purple- or blackish-brown and darker in

the center. Furthermore, in E. ptariana there is an abundance of per-

sistent dark purplish-brown or blackish scales on the lower side of

the leaf rachis, whereas in E. roraimae these are either absent,

relatively sparse, or deciduous in mature leaves. Moreover, the

branches of the spadix in E. roraimae are fuscous-brown tomentose,

whereas in E. ptariana they are minutely puberulous with buff or

light-colored hairs. Another characteristic of E. ptariana is the

glaucous gray-green leaf sheath speckled purple-brown. In addition,

the peduncle of the spadix in E. ptariana appears, by comparison

with the rachis, to be much shorter and the branches more slender

than in E. roraimae. Finally, the lowermost pinnae are much narrow-

er in E. ptariana than in E. roraimae.

Geonoma karuaiana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caudex 1.75-2.75 m. altus; frondibus usque ad 7.5 dm. longis

pinnatisectis; pinnis utroque latere 4; petiolo 30-33 cm. longo plus

minusve partim fusco-leproso, mox partim glabrescenti; pinnis firme

membranaceis, 35-50 cm. longis, 4-12 cm. latis, apice falcato-

acuminato filiformi, nervis primariis 4-11, subtus ad nervos squamis

fuscis persistentibus seriatis dispositis; spatha 10-11 cm. longa,

1.5-2.5 cm. lata, extus fusco-leprosa; spadice 11-20 cm. longo,

10-20 cm. crasso; pedunculo tenuiter granuloso-tuberculato squamis

fuscis; spadicis ramis 7-11, simplicibus 7 vel 2 infimis furcatis ad

apicem spinosis, 9-15 cm. longis, 3 mm. crassis, dense vel breviter

pilosis, tenuiter granuloso-tuberculatis; floribus in foveis spiraliter

dispositis, 40 e basi ad apicem 2-4 mm. dissitis non bilabiatis,

labio inferio truncato fere recto, labio superio curvato-rotundato;

floribus masculinis: sepalis elliptico-oblongis obtusis, 2.5 mm.

longis, 1.75 mm. latis ad margines denticulatis; petalis 2.5 mm.

longis, 1.75 mm. latis, oblanceolato-oblongis obtusis usque ad 2/3

longitudinem connatis; urceolo staminali 0.5 mm. longo; filamentis

0.5 mm. longis; antheris 1.25-1.5 mm. longis; floribus foemimeis sub

anthesi: sepalis 2-2.5 mm. longis oblongoelanceolatis; fructu

elliptico-ovato 7 mm. longo, 6 mm. crasso, nigto (sicco) striatulato

(sicco).

Frond dark green above, dull green below; petiole with patches of

brown scurfiness, becoming glabrescent in places; pinnae widely

separated, 7.5 cm. separating the first pair from the second, 7.5-8.5

cm. separating the second pair from the third, and 6-7.5 cm. sepa-

rating the third pair from the fourth pair, the lower 3 pairs of pinnae

35-45 cm. long, 4-4.5 cm. wide, 7-ll-nerved, narrowly lanceolate,

falcate-acuminate, the apex prolonged into a long filiform tip 3-4.5

cm. long; uppermost pairs of pinnae 45-50 cm. long, 11-12 cm. wide,

broadly lanceolate, with 4 primary nerves, the falcate-acuninate

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 89

apex prolonged into a slender filiform tip about 3-4 cm. long, asym-

metric at base, the lower surface of the main nerves with lines of

persistent brown scales, which also tend to persist in patches along

the leaf rachis, on the lower surface, and on the sides; spadix 11 cm.

long in anthesis, 15-20 cm. in fruit, 5-20 cm. in diameter, the pe-

duncle finely granulose-tuberculate with dark brown scales inter

spersed along the axis, the branches of the spadix 7-11, the simple

ones 7, the two lowest sometimes forked, spinose at apex, 9-15 cm.

long, densely or sparsely short-pubescent, finely granulose-tubercu-

late, the hairs darkening in age; flowers with foveolae 3-4 mm. apart

on the same side, but only 2 mm. apart between those nearest each

other; fruit small, blackish when dried, deep olive green in life.

‘Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected along Rio Karuai, at

base of Sororopan-tepui, west of La Laja, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220

m., November 29, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60789.

This species is characterized by having few (4) pairs of broad

leaf segments which on the nerves of the lower leaf surface and

along the lower surface of the leaf rachis have lines of brown scurfi-

ness, relatively small fruits, minutely pilose rachillae of the flower-

ing branches, spinose tips of the branches, and relatively small

spathes.

Hyospathe maculata Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caudex solitarius, 1.3 m. altus, 8 mm. crassus; lamina 55-65 cm.

longa, 4-6-juga fere concolori firme membranacea; petiolo 12.5 cm.

longo, 4 mm. crasso; rhachi 19-28 cm. longa utrinque irregulariter

fusco-maculata; segmentis falcatis inaequalibus, late lanceolatis

anguste acuminatis, 35-43 longis, jugis infimis 1.5-3 cm. latis,

mediis 3.5-4.5 cm. latis, supremis 4.5-6 cm. latis, infra glabratis,

nervis pluribus; segmentis intermediis angustioribus linearibus vel

lineari-lanceolatis, 35-38 cm. longis, 1-1.5 cm. latis, anguste acumi-

Matis, apicibus filiformibus; vagina fusco-maculata leprosa; spadice

parvo; spatha non visa; pedunculo 3.9-4 cm. longo, 3 mm. lato;

inflorescentiae rhachi pallido-viridi, parte florifera 9 cm. longa, 18

cm. lata, ramis 12, simplicibus, 5.5-10 cm. longis, 1.5-2 mm. crassis;

floribus masculinis sessilibus: calyce 1.25 mm. longo, 1 mm. lato,

lobis 4 parce inaequalibus late triangularibus, 0.3-0.4 mm. longis,

apice 0.2 mm. latis; petalis 4, 2.83 mm. longis, 0.9-1 mm. latis,

oblongis vel lanceolato-oblongis, obtusis, tenuiter pluristriatis;

staminibus 4-7; antheris 0.8-0.9 mm. longis; filamentis 1 mm. longis;

fructu non viso.

Rachis of frond irregularly dotted or splotched on all sides, es-

pecially prominent on lower side, with dark brown scales or masses

of scales; segments of frond glabrate on the lower surface or some-

what brownescaly near base, deep green above, dull green below;

leaf sheath dark brown, mottled with tiny patches of persistent

scales, less densely so on older spathes; flowering rachis arising

on trunk just below leafy shoot, divergent; flowers dull yellow.

90 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Type in herb. Chi, Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on wooded slopes

of Quebrada O-paru-ma, between Santa Teresita de Kavanayen and

Rio Pacairao (tributary of Rio Mouak), state of Bolivar, alt. 1065-

1220 m., Nov. 20-21, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60406.

Known locally as ‘‘Kricha-yuryek’’. The fruit is said to be edible,

and has an acidulous watery quality.

This species is characterized by the small spadix and spadix

branches, the 4-6 pairs of leaf segments, and by the maculate leaf

sheath and base of the leaf stipe. It is most closely related to

H. Ulei Dammer of Peru, from which it differs in the sessile stami-

nate flowers with 4 instead of 3 petals, 4 instead of 3 calyx lobes,

and shorter anthers.

Mauritia flexuosa L., var. venezuelana Steyermark, var. nov.

A typo differt fructu minore, squamis fructiferis -minoribus, et

lobis calycis fructifera minoribus.

Outer pistillate lobes suborbicular, 6-7 mm. long, 7-8 mm. wide,

the inner ones ovate, acute, 8 mm. long, 6.5 mm. wide; fruit 3.5-4 cm.

broad; scales of the fruit relatively small, 3.5 mm. long, 4-4.25

mm. wide.

Local name: ‘‘Moriche’’.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected along a small stream

with running water in morichales in savanna between Rio Caron: and

Ciudad Bolivar, state of Bolivar, alt. 200 m., August 2, 1944, Julian

A. Steyermark 57649.

According to Pittier et al, the common species of Mauritia in the

morichales of the llano in Venezuela is M. minor Burret (Catalogo de

la Flora Venezolana, vol. 1: 143, 1945), and M. flexuosa is not even

credited to the country. But, Pittier was following the results of

Dugand’s studies when he adopted the name M. minor, since Dugand

showed what was passing in Colombia as M. flexuosa was really

M. minor, the material common to the eastern Llanos in Colombia

having elliptical rather than globose fruit. According to his com-

munication from Pittier, it is stated (Dugand, A. Caldasia 3: 18.

1941) that ‘‘El Profesor H. Pittier, a quien comuniqué recientemente

mis dudas respecto a la identidad del moriche del Meta, me ha

escrito confirmando mis punto de vista y diciéndome que los ejempla-

res del moriche venezolano que él posee tampoco pertecen a M.

flexuosa puesto que sus frutos son elipticos y no globosos.”’

However, this statement by Pittier is not borne out by the present

collection (Steyermark 57649), which comes from the llanos around

Ciudad Bolivar, and which has globose mature fruits. Those col-

lected by Williams (his no. 14802) from the Upper Rio Negto (cited

as M. Carana Wallace) are described by Williams as ‘‘globose”’.

Apparently, Pittier’s observations communicated to Dugand are either

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 91

inexact or too general. Thus far, all the material examined by me

from the Venezuelan llanos has globose fruit.

The size of the scales of the fruit, the fruit itself, and the length

of the calyx lobes in Steyermark 57649 are all smaller than stated in

the description of M. flexuosa given by Drude in Mart. Fl. Bras.

(pp. 290-291), but agree with that species better than for any other.

In the absence of typical material of M. flexuosa from Surinam, and

from the lack of identifying criteria in Linnaeus’s description, this

Venezuelan collection is probably best treated as a small-fruited

variety of that species, having the. same type of globular fruit as is

characteristic of M. flexuosa. From M. Minor if differs in its smaller

globose rather than elliptic fruit, smaller fruiting scales, and small-

er calyx lobes, while from M. Carana it differs principally, if Wallace’s

description is to be followed literally, in the shape of the fruits,

described in M. Carana as “‘slightly ovate’’.

Dugand (Caldasia 3: 18. 1941) further states that ‘‘las informa-

ciones del Profesor Pittier son suficientemente significativas y

deben aceptarse como terminantes en el sentido de que el moriche

venezolano no corresponde a la descripcion de M. flexuosa.’’ Since

I have shown above that the globose fruits of my 57649 do corre-

spond, it is proper to refer them to M. flexuosa as agreeing with the

description for globose fruits.

Socratea albolineata Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caudex solitarius, gracilis, 9-12 m. altus, 7.5-12.5 cm. crassus;

frondibus 2.7 cm. longis, segmentis utrinque 18; rhachi dense pallida

flavido-tomentosa, prope basim 3 cm. crassa; frondibus apice furca-

tis paripinnatis, segmentis cuneatis transversim praemorsis; seg-

mentis majoribus cuneatis, apice oblique maximis 70-90 cm. longis,

10-17 cm. latis, circ. 15enervatis, infra 10-13 lineis tomentosis

albidis aliter glabris; spadice fructifero 50 cm. longo, basi 5-10 cm.

lato, parte media 2-3 cm. lata, supra 0.5-1 cm. lato et glabriusculo

vel tenuiter parce adpresso-piloso, infra tenuiter strigoso; ramis

fructiferis patento-curvatis, 15-35 cm. longis, 5-6 mm. crassis, ad

basim fulvo-tomentosis; vaginis fructiferis indumento tenui cinereo

vestitis, praesertim infimis pilis fuscis brevibus adpressis; peri-

anthio fructifero glabro; sepalis fructiferis late triangularibus, supra

rotundatis, 4 mm. longis, 7 mm. latis; petalis fructiferis late

depresso-suborbicularibus, 3-5 mm. longis, 11 mm. latis; bacca ob-

longa calva glabra pallido-fusca, 2.5 cm. longa, 2 cm. crassa; pefi-

carpio 1 mm. crasso; semine oblongo, 17-18 mm. longo, 13 mm. lato;

embryone apicali vel subapicali; mesocarpio albido furfuraceo, lineis

irregularibus castaneis radiato; endocarpio extus fusco lineis irregu-

laribus pallido-vel flavido-fuscis anastomosantibus ramificatis.

Frond forked and praemorse at apex with shallow irregular teeth;

larger segments cuneate, obliquely praemorse at apex with irregular

coarse teeth, the margin extended into 6-8 laciniate portions slender-

92 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

ly elongated, the lower surface glabrous except for 10-13 dull white,

tomentose, longitudinal bands, deep green on upper surface, dull

green on lower surface; fruiting spadix arising at base of (below)

leaf sheath, 5-10 cm. wide at base, 2-3 cm. wide in middle portion,

0.5-1 cm. wide in the upper half, glabrescent or finely sparsely

appressed-pilose above or finely strigose below; fruiting sheaths

covered with a dull gray, fine coating, which is covered over, es-

pecially on the lowermost sheath, with brown appressed short ‘hairs;

mesocarp whitish, dry-scaly, with irregular, castaneous, thread-like

parts running lengthwise through tissue; outside of endocarp dark

brown with irregular buff or pale brown longitudinal lines anasto-

mosing or branching on surface.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in lower portion of

Quebrada O-paru-ma, tributary of Rio Pacairao, below Santa Teresita

de Kavanayén, state of Bolivar, alt. 915-1065 m., November 25, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 60541.

Known locally as ‘‘Capai-chan-yek’’ (‘Cola de Pescado’’), The

bark and wood are used locally by the inhabitants for making into

roofs.

This species is distinguished by the longitudinal lines of white

tomentum on the lower surface of the leaf segments, which are other-

wise glabrous, by the concolorous leaf surfaces, and by the dense

tomentum over the surface of the leaf rachis, especially in its lower

portion. From S. elegans Karst., described as having the lower side

of the leaf segments with ‘“‘lineis albo-tomentosulis notatas”’, this

new species differs in the concolorous rather than glaucous lower

leaf surface, and in the segments with longer, more erose tips.

ARACEAE

Anthurium duidae Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta terrestris glabra; caudice paullo elongato, 5 mm. Crasso,

internodiis 1.5-3 cm. longis; cataphyllis ovatis vel lanceolatis,

obtusis, nervatis, 1.5-5 cm. longis, 1-1.3 cm. latis; petiolis lamina

longioribus, 19-28 cm. longis, 2.5-3 mm. crassis; lamina in sicco

Subcoriacea, late ovato-oblonga, 13-16 cm. longa, 8-11 cm. lata,

Supra obscure viridi, subtus pallida, apice rotundata, basi sub-

cordata, nervis primariis utrinque 1, basi nascentibus, 1-1.3 cm. a

margine remotis, utrinque distincte prominentibus.

Blades deep green above, pale below.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on summit of Cerro

Duida, along valley forest between Central Camp and Brocchinia

Hills, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1675 m., August 31, 1944,

alien A. Steyermark 58099,

In leaf shape this species somewhat resembles A. marense Krause,

but that species has the primary nerves more remote from the margin

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 2

and a more deeply cordate or subcordate leaf. From A. glanduligerum

Engl. it differs in having 3 instead of 5 prominent nerves (1 instead

of 2 main primary nerves on each side of the midnerve), the lowest

pair evident in A. glanduligerum, but not in A. duidae. It is unfortu-

nate that the materialupon which this new species is basedis sterile,

but it resembles no other described species.

Anthurium Krauseanum Steyermark, sp. nov.

Herba epiphytica, caudice elongato, 5-10 mm. crasso, internodiis

2-2.5 cm. longis, caulibus radices paucas elongatas emittentibus;

cataphyllis ovato-oblongis, obtusis, 2-2.5 cm. longis; foliorum

petiolis 21-23 cm. longis, 3 mm. crassis, supra sulcatis teretiusculis;

lamina coriacea, supra atro-viridi nitente, ovato-oblonga, basi sub-

truncata vel rotundata, apice obtusa, 17-19 cm. longa, 7-8.5 cm. lata,

nervis pfimariis utrinque 2 basi nascentibus, infimis leviter arcuatis

in ima quarta parte marginibus exeuntibus, intimis validioribus

adscendentibus medium a margine 1.3-1.5 cm. remotis, utrinque dis-

tincte prominentibus; spatha 2.3 cm. longa, 5 mm. lata; spadice

stipite 4 mm. longo suffulto,10 mm. longo, 4 mm. crasso.

Leaves dark green and shining above, dull paler green below;

spadix dull lavender.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in woods on south-

eastern portion of base of Carrao-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 1460-

1615 m., December 4-5, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60847,

This species is related to A. crassifolium N. E. Brown, differing

from that in its smaller spathe and spadix, stipitate instead of ses-

sile spadix, and subtruncate to broad, instead of cuneate, leaf base.

In its shorter stipe and spadix, and narrower spathe, it differs from

A. microphyllum (Hook.) Don.

Anthurium monsterioides Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caudex epiphyticus; foliorum petiolo 45 cm. longo, 1-2 cm. crasso,

semitereti; lamina 9-ll-secta, segmentis subpetiolatis, basi longe

cuneatis liberis, apice abrupte acuminatis, 35-60 cm. longis, 10-25

cm. latis, nervis primariis 3-4 utrinque; lobis 4 utrinque vel pauciori-

bus remotis, apice abrupte acuminatis et sursum curvatis, 8-12 cm.

longis, 5.5-8.5 cm. latis; pedunculo quam petiolo breviore, 25 cm.

longo, 8 mm. crasso; spatha subcoriacea, viridi, 10-24 cm. longa,

1.5-3 cm. lata, lanceolata, acuminata reflexa; spadice sessili

pallido-purpurascente, 8-23 cm. longo, inferne 0.7-1.3 cm. crasso;

tepalis 2 mm. longis, 1-1.3 mm. latis; pistillo 2-2.3 mm. longo;

ovario oblongo-ovoideo; stigmate sessile coronato.

Leaf blade dark green above, dull green below, the 9-11 segments

cuneate ly tapering and decurrent to the substipitate base, the stipi-

*tate portion up to 1.5 cm. long, midnerve prominent especially below;

inflorescence arising from base of leaf sheath.

94 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on rich forested

slopes along Rio Onia, near Bolero, north of Mesa Bolivar, state of

Merida, alt. 545-915 m., May 23, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 56727,

Apparently a member of sect. Semaeophyllium Schott, this species

is related to A. Holtonianum Schott, A. Burchellianum (Engl.) Macbr.,

and A. clavigerum Poepp. & Endl. in its deeply lobed, laciniate

leaves, but differs from all of them in the acuminate lobes of the

segments, each segment deeply cut in the manner of Monstera dila-

cerata. The lobing most closely approaches that of A. clavigerum,

but that species has most of the lobes rounded at the apex, and the

spaces between the lobes are larger. To add to the resemblance

between this species and Monstera dilacerata, it will be noted that

some of the leaflets of the segments have large holes, which appear

as natural as those in the Monstera, although in the single specimen

at hand, it is not possible to state definitely whether some of the

holes may not have been caused by insect damage. None of the

other lobate-laciniate species of Anthurium have long acuminate, up-

wardly curved tips to the lobes of the segments, nor have as deeply

cut lobes as has this species.

Anthurium ptarianum Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta terrestris, caudice erecto elongato, 1.5 cm. alto, circ. 1 cm.

crasso; cataphyllis lanceolatis, elongatis; foliorum petiolo 53-60 cm.

longo, 4-6 mm. crasso; rasa coriacea erecta late ovato-hastata,

25-30 cm. longa, 15-16 cm. lata, apice obtusis, basi late subcordata,

lobis posticis brevibus vel semi-orbicularibus, 8-8.5 cm. longis,

8-8.5 cm. latis, exitu rotundatis, sinu amplo semicirculari, lobo

antico inferne 15-16 cm., superne 7-8 cm. lato, nervis primariis e

basi nascentibus utrinque 4, interlobaribus et proximis liberis, nervis

secundariis confertis; spatha subcoriacea reflexa, lanceolata, apice

acuminata, basi decurrenti, 6.5 cm. longa, inferne 1.5 cm. lata;

spadice 9-15 cm. longo, 4-15 mm. crasso, tenuiter fusiformi, stipite

suffulto; tepalis in anthesi 1.8-3.5 mm. longis, 1.82.5 mm. latis;

ovario 1.5-2 mm. longo.

Lamina of leaf rich deep green above, paler below; spathe dull

green; spadix dull lavender; fruiting parts blood red (Fig. 12).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on forested south-

facing slopes overlying sandstone, on ‘‘Cave Rock’’ above ‘‘Cave

Camp”’, Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 1810 m., October 29, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 59509 (2 sheets).

Apparently a member of section Belolonchium Schott, it is nearest

A. conjunctum K. Krause of Bolivia and A. Lechlerianum Schott of

Peru in leaf shape. The spathe and spadix, however, are longer than

in those species. It is characterized by the lavender spadix, dull

green elongated spathe, blades with 5 main nerves on each side and

closely secondary nerves.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 95

i Loe ae

FIGURE 12

Anthurium ptarianum Steyermark

Blade and upper part of petiole (X 1/2).

96 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Philodendron duidae Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta terrestris; caudice crasso brevissimo; foliis basalibus;

foliorum petiolo erecto tereti, 40 cm.longo, 4-10 mm. crasso, deorsum

dilatato; lamina coriacea perfoliata ovato-semiorbiculari vel cordato-

ovata, apice abrupte cuspidulata, basi cordata, 24-25 cm. longa,

16.5-18 cm. lata; lobo antico late ovato, inferne 16-17 cm., superne

7-10 cm. lato; lobis posticis paullo retrorsis rotundatis obtusis, 4-6

cm. longis, 5-6 cm. latis, ad 1/3-1/2 longitudinis connatis, nervis

lateralibus numerosissimis aequaliter prominentibus tenuibus con-

fertis; pedunculo 1.3 cm. longo, 1.2 cm. crasso; spatha subcoriacea

ovato-lanceolata, apice acuta, infra medium constricta, 15.5 cm.

longa, media 4.3 cm., basi 7 cm., prope apicem 2 cm. lata; spadice

cylindrico, 10.8 cm. longo, 1.6-1.7 cm. crasso; inflorescentia foemi-

nea quam mascula breviore, 3 cm. longa, 1.6 cm. crassa; pistillo

depresso-cylindrico vel late oblongo, 1.5 mm. longo, stigmate 1.5

mm. lato rotundato paullo convexo coronata, 4-6-loculari, loculis

pluribus tota longitudine loculorum insertis; inflorescentia mascula

7.8 cm. longa, 1.7 cm. crassa, parte superiore 2/3 sterili.

Leaves basal, deep green above, dull green below, the numerous

fine nerves equally prominent, subhorizontally spreading to ascend-

ing in middle portion, retrorse to descending in postical lobes,

ascending towards apex, marginal nerve prominent, more strongly

developed than others; inflorescence arising from center of plant;

spathe yellow green, suffused with salmon at base, longer than

spadix; spadix whitish; staminate inflorescence sterile above in

upper 2/3, the parts of the sterile portion irregularly 4-G-angled,

some of the margins somewhat crenate, fleshy, 1.5-2 mm. high, those

in the upper half 1.2-1.5 mm. wide, those in lower part 2-3 mm. wide

across the top (Fig. 13).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected among rock outcrops,

Savanna Hills, summit of Cerro Duida, Territorio Federal Amazonas,

alt. 1025-1200 m., September 2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58225

(2 sheets). Same locality, Tate 830 (NY).

Evidently a member of sect. Baursia, since all the nerves of the

leaf blade are equal, dense, and close together. This species is

remarkable in possessing perfoliate leaves, the basal lobes of the

blade completely surrounding the petiole. The completely sterile

upper 2/3 of the staminate inflorescence is also noteworthy. At the

time this species was collected by Tate from the Savanna Hills,

Krause indicated (Bull. Torr. Bot. Club 58: 321. 1931) that it would

prove to be a new species, but did not describe it, because only the

sterile specimen was available. It is fortunate that flowering mate-

rial has been obtained subsequently.

Philodendron Englereanum Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta terrestris et epiphytica; caudice crasso; foliorum petiolo

erecto tereti, 38-44 cm. longo, 3-8 mm. crasso; lamina coriacea,

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 97

subtus glauco cordato-ovata, apice abrupte cuspidulata, basi pro-

funde cordata, 28-30 cm. longa, 16-17 cm. lata; lobo antico late

ovato, inferne 16.5-17 cm., superne 8.5-9 cm. lato; lobis posticis

paullo retrorsis rotundatis obtusis, 5.5 cm. longis, 6.5-7 cm. latis,

nervis lateralibus numerosissimis, omnibus subaequalibus confertis

subarcuatis percursatis.

\\ \\ \

SE BE

uth

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FIGURE 13

P hilodendron duidae Steyermark

Blade and upper portion of petiole (X 1/2).

98 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Lamina of leaf deep green above, glaucous-silvery below.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in dwarf wet woods,

lower southeastern slopes of Carrao-tepui, state of Bolivar, De-

cember 5-6, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60863. Another collection,

with more siveaile foliage, is same locality, Steyermark 60864.

This species, its leaves with numerous, closely spaced, subequal

nerves, is related to P. duidae Steyerm., described above, from

which it differs in the glaucous-silvery lower leaf surface of the

blades, which in a mature stage (Steyermark 60863) have the postical

lobes divided all the way to the petiole. In juvenile leaves (Steyer-

mark 60864) a subpeltate condition is found. In addition, the blades

are relatively narrower, being ovate-oblong instead of ovate-sub-,

orbicular, as in P. duidae, and more abruptly acuminate at apex.

Philodendron Krauseanum Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caudex scandens, teres, internodiis superioribus 8-12 mm. longis;

foliorum petiolo 6-11 cm. longo, vagina persistenti latiuscula, ad 17

mm. lata. apice obtusa, laminae basin haud attingenti instructo;

lamina coriacea, oblongo-elliptica, apice cuspidato-acuminata, basi

obtusa vel rotundata, 15-22 cm. longa, 6-8 cm. lata, nervis primariis

utrinque 8, supra conspicuoribus arcuatim adscendentibus; pedunculo

ca. 3.5 cm. longo; spatha extus viridi, 11-12.5 cm. longa, tubo

ovoideo-oblongo, 2.5-3 cm. lato, quam lamina oblonga apice abrupte

cuspidata paullum breviore; spadice cylindrico sursum paullum

attenuato obtuso quam spatha breviore vel longiore, 10.5-16.5 cm.

longo, 1-1.5 cm. crasso; inflorescentia foeminea, 5-7.5 cm. longa,

ca. 1.5 cm. crassa; pistillo prismatico, 5 mm. longo, plerumque

4-loculari, ovulis pro loculo numefosissimis biseriatis, stigmate

majusculo rotundato coronato; inflorescentia mascula 8-9 cm. longa,

1 cm. crassa; floribus masculis prismaticis.

Leaf sheath broad on both sides of petiole and extending to within

7-8 mm. of junction with blade and petiole, slightly produced beyond

the insertion; leaf blades deep or rich green above, dull paler green

below, midnerve prominent, especially below, 1.5 mm. wide, the 8

primary nerves on each side on lower surface of blade much more

conspicuous than the fine, closely spaced, arcuate-ascending

secondary and tertiary nerves.

Type in herb. Chi, Nat. Hist, Mus., collected in lower portion of

Quebrada O-paru-ma, tributary of Rio Pacairao, below Santa Teresita

de Kavanayen, state of Bolivar, alt. 915-1065 m., November 25, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 60567. Also collected along wooded quebrada,

Gran Sabana, between waterfall at Rue-meru (tributary of Rio Kuke-

nan) and Divina Pastora on Rio Kukenan north of Santa Elena, south

of Mount Roraima, state of Bolivar, alt. 1065 m., October 3, 1944,

Ste yermark 59216,

In the broad petiolar sheath this species approaches P. lingulatum

(L.) C. Koch of the West Indies, but that has the leaf blades more

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 99

obtuse at base and a narrower petiolar sheath. In P. lingulatum the

leaf blade is ovate, whereas in P. Krauseanum it is oblong-elliptic.

Philodendron ptarianum Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta terrestris, caudice epigaeo, internodiis brevibus; cata-

phyllis lanceolatis, 24 cm. longis; foliorum petiolo verrucoso, supra

2-angulato, dorsaliter convexo, 6-7 cm. longo, 3.5°4.5 mm. crasso;

lamina erecta coriacea, supra nitida, lanceolata, apice breviter

cuspidata, basi obtusa, 23-25 cm. longa, 4.6-5.1 cm. lata, paullo

inaequilaterali, costa media crassissima, supra verrucosa, basi 3-4

mm. lata, nervis lateralibus numerosissimis densissimis, omnibus

subaequalibus parallelis, 1-1.25 mm. remotis, leviter arcuatim

adscendentibus.

Petiole verrucose, 2-angled above, convex below, leaf blade erect,

dark green and shining above, yellow green below, midnerve above

verrucose, pale green.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on dry, sandy and

rocky sandstone exposures on level ground adjacent to swamp on

plateau-portion of southeast-facing slopes, Ptari-tepui, state of

Bolivar, alt. 1600 m., November 1, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59682.

Apparently a member of sect. Baursia, and although in sterile

condition, this species is well-marked by its distinctive vegetative

characters of verrucose petiole and upper surface of midrib, as well

as by the relatively small lanceolate leaf blades, which are shining

on the upper surface, and by the elongated petioles. It is related to

P. macroglossum Schott, P. stenophyllum Krause, P. calophyllum

Brongn., and P. insigne Schott.

Philonotion Williamsii Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta herbacea; foliorum petiolo 6-7 cm. longo; vagina 3.5-5 cm.

longa, 5-8 mm. lata, inferne dilatata; lamina anguste lanceolata,

apice 8-10 mm. longe filiformi-caudata, basi obtusa repentino con-

tracta, 6-12 cm. longa, 13-15 mm. lata, nervis lateralibus numerosis

. subaequalibus tenuibus valde adscendentibus; pedunculo cataphyllo

longo vaginante, subtus incluso, 19 cm. longo, 2-4 mm. lato; spatha

8 cm. longa, fauce 3.5 cm. longa, 1.5 cm. ampla, lamina cylindrica

vel anguste cymbiformi, 4 cm. longa, 8 mm. lata, cuspide 8 mm. longa

instructa; spadice 7 cm. longo; inflorescentia foeminea 1.5 cm. longa,

5 mm. crassa, sursum attenuata; pistillo 1.6 mm. longo, ovario

e lliptico-oblongo uniloculari, ovulo unico funiculo longo infra medium

parietis lateraliter affixo, stigmate hemispherico-discoideo; inflores-

centia mascula sterili 2-2.5 cm. longa, inferne 4 mm. crassa, mascula

fertili subfusiformi, 3.5 cm. longa, medio 4.5 mm. crassa.

Petiolar sheath 1/2-3/4 length of petiole, obtuse at apex; lamina

of leaf narrowly lanceolate, abruptly tipped with a filiform-caudate

appendage 8-10 mm. long, midnerve somewhat prominent below,

broadened near base to 1.5-2 mm. wide, the lateral nerves faint or

100 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

FIGURE 14

Philonotion Williamsii Steyermark

A, Habit (X 1/2); B, Spadix (X 1); C, Pistil, showing ovule and

attachment (X 8.5).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 101

apparently none on upper surface, faintly numerous, dense, and

strongly ascending on lower surface (Fig. 14).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected ‘ten los sitios

sombreados, humedos, a lo largo de la margen de la selva, Yavita,

Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 128 m., January 23, 1942, Llewelyn

Williams 13922,

Philonotion has been known hitherto as an obscure monotypic

genus, based upon the single species P. Spruceanum Schott, col-

lected by Spruce along the Rio Panure in the Upper Amazonas region

of Brazil. It is remarkable, therefore, to encounter a second species

of this genus, occurring in the Amazonian drainage of Venezuela.

This new species differs from P. Spruceanum in the much narrower,

smaller, linearelanceolate leaves with a pronounced filiform-caudate

tip, a larger spathe with long filiform tip, the peduncles and inflores-

cence exceeding the leaves, and shorter petioles, which in P.

Williamsii are sheathed 1/2-3/4 their length, whereas in P. Spruce-

anum the petiole is sheathed only in its lower portion.

Spathicarpa duidae Steyermark, sp. nov.

Herbe terrestris e rhizoma crassiuscula; caule adscendenti vel

decumbenti, 6-9 dm. alto; foliorum petiolo 20 cm. longo, longe vagi-

nato; lamina elliptico-ovata, apice acuminata, basi acuta, 30-35 cm.

longa, medio 16-17.5 cm. lata, nervis primariis utrinque 14-15 angulc

circ. 30° adscendentibus, nervis secundariis tenuibus; spatha viridi

anguste lanceolata, 8 cm. longa, paullo infra mediam constricta,

lamina expansa circ. 2.2 cm. lata; spadice lineari, 4 cm. longo, quam

spatha breviore, tota longitudine spathae adnato; inflorescentia

foeminea 3 cm. longa; pistillo subgloboso, 1.5 mm. longo, apice 1

mm. lato, stigmate disco umbonato; ovario uniloculari; ovulo ortho-

tropo, unico.

Leaf blades coriaceous, deep green above, pale green beneath.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on Cerro Duida,

southeastern-facing slopes along Cano Negro (tributary to Cano

Iguapo), Terriotrio Federal Amazonas, alt. 970-1150 m., August

25-26, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57994,

Local name: ‘‘picaton’’.

This species is a common one at this elevation on Mount Duida.

It appears to be referable to Spathicarpa in possessing a spadix

adnate on one side for its entire length with the spathe, and in its

unilocular ovary with an apparently single orthotropous ovule. It is

readily distinguished from other species of the genus by the large

Dieffenbachia-like leaves. The flowering part of the specimen is in

poor condition.

Stenospermatium Pittieri Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta terrestris vel subepiphytica; caudice erecto tereti, 9 dm.

102 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

alto; foliorum petiolo modice valido, 12-25 cm. longo, supra mediam

vagina 1-1.5 cm. lata sursum angustata apice obtusa inferne dilatata

instructo; lamina coriacea, elliptico-oblonga, apice abrupte breviter

cuspidata, basin versus subcuneatim contracta, 16.5-32 cm. longa,

7.512 cin. lata, nervis primariis numerosis angulo 40° -45° a costa

valida adscendentibus; pedunculo 8.5 cm. longo; spatha pallido-

viridi ovata, apice abrupte acuminata, 7.5 cm. longa, 5.5 cm. lata;

spadice lineari-cylindrico 4.5 cm. longo, 8 mm. crasso, stipite 8 mm.

longo suffulto; pistillo 2.5 mm. longo, prismatoideo-hexagono, verftice

truncato, 2.5 mm. lato; ovario uniloculari; ovulis 12-14.

Leaves dark green and shining above, silvery pale green below;

spathe pale green.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on rich steep wooded

slopes, Alto de Lirio, between Bramon and Las Delicias, state of

Tachira, alt. 1890-2285 m., July 18, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

5 7455 (2 sheets).

This species is related to S. maximum Engl. and S, multiovulatum

(Engl.) N. E. Brown, but has a shorter spadix than S. maximum, and

a shorter spathe and spadix than S. multiovulatum. It is further dis-

tinguished by the large leaves, the petiole vaginate only to above

the middle, and a long peduncle.

Urospatha savannarum Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta terrestris; foliis basalibus; foliorum petiolo 58-63 cm.

longo; lamina hastato-sagittata, 17-20 cm. longa, lobo antico lanceo-

lata 9.511 cm. longa, 2.3-3 cm. lata, lobis posticis anguste lanceola-

tis vel oblanceolatis, 8-10.5 cm. longis, 1.5-1.7 cm. latis, sinu

angusto parabolico sejunctis, nervis primariis lobi antici infimis ad-

scendentibus marginem patentibus, superioribus adscendentibus in

apice exeundibus, nervis primariis loborum posticorum utrinque 3

adscendentibus, in latere interiore in margine exeuntibus, latere

interiore in mafgine exeuntibus, latere exteriore dichotomis; pedun-

culo 7 dm. longo; spatha lanceolata longe caudata, 18.5 cm. longa,

inferne expansa circ. 2 cm. lata, superne recurvata, intus purpureo-

viridi, extus brunneo-viridi; spadice lineari-cylindrico, 3.5 cm. longo,

4 mm. crasso; floris tepalis 4, spatulatis, 2.5 mm. longis, apice

rotundatis 1.8 mm. latis; pistillo oblongo-cylindrico, 2 mm. longo;

ovario uniloculari; ovulo unico; staminibus 4; filamentis latiusculis

1 mm. longis, 1 mm. latis.

Leaves grass green above, dull green below; inflorescence erect;

spathe recurved above, lavender-green within, bronze green without;

spadix pale gray-green above, pale gray-iilac below with brown-

lavender spots; ovary l-celled, the single ovule arising from the

base at one side (Fig. 15).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected along rill in savanna,

Sabana Grande, at southeastern base of Cerro Duida, Territorio

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 103

Federal Amazonas, alt. 200 m., August 23, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 57853.

This remarkable plant is distinguished from all other members of

the genus by the unilocular l-ovulate ovary, the usual condition

being incompletely 2-locular with 2 or more ovules. It is further

distinguished by the 4 perianth segments and 4 stamens of each

flower, the short slender spadix, relatively narrow long-caudate

spathe, and the narrow lanceolate to oblanceolate postical lobes and

the relatively small antical lobe of the leaf blade. The spathe and

spadix are shorter than in U. caudata (Poepp. & Endl.) Schott and

U. sagittifolia (Rodsch.) Schott, and the leaf blades are shorter than

in those species. It appears most closely related to U. decipiens

FIGURE 15

Uros patha savannarum Steyermark

A, Spathe and part of spadix, lateral view (X 1/2); B, Perianth seg-

ment (X 9), upper half, from above, lower half, from side; C, Flower,

from above (X 10); D, Staminate cluster (X 15); E, Ovule (highly

magnified; F, Pistil, showing ovule in position (X 6); G, Blade and

upper portion of petiole (X 1/2).

104 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Schott and U. dubia Schott, which have the cells of the ovary 2-

ovulate. Urospatha savannarum may represent a stage towards re-

duction in the evolutionary trend from species, such as U. dubia and

U. decipiens, having 2 ovules.

So far as the single-celled, l-ovulate ovary is concerned, U.

Savannarum is anomalous as a member of the genus Urospatha. But

in features of the stamens and morphology of the perianth segments,

and in the structure of the elongated spathe, it agrees with other

members of this genus. It resembles the genus Dracontioides in

having the ovary l-ovulate, but that has a spathe which is shortly

convolute below and forniculate above, features altogether lacking

in U. savannarum. It is probable that a special section of the genus

should be set aside for this new species.

XYRIDACEAE

Abolboda macrostachya Spruce, var. robustior Steyermark, var. nov.

Planta caespitosa; foliis rigidis coriaceis pungentibus, 18-42 cm.

cm. longis, 9-23 mm. latis, marginibus involutis; scapo 50-60 cm.

longo, 5-6 mm. lato; spicis elliptico-oblongis vel fusiformibus,

usque ad 5.5 cm. longis, 1.3 cm. crassis; bracteis ovatis vel late

oblongis, acuminatis vel mucronatis, subcoriaceis, marginibus

sCariosis inte gerrimis, 13-15 mm. longis, 6-7 mm. latis.

Leaves in rosette, rich green; floral bracts brown-lavender with

scarious margins; corolla deep blue.

Type in herb, Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in sandy wet meadow,

Gran Sabana, between Mission of Santa Teresita de Kavanayen,

northwest to Rio Karuai, on large mesa, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220

m., October 26, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59349 (2 sheets). Also

collected in swamp, vicinity of ‘Misia Kathy Camp’’, on mesa be-

tween Ptari-tepui and Sororopan-te pul, alt. 1615 m., November 15-17,

1944, Steyermark 60243,

From typical A. macrostachya spruce, this differs in the much

larger leaves, longer bracts of the scape, more elongated scapes,

and thicker heads of flowers.

Abolboda ptarite puiana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caules adscendentes foliati, steriles usque ad 1.2 m. alti; foliorum

vaginis membranaceis fuscis, vetustis squamosis praesecantibus;

foliis erectis firme membranaceis planis lineari-lanceolatis, 12-15

cm. longis, 10-12 mm. latis, acuminatis, glaberrimis, supra viridibus,

subtus argenteis, basi purpureis, marginibus fuscis; scapo tereti,

39 cm. longo, 5-7 mm. crasso, glaberrimo; floribus capitatis, capitu-

lis floriferis, 6 cm. longis, 8 cm. crassis; bracteis ovatis vel late

lanceolatis, 3.2-4.2 cm. longis, 5-12 mm. latis, marginibus in-

tegerrimis.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 105

Sterile stems leafy above, the sheaths in age shredding into

brown scaly segments; leaves of sterile stems firmly membranaceous,

those of fertile stems somewhat more rigidly pointed and slightly

broader at base.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in dense thickets,

Ptari-tepui, Bonnetia roraimae forest on southwest-facing shoulder,

state of Bolivar, alt. 2000-2200 m., November 2, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 59760 (2 sheets).

This species, although closely related to A. sceptrum Oliver,

differs from that species in the elongated leafy stem, the prominent,

brownescaly shredding leaf sheaths, leaves less rigid and not as

prominently pungent-tipped, green instead of silvery-blue on the

upper leaf surface, entire or subentire margins of the floral bracts,

which in the fruiting condition are shorter and erect-ascending, in-

stead of divaricately spreading as in A. sceptrum, and much more

slender peduncles.

Abolboda rigida (Malme) Steyermark, comb. nov.

A bolboda grandis Griseb. var. rigida Malme, Bull. Torr. Bot. Club

58: 326. 1931.

This appears distinct from A. grandis in the broader, pungent,

stiff leaves of coriaceous instead of subcoriaceous texture, and

larger heads with larger bracts and flowers.

The leaves are described by Malme as 12-17 cm. long and 810

mm. wide, but Steyermark 58181 from the summit of Mount Duida has

leaves measuring 23-24 cm. long and 15-19 mm. wide, and has bracts

measuring normally 14-15 mm. long. Malme describes the bracts as

“circiter 10 mm. longae, usque 5 mm. latae’’, The variety was

ofiginally described from Mount Duida (Tate 586), and later collected

also on Mount Auyan-tepui (Tate 1208, Cardona 116, 203).

Xyris albescens Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caespitosa satis robusta; foliis erectis subcoriaceis ensiformi-

linearibus, apice valde falcato-incurvatis et obtusis_ subtiliter

nefvoso-striatis, marginibus dense ciliatis pilis albidis instructis,

40-75 cm. longis, 4-6 mm. latis; vagina tertiam vel quartam partem

folii occupante, basin versus ferrugineo-castanea vel atro-castanea,

nitida, eciliata; scapo recto ancipiti, marginibus dense ciliatis pilis

albidis instructis, 60-75 cm. longis, 2-3 mm. latis; spicis subglo-

bosis, multifloris, 1.2-1.5 cm. longis, 1.2-1.7 cm. crassis;bracteis sub-

Coriaceis nigris vel fuscoenigris (vivis), decussatis, confertim erecto-

adpressis vel paullo patentibus, infimis sterilibus, late ovato-oblongis

vel late oblongis, ceteris late oblongis, integerrimis, apice rotunda-

tis, 8-10 mm. longis, 5-6 mm. latis, area dorsali nulla; sepalis

lateralibus liberis paullo inaequilateris, anguste lanceolatis, acutis,

8 mm. longis, 1-1.2 mm. latis, fuscis, ala carinali in parte tertia

superiore ciliato-scabridula.

106 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

FIGURE 16

Xyris albescens Steyermark. A, Tip of blade, showing recurved pore

tion (X 1/3); B, Petal (x 1.5).

Xyris esmeraldae Steyermark. C, Upper part of flowering scape with

spike (X 1.5).

Xyris lanulobractea Steyermark. D, Stamen (X 6); E, Portion of hairs

at base of filament (highly magnified); F, Bract, showing dorsal area

and pubescence at summit (X 3); G, Petal (X 1.5); H, Staminodium

(X 6).

Xyris ptariana Steyermark. I, Petal (X 1); J, Cluster of uppermost

leaves in position, showing recurved ligule (X 2/3).

Xyris stenostachya Steyermark. K, Uppermost part of scape with

spike (X 1); L, Middle part of blade (xX 3).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 107

Petals 8.5 mm. long, the blade 6 mm. long, 4 mm. wide, broadly

elliptic-ovoid, subobtuse, margins erose from tip to near base, claw

3 mm. long; anther linear, 2.5 mm. long; filament 1 mm. long; stami-

nodium long penicillate-plumose at apex with hairs 2 mm. long;

style branches 3, 3 mm. long, slightly penicillate and truncate at

tip (Fig. 16, a-b).

Type in herb. Chi, Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on Ptari-tepui,

Bonnetia roraimae forest on southwest-facing shoulder, state of

Bolivar, alt. 2000-2200 m., November 2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

59734, Also collected in swamp, Ptari-tepuf, on plateau portion of

southeast-facing slopes, alt. 1600 m., November 1, 1944, Steyermark

5 9683.

Apparently a member of Sect. XII (X. spectabiles Malme) [published

as Stirps X. spectabilis, but undoubtedly intended as plural, as all

other sections are so designated by Malme with plural endings], and

most closely related to X. decussata Gleason of Mount Roraima,

which it resembles in the falcate-incurved rounded or obtuse leaf

tips, pubescent margins of leaves and scapes, and decussate dark-

colored bracts lacking a definite dorsal area. It differs from that

species in the white instead of dark brown hairs of the margins of

scapes and leaves, recurved-falcate inequilateral leaf tip, much

longer leaves and:scapes, more robust habit, larger heads, bracts,

and lateral sepals, and longer sheaths of an orange-brown to dark

castaneous brown color.

In its strongly flattened, broad scape with pubescent margins of

the leaves and scapes, it is reminescent of X. eriophylla Reichenb.,

but that has a definite dorsal area on the bracts, densely villous

upper part of the lateral sepal, and transversely rugose leaves.

Xyris capillaris Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caespitosa; foliis rubrescentibus planis setaceis, acutis, 0.5-3

cm. longis, 0.1-0.2 mm. latis, omnino glaberrimis; vagina circiter

tertiam vel fere dimidium partem folii occupante, basin versus pallido-

brunnea, scariosa, eciliata; scapo subtereti tenuissimo, glabro,

1.5-1.9 cm. alto; spicis anguste ellipticis, l-floris, 3-4 mm. longis,

0.8-1 mm. latis; bracteis membranaceis brunneis, 2 infimis brevissi-

mis, anguste lanceolatis, 2-2.1 mm. longis, glabris, bracteis inter

mediis et superioribus lanceolatis, 3-4 mm. longis, albido-maculatis,

marginibus scariosis; ovario et capsula uniloculari; seminibus

plerumque 2.

Leaves copper-colored; placentae basal-central, ovules numerous,

attached to long, ascending funicles; seeds 2 of more, minute,

ellipsoid, reddish-brown,

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected between Esmeralda

Savanna and southeastern base of Cerro Duida, Territorio Federal

Amazonas, alt. 200 m., August 22, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57835.

108 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Also collected in savanna and shrubby growth bordering forest of Rio

Karuai, between Santa Teresita de Kavanayen and base of Ptari-

tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m., November 18, 1944, Steyermark

60306.

So far as known, this is the species having the most delicate and

slender leaves and flowers in the genus. It is most closely related

to X. filiscapa Malme of Manaos, Brazil, from which it differs in the

shorter, narrower, entirely glabrous leaves, shorter and more slender

scapes or culms, and 1-flowered inflorescence.

At first, it was thought that this species might represent a reduced,

starved, or dwarf state of X. filiscapa, but, in addition to the more

slender and shorter leaves, scapes, and spikes, the leaves them-

selves are completely glabrous, lacking the ciliation characteristic

of X. filiscapa, as exhibited, for example, in Williams 13996, Since

our material possesses mature capsules and seeds, it cannot be

considered as representing immature or dwarfed plants.

Xyris culmenicola Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caespitosa; foliis subcoriaceis ensiformi-linearibus, apice acutis

vel paullo falcato-incurvatis, valde nervoso-striatis, marginibus

dense ciliatis pilis albidis instructis, 15-30 cm. longis, 2-3.5 mm.

latis; vagina quartam vel quintam partem folii occupante, inferne

atro-castanea nitida, eciliata; scapo erecto ancipiti, ecostato, omnino

glabro, 35-45 cm. longo, 1.5-2 mm. lato, aciebus obtusis; spicis

elliptico-ovatis, basi paullo contractis, multifloris, 14 mm. longis,

7-11 mm. crassis; bracteis coriaceis, nigricantibus vel fusco-nigris,

concoloribus, opacis, ovalibus vel late oblongis apice paullo lacera-

tis, inferioribus et intermediis apice emarginatis, sub apice rotun-

datis et paullo carinatis, 7-8 mm. longis, 3.8-4.5 mm. latis, area

dorsali nulla; sepalis lateralibus liberis, lineari-oblanceolatis,

acutis, 7 mm. longis, 1.1-1.2 mm. latis, dorso castanea, ala carinali

angusta, in parte dimidia superiore ciliato-scabrida.

Heads somewhat thicker in dried state; carinal wing of lateral

sepals ciliolate in upper half, the cilia longer near the tip; ovules

on basal placentae; seeds few (2-9), elongated, tailed at one end

with whitish appendages 0.5 mm. long; body of seed linear-oblong,

2.25 mm. long. 0.4 mm. wide, pale brown, the surface smoothish.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected around small stream

on dry rocky slopes, summit of Cerro Duida, Brocchinia Hills,

Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1700-1980 m., September 1, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 58198; also collected in Savanna Hills, summit

of Cerro Duida, alt. 1025-1200 m., September 2, 1944, Steyermark

§ 8233.

Closely related to X. lugubris Malme, also from the summit of

Duida, but differing from that species in having the margins of the

leaves conspicuously densely white-ciliate, the leaves strongly

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 109

longitudinally nerved, whereas in X. lugubris they are impressed-

nerved with numerous conspicuous pale puncticulate stomata, the

ligules of the sheaths not lacerate, and the bracts of the heads less

conspicuously lacerate on the margins.

Xyris esmeraldae Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caespitosa subbulbosa, aphylla vel folia obsoleta; scapis nume-

fosis tenuibus, subteretibus, valde spiraliter tortis, 12-20 cm. altis,

0.5 mm. latis, omnino glabris; spicis ellipticis vel fusiformibus,

4-4.5 mm. longis, 1-1.5 mm. latis; bracteis 2 infimis late oblongis

vel ovato-oblongis, obtusis, 2 mm. longis, 1 mm. latis, marginibus

scariosis, ceteris ad 3.5 mm. longis, ad 4 mm. latis; sepalis laterali-

bus lanceolatis, 3 mm. longis, 1 mm. latis, apice denudatis, ala

carinali parce denticulata; capsula uniloculari, 3-valva.

Plant semi-bulbous at base; leaves reduced to short bracts at base

or absent; seeds at base of capsule on long erect funicles (Fig. 16,c).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in swampy woods

between Esmeralda Savanna and southeastern base of Cerro Duida,

Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 200 m., August 22, 1944, Julian

A. Steyermark 57821,

The fact that the specimen is not in flowering condition makes its

exact position in the genus somewhat uncertain, but there is no doubt

but that it pertains-to the subgenus Nematopus Seubert. The pos-

session of lateral sepals naked at the apex and denticulate on the

keel would place it probably in Sect. V. of Malme (X. Hymenachnes)

and, because of its spirally twisted scapes, near X. tortula Mart. and

X. simulans Alb. Nilsson var. subtortula Malme. From these species,

X. esmeraldae may be distinguished by the smaller, narrower spikes,

smaller lateral sepals, conspicuously spirally twisted narrow scapes,

and leafless condition.

Xyris lanulobractea Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caespitosa; foliis erectis subteretibus coriaceis subsetaceis,

apice subulatis, subtiliter striatulatis, omnino glabris, 18-44 cm.

longis, 0.5-1 mm. latis; vagina sextam vel nonam partem folii occu-

pante, inferne castanea, nitida, eciliata; scapo erecto vel basin

versus paullo torto subtereti subtiliter striatulato, omnino glabro,

40-50 cm. longo, 1 mm. lato; spicis ovato-ellipsoideis vel ovoideis

multifloris, 9-11 mm. longis, 6-7 mm. crassis; bracteis coriaceis,

brunneis praeter apices, infimis parvissimis sterilibus, late oblongis

vel oblongo-suborbicularibus, apice rotundatis, 3-5 mm. longis, 2.5-

3.5 mm. latis, intermediis superioribusque fertilibus, late oblongis

vel rhomboideo-oblongis, 5 mm. longis, 4-4.5 mm. latis, area dorsali

distincta oblonga sub apice obtusa et irregulariter reticulata, suprem-

is dense longe ciliatis, ceteris parte superiore et apice dense

albido-lanuginosis; sepalis lateralibus liberis, paullo inaequilateris,

oblanceolatis, 5 mm. longis, 0.9-1 mm. latis, apice villosis, ala

carinali in parte quarta superiore dense fimbriato-villosis pilis

110 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

albidis; petalis 8 mm. longis, lamina 4 mm. longa, 5 mm. lata, apice

grosse erosa; filamentis 1 mm. longis, basi pilosis pilis ad 2 mm.

longis instructis; antheris 1.3 mm. longis; staminodiis longe

penic illatis.

Petals longer than the bracts and sepals, obovoid-cuneate, the

blade abruptly narrowed to a long slender claw 4 mm. long and 0.5

mm. wide, lamina erose or toothed at apex with relatively coarse

broad projections; ovary 2 mm. long; style filiform, 3 mm. long; style

branches 3, filiform, 2 mm. long, tipped by slightly fimbrillate

stigmas (Fig. 16, deh).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on swampy ground

following streamlet, Gran Sabana, between Mission of Santa Teresita

de Kavanayeén northwest to Rio Karuai, on large mesa, state of

Bolivar, alt. 1220 m., October 26, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59336,

This is a member of Sect. XXL of Malme (X. pilosae), and most

closely related to X. globosa Alb. Nilsson of the upper Orinoco

(Spruce 3244), near Esmeralda, Venezuela. It differs from X. globosa

in the larger and more broadly ovoid heads with denser and longer

hairs on the upper part of the bracts, in X. globosa being shorter and

more scattered, the dorsal area of the bracts less pointed at tip and

relatively wider, the anthers exserted on conspicuous filaments, and

the conspicuously long-penicillate staminodia.

Xyris ptariana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caespitosa, robusta, elata; foliis manifeste distichis rigidis

coriaceis, ensiformi-linearibus, quam scapo brevioribus, laevibus,

aciebus acutis, apice falcato-incurvatis et obtusiusculis vel acutius-

culis, valde nervoso-striatis, 12-20 cm. longis, 3-5 mm. latis, omnino

glabris; vagina circiter dimidiam partem folii occupante, ligula dis-

tincte limitata, saepe recurvato-revoluta, eciliata, inferne castanea,

nitida, 9-12 cm. longa, deorsum sensim dilatata; scapis rectis,

superne ancipitibus et bicostatis, inferne unicostatis, laevibus,

omnino glabris, 30-38 cm. longis, 1-1.2 mm. latis; spicis

obovoideo-subglobosis, multifloris, 11-13 mm. longis, 5-10 mm, latis;

bracteis subcoriaceis integerrimis, fuscis concoloribus praeter

margines scariosos, nitidis, glabris, 5-8 infimis et exterioribus

sterilibus parvisque oblongo-obovatis, 4-5 mm. longis, apice rotun-

datis vel obtusis, 6-7 intermediis superioribusque fertilibus late

oblongis, 8-9 mm. longis, 4-5 mm. latis, sub apice rotundatis vel

obtusis, emarginatis vel retusis; sepalis lateralibus liberis, in-

aequilateris, oblanceolatis, 6.5-7 mm. longis, supra medium 1.2-1.5

mm. latis, ala carinali in parte superiore minute papillato-scabridula;

petalis rhomboideo-cuneatis, 9 mm. longis, supra medium 6 mm. latis;

filamentis 1 mm. longis, 0.5 mm. latis; antheris 1.3 mm. longis;

staminodiis 3, 4.5 mm. longis, superne dilatatis et penicillatis. —

Forming dense tufts; leaves dark green with brown at base; ligule

typically recurved-revolute or spreading and becoming squarrose;

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 111

spike 5-6 mm. wide in fresh condition, up to 10 mm. wide in dried

state with loosely spreading bracts; petals faintly many-nerved,

slightly wavy-margined on top, the rhomboid blade narrowed below

the middle to a cuneate claw; filament inserted somewhat below the

middle near the junction of the claw and the blade of the petal;

staminodia penicillate-plumose above with pale yellow hairs; pla-

centae basal; ovules numerous (Fig. 16, i-j).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on wet bluffs under

constant spray of swinging waterfall, Ptari-tepul, along base of east-

facing high sandstone bluffs, state of Bolivar, alt. 2410-2450 m.,

November 7, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59919,

Xyris ptariana belongs to the same group of species as X.Tatei

Malme and X, witsenioides Oliver and is intermediate between these

two. At one end of the series stands X. witsenioides, while at the

other end is X. Tateii By broadening the leaves and enlarging and

elongating the sheaths and scapes of X. witsenioides, a condition,

more or less like that found in X. ptariana is reached, and, by con-

tinuing one step further, again widening the leaves and scapes of

X. ptariana, the state of X. Tatei is reached. Xyris ptariana has

somewhat larger heads and broader leaves and scapes than has

X. witsenioides, but narrower leaves and scapes than X. Tatei

Like X. Tatei, to which X. ptariana is most closely related, the

tip of the leaf is prominently incurved-falcate and obtusish, whereas

in X. witsenioides it is scarcely or not at all falcate and more gradu-

ally narrowed to an acute or acuminate apex. In X. ptariana, however,

the lower part of the scape is angled on one side, as in X, wits enioi-

des, rather than bicostate and biangulate throughout, as in X. Tatei.

In X. ptariana the keel of the lateral sepal is somewhat less scabrid

than in X. witsenioides. The most conspicuous characteristic of

X. ptariana, however, is the ligule, which is typically recurved-

revolute; in X. witsenioides the ligule is produced upwards and erect

or sttaight or protrudes slightly as a small or elongated structure,

whereas in X. Tatei it is spreading-squarrose at the tip. This is

seen best developed, in the species mentioned, on the sheaths of the

uppermost and youngest leaves.

Xyris scabridula Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caespitosa; foliis rigidis coriaceis, flexuosis vel nonnihil laxe

Spira liter tortulis, subcomplanatis vel subteretibus, profunde sulcatis,

glabris, quam scapis multo brevioribus, 6-12 cm. longis, 1-1.5 mm.

latis, aciebus subobtusis; vagina scabridula, inferne fusca nitida;

Scapis atro-viridibus rectis vel nonnihil flexuosis laxe tortulis, sub-

teretibus, subtiliter sulcato-nervatis, 19-26 cm. longis, 0.75-1 mm.

latis; vagina basali purpurea, 6-7 cm. longa, nitida; spicis pauci-

floris, ovoideis, 6-7 mm. longis, 3.5-4 mm. crassis; bracteis coria-

ceis, integerrimis, adpressis fuscis concoloribus, infimis sterilibus

late oblongis, 3 mm. longis, apice rotundatis, intermediis superiori-

busque late oblongis, 5-6 mm. longis, 3-4 mm. latis, apice rotundatis,

112 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

omnibus glabris, area dorsali nulla; sepalis lateralibus fere aequi-

lateris, late lanceolatis, ala carinali e basi ad apicem manifeste

scabridulo-ciliata.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected around rills on rocky

dry ridge top, summit of Cerro Duida, Brocchinia Hills, Territorio

Federal Amazonas, alt. 1700-1980 m., September 1, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 58168; same locality, but in slightly more moist places,

Steyermark 58178 The last collection, although sterile, is un-

doubtedly referable to this new species. It has leaves up to 40 cm.

long, and the sheaths at the base are much more conspicuously

scabridulous than in the type specimen.

This species is related to X. stenophylloides Malme, also from the

summit of Duida, and to X. stenophylla Alb. Nilsson. It is charac

terized by the scabridulous-ciliolate keel of the lateral sepals, the

torulose leaves and scapes, small few-flowered heads with dark

brown bracts without a dorsal area, the purple sheaths of the flower-

ing scapes, and the strongly sulcate-nerved leaves and scapes.

From X. stenophylloides it may be distinguished by the scabrid-

ciliolate, instead of entire eciliate keel of the lateral sepal, pur-

lish instead of brown sheaths of the scape, and scabridulous instead

of glabrous leaf sheaths. From X. stenophylla it differs in the

shorter, more rigid, and more prolonged leaf sheaths, scabrid instead

of ciliate leaf sheaths, and shorter differently shaped lower bracts of

the heads.

Xyris setigera Oliver, var. elongata Steyermark, var. nov.

A typo differt foliis longioribus et marginibus ciliatis brevioribus

remotioribus.

Leaves 15-30 cm. long, the margins with shorter and less crowded

cilia than in the species.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist, Mus., collected on dry sandy and

rocky sandstone exposures on level ground adjacent to swamp on

plateau portion of southeast-facing slopes, Ptari-teput, state of

Bolivar, alt. 1600 m., November 1, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

59660; Ptari-teput, Brocchinta StegolepiaHalianunars swamp on

south west-facing shoulder, alt. 2200 m., November 2, 1944, Steyer-

mark 59782; swampy ground following streamlet, Gran Sabana, be-

tween Mission of Santa Teresita de Kavanayen northwest to Rio

Karuai, on large mesa, alt. 1220 m., October 26, 1944, Steyermark

59336a; and savanna, vicinity of “Mis ia Kathy Camp” » On mesa

between Ptari-tepui and Sororopan-tepui, alt. 1615 m., November

15-17, 1944, Steyermark 60239,

From typical X. setigera Oliver of Mount Roraima, this variety

has become differentiated by elongating the leaves and in reducing

the size and number of the cilia on the leaf margins.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 113

Xyris stenostachya Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caespitosa; foliis ensiformi-linearibus complanatis valde trans-

verse rugulosis, glabris, 10-15 cm. longis, 2-3 mm. latis, marginibus

incrassatis; vagina membranacea, brevi, glabra; scapis tenuibus

subteretibus transverse rugulosis, 17-30 cm. longis, 0.5-0.6 mm.

crassis; spicis lineari-cylindricis, acutis vel subacutis, 20+26-floris,

16-34 mm. longis, 2.5-3 mm. latis; bracteis firme membranaceis,

pallido-viridibus, marginibus pallido-brunneis subscariosis, integer-

rimis, ovato- vel elliptico-oblongis, apice obtusis vel rotundatis, 7

mm. longis, 3 mm. latis, area dorsali bene evoluta; sepalis laterali-

bus liberis, lanceolatis, acutis, 5.25-5.5 mm. longis, 0.8-1 mm. latis,

ala carinali parce et minute ciliolata, aliter glabra; petalis oblongis,

apice irregulariter eroso-dentatis, 3 mm. longis, circiter 1 mm. latis;

filamentis 1 mm. longis, glabris; antheris 0.7 mm. longis; staminodii

ramis penicillatis (Fig. 16, k-l)..

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected among rock outcrops

below mouth of Rio Sanariapo, along Orinoco river, Territorio Federal

Amazonas, alt. 100 m., September 8, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

5 8437. ‘

A member of subgenus Nematopus Seubert, Sect. IV. of Malme

(X. paraensis), this species is closely related to X. longiceps

Malme, from which it differs in the transversely rugulose leaves and

scapes, and longer and more slender spikes. It is also related to X.

savannensis Miquel, differing from that species in the more elongated

natrow spikes.

114 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

ERIOCAULACEAE ?°

Carptotepala Moldenke, gen. nov.

Flores trimeri androgyni. Bracteae involucrati paucae imbricatae

squarrosae. Receptaculum dense longeque villosum. Bracteae re-

ceptaculi nullae. Flores masculi centrali; sepala 3 libera glabra;

receptaculum ultra calycem in stipitem angustum productum corollam

Staminaque gerens; petala 3 libera firma adscendentes glabra; sta-

mina 3 libera; filamenta elongata. Flores femini peripherati; sepala

3 libera glabra; petala 3 libera elongata erecta in medio constricta,

ad apicem saepe appendiculata; stylus brevissimus, appendicibus 3

ornatis; stigmata 3 brevissima recurvata.

Flowers trimerous, androgynous; involucral bractlets rather few,

imbricate, squarrose; receptacle densely long-villous; receptacular

bractlets absent; staminate florets central in the head, easily de-

tached, their sepals 3, separate, glabrous; the remainder of the floret

inserted at the apex of a prolongation of the receptacle; their petals

3, separate, firm, ascending, glabrous; stamens 3, inserted alternate

to the petals, free; filaments elongate; anthers sagittate, versatile,

composed of 2 thecae, each dehiscing by means of a longitudinal

slit; rudimentary ovary present at the base of the stamens; pistillate

florets peripheral, firmly attached to the receptacle, with all the

floral parts inserted at one level; their sepals 3, separate, glabrous;

their petals 3, separate, elongate, erect, narrowed in the middle,

often appendaged at the apex; style very short; stigmas 3, very short,

recurved; style-appendages 3, issuing from the same level as the

stigmas, elongate, erect, fimbriate; ovary large, 3-angulate or 3-

alate, 3-celled, 3-ovulate.

This genus is known thus far only from the type species C. insolita

Moldenke, which exhibits most remarkable floral characters. Among

its distinctive characters are the definitely central and loosely

attached staminate florets and the distinctly peripheral firmly at

tached pistillate florets; the prolongation of the floral receptacle

(regarded as such in the absence of detailed morphological examina-

tion) above the calyx in the staminate florets; the free elongate

stamens; the completely separate sepals and petals in flowers of

both sexes; the elongated exserted petals of the pistillate florets,

with their narrowed mid-portion and caudate appendage; and the 3-

alate ovary. The generic name is compounded from the Latin word

‘‘carptim’”’, meaning in separate parts, and the latinized French word

“‘tepal’’, meaning a division of the perianth.

Carptotepala insolita Moldenke, sp. nov.

Herba parva caulescens; caulibus gracilibus 4-6 cm. longis rectis

simplicibus ad apicem longe villosis; foliis numerosissimis rectis

1 By Harold N. Moldenke

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 115

linearibus 4.5-8 cm. longis multistriatis non fenestratis utrinque

glabris vel ad basin plusminusve longe villosis; vaginis cylindricis

angustis arcte adpressis glabris ca. 3.5 cm. longis; pedunculis

stramineis vel flavis 15-25 cm. longis 3-costatis tortis glabris.

Small caulescent herb; stems slender, 4-6 cm. long, completely

hidden by the sheathing leaf-bases, erect, apparently unbranched,

long-villous at the summit; leaves very numerous, erect, linear,

gfass-green, thinemembranous, 4.5-8 cm. long, rather regularly attenu-

ate from the acute apex to the ampliate and sheathing base, about

1.5 mm. wide at the mid-point, many-striate, not fenestrate, glabrous

on both surfaces or more or less long-villous on the subhyaline

margins of the top of the sheathing base; sheaths cylindric, narrow,

closely appressed to the peduncles, shorter than the leaves, about

3.5 cm. long, glabrous, many-striate, slightly twisted, obliquely

split at the apex, the blade ovate-lanceolate, appressed to the

peduncle, about 7 mm. long, acute, glabrous; peduncles about 3 per

plant, slender, stramineous or yellow, 15-25 cm. long, 3-costate,

twisted, glabrous, shiny; heads solitary, turbinate, 4-5 mm. long,

3-4 mm. wide; involucral bractlets rather few, closely imbricate in

several series, oblanceolate-spatulate, about 1.9 mm. long and 0.8

mm. wide, firm, stramineous or light-brown, rounded at the apex, more

or less squarfrose, glabrous on both surfaces, shiny, concave on the

inner, convex on the outer surface; receptacle long-villous; recepta-

cular bractlets absent; staminate florets central in the head, loosely

attached; sepals 3, separate to the base, inserted about 0.4 mm. be-

low the remainder of the floret, narrowly elliptic, yellowish, about

1.9 mm. long and 0.4 mm. wide, subacute at the apex, glabrous

throughout, not bearded, not glanduliferous, firm, erect or spreading;

petals 3, separate to the base, elliptic, about 2.1 mm. long and 0.8

mm. wide, obtuse at the apex, yellowish, thin-textured, firm, ascend-

ing, glabrous throughout, not bearded, not glanduliferous, not invo-

lute; stamens 3, separate and free to the base, alternate with the

petals; filaments flattened, about 1.8 mm. long, glabrous; anthers

Sagittate, versatile, about 0.4 mm. long, 0.2-0.3 mm. wide, the 2

thecae separate and opening by longitudinal slits; ovary rudimentary,

at the base of the stamens and petals, dark-brown, about 0.2 mm.

long and wide, 3-angled, 3-celled, sometimes surmounted by a very

abbreviated 3-parted style; pistillate florets peripheral in the head,

all its parts borne at one level: sepals 3, separate to the base,

oblong, firm, brownish, ascending, about 1.6 mm. long and 0.3 mm.

wide, acute at the apex, glabrous on both surfaces, not bearded, not

glanduliferous; petals 3, separate to the base, elongate-linear, erect,

narrowed in the mid-portion, to 4.2 mm. long, about 0.2 mm. wide for

the lowest 1.2 mm. above the base and there hyaline, then narrowed

to about half that diameter for about 0.4 mm., then expanded to 0.15

mm. and somewhat involute and brownish for about 0.8 mm. or more,

acute at the apex, the apex often surmounted by a terminal caudate

erect of spreading appendage to 0.8 mm. in length, thc lowest ex-

panded hyaline portion of the petal long-hirsute on the back, the

116 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

remainder glabrous, not bearded, not glanduliferous: style very

short, about 0.1 mm. long, glabrous, terminated by 3 recurved-

spreading stigmas of about similar length and 3 elongated erect

fimbriate appendages about 0.8 mm. long and dark-brown at the apex;

ovary large, elliptic, about 0.8 mm. long and 0.4 mm. wide, broadly

3-angulate or -alate, glabrous, 3-celled.

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, collected by a waterfall

in a swampy savanna between Rio Karuai and Salto de Iraba-naima

along the Rio Karuai, at the southwestern base of Ptari-tepui, state

of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m., November 28, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

60703.

Eriocaulon dimorphopetalum Moldenke, sp. nov.

Herba; foliis caespitosis tenuiter membranaceis saepe pellucidis

patentibus 2-6 cm. longis longe attenuatis fenestratis glabris; vaginis

laxis 3-5.5 cm. longis pellucidis fenestratis glabris, ad apicem sub-

truncatis fissisque; pedunculis paucis erectis stramineis vel brun-

neis 5-9 cm. longis 3-costatis glabris tortis; capitulis brunnes-

centibus glabris hemisphaericis 5 mm. diam.; floribus dimeris.

Herb; stems very abbreviated; leaves cespitose, thin-membranous,

often pellucid, wide-spreading, 2-6 cm. long, 1-2 cm. wide at the

mid-point, long-attenuate, fenestrate, glabrous on both surfaces;

sheaths loose, 3-5.5 cm. long, pellucid, fenestrate, glabrous, sub-

truncate and split at the apex; peduncles 5 or more per plant, erect,

stramineous or brownish, 5-9 cm. long, 3-costate, glabrous, slightly

twisted; heads light brown (at least, when dry), hemispheric, about

5 mm. in diameter, smooth; involucral bractlets few, stramineous or

light-brown, broadly elliptic, about 2 mm. long and 1.8 mm. wide,

rounded at the apex, glabrous; receptacle glabrous; receptacular

bractlets elliptic-obovate, about 2 mm. long and 0.9 mm. wide, obtuse

or subacute at the apex, stramineous on the upper half, subhyaline

toward the base, glabrous; staminate florets few, central: sepals 2,

separate, subhyaline, obovate, about 1.3 mm. long and 0.6 mm. wide,

apparently cucullate at the apex, not keeled, glabrous throughout;

petals 2, linear-oblong, separate almost to the base, about 1 mm.

long and 0.1 mm. wide, acute at the apex, glabrous, not glanduli-

ferous; stamens 4, borne at the apex of a club-like stramineous 1l-

inch-long prolongation of the receptacle, the filaments divergent,

about 0.2 mm. long; anthers black, about 0.3 mm. long, 2 often

aborted; pistillate florets very numerous, peripheral, in many series:

sepals 2, elliptic-falcate, stramineous or light-brown throughout,

about 2.3 mm. long and 0.8 mm. wide, apiculate at the apex, glabrous

throughout, very broadly keeled on the back, conduplicate; petals 2,

1 usually reduced, the outer developed and stramineous throughout,

oblong, about 1.7 mm. long and 0.3 mm. wide, obtuse at the apex,

with a small black gland at the center of the apex, glabrous through-

out, the reduced one about 0.4 mm. long and 0.2 mm. wide and hya-

line; style capillary, about 0.4 mm. long, glabrous; stigmas 2, 0.4-0.5

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 117

mm. long, erect; ovary black or dark-brown, globose, about 0.6 mm.

long and wide, glabrous, 2-celled, 2-ovulate.

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, collected in swampy

meadow south of Divina Pastora, Gran Sabana, between Divina

Pastora on the Rio Kukenan and Santa Elena, south of Mount Roraima,

state of Bolivar, alt. 915-1005 m., October 3, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 59264. The collector notes ‘‘leaves soft, rich green; heads

white’. The dried material, however, does not exhibit any whiteness

on the heads.

Eriocaulon Steyermarkii Moldenke, sp. nov.

Herba; foliis caespitosis erectis vel divergentibus tenuibus 6-7

cm. longis longe attenuatis glabris basin versus plusminusve fenes-

tratis; vaginis arcte adpressis 4-6 cm. longis pertenuis valde fe-

nestratis glabris, ad apicem oblique fissis; pedunculis 1 vel 2, 18-20

cm. longis erectis stramineis 5-costatis glabris; capitulis albis

hemisphaericis 8 mm. diam.; floribus dimeris.

Herb; stems much abbreviated; leaves cespitose, erect or spread-

ing, thin-textured, 6-7 cm. long, about 3 mm. wide at the mid-point,

long-attenuate, glabrous, more or less fenestrate toward the ex-

panded base; sheaths 4-6 cm. long, very thin-textured, closely

appressed to the peduncle, conspicuously fenestrate, glabrous,

obliquely split at the apex, the blade attenuate-acute, erect, and

closely appressed; peduncles 1 or 2 per plant, 18-20 cm. long,

erect, stramineous, 5-costate, glabrous; heads white, hemispheric,

about 8 mm. in diameter; involucral bractlets black, elliptic or

elliptic-obovate, concave on the inner and convex on the outer sur-

face, about 3 mm. long, 1.6-2 mm. wide, obtuse at the apex, more or

less pilose-pubescent with short white hairs toward the apex on the

outer surface, the hairs easily rubbed off; receptacle glabrous; re-

ceptacular bractlets obovate, blackish, about 2.5 mm. long and 1.5

mm. wide, acute at the apex, pilose on the back at the apex; stami-

nate florets: sepals 2, blackish on the upper half, separate to the

base, falcate-conduplicate, about 2.5 mm. long and 1 mm. wide, some-

what cucullate at the apex, pilose-pubescent toward the apex on the

outer surface with erect white easily broken-off hairs; petals 2, un-

equal, connate into a slender glabrous hyaline tube for 1.5 mm., the

free terminal part lingulate, one about 2 mm. long, the other 1 mm.

long, both about 1 mm. wide and densely white-pilose on the back

and bearded at the apex, each with a small black gland at the middle

below the apex, widely divergent, subhyaline; stamens 4, 2 usually

anantherous; filaments capillary, about 0.4 mm. long, glabrous, borne

at the apex of the corolla-tube, adnate at base to the corolla; anthers

black; pistillate florets: sepals 2, conduplicate, slightly falcate,

oblanceolate, about 2.5 mm. long and 1 mm. wide, acute or apiculate

at the apex, pilose-bearded at the apex on the outer surface; petals

2, equal, subhyaline, spatulate-obovate, about 2.5 mm. lcag and 1.5

mm. wide, separate practically to the short-clawed base, acute at

118 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

the apex, ciliate-margined and more or less pilose on the inner sur-

face near the margins and apex, bearded at the apex, with a small

black gland in the center near the apex; ovary very small; style very

short; stigmas 2, erect-recurved.

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, collected in water of

swamp on the summit of Mount Roraima, on southern half of the sum-

mit between Summit Camp, Great Central Rift, Central Swamp, and

pond at southern end, state of Bolivar, alt. 2700-2740 m., September

28, 1944, Julian A. Stayermark 58868 The collector notes: ‘‘heads

dull white; bracts dull blackish.”’

Leiothrix Steyermarkii Moldenke, sp. nov.

Herba perennis caulescens; caulibus usque ad 15 cm. longis, 1 cm.

crassis, furcatis dense foliosis, ad apicem dense longeque villosis;

foliis linearibus 4-5 cm. longis recurvato-patentibus ca. 1 mm. latis

obtusis utrinque sparse pilosulis vel glabrescentibus; vaginis gracili-

bus arcte adpressis 4-6 cm. longis sparse pilosulis multistriatis

tortis; pedunculis 1 vel paucis 35-46 cm. longis glabris 3-costatis

tortis, ad apicem adpresso-pilosis.

Caulescent perennial herb, growing in dense tufts; stems to about

15 cm. long, about 1 cm. thick, usually only once forked near the

base, very densely leafy and entire ly hidden by the sheathing and

closely imbricate leaf-bases, densely long-pilose with white villous

hairs at the apex; leaves pale green, very numerous, linear, 4-5 cm.

long, recurved-spreading, about 1 mm. wide, blunt, sparsely and ir-

regularly pilosulous on both surfaces or glabrescent, thin-textured

but not fenestrate, the midrib rather prominulous beneath, the mar-

gins sometimes slightly revolute; sheaths very slender, closely

appressed to the peduncles, usually slightly surpassing the leaves,

cm. long, rather sparsely pilosulous with simple whitish or capi-

tate gland-tipped rather spreading hairs, many-striate, somewhat

twisted, the apex obliquely split, the blades lanceolate-lingulate,

appressed-pilosulous and often somewhat ciliate, about 5 mm. long,

erect, blunt; peduncles slender, 1 or a few at the apex of each

branch, 35-46 cm. long, glabrous or practically so, 3-costate, twisted,

more or less appressed-pilose just beneath the head; heads hemi-

spheric, 7-8 mm. wide, creamy-white; involucral bractlets light-

stramineous or buff, oblanceolate, usually very concave on the inner

and convex on the outer surface, about 2.5 mm. long and 1.5 mm.

wide, readily splitting at the very abruptly rounded apex, glabrous

throughout, shiny; receptacle densely long-pilose; receptacular bract-

lets none; staminate florets: sepals 3, separate almost to the base,

hyaline, narrowly elliptic-falcate, 2.3-2.6 mm. long, about 0.6 mm.

wide, more or less conduplicate-navicular, glabrous throughout, not

bearded, not glanduliferous; petals 3, united into a slender tube about

1.5 mm. long, glabrous, stramineous, the free terminal lobes hyaline,

about 0.6 mm. long, involute, glabrous, not glanduliferous; stamens 3,

included; anthers white; pistillate florets: sepals 3, separate practi-

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 119

cally to the base, hyaline, elliptic-falcate, more or less navicular,

2.6-2.8 mm. long, about 0.6 mm. wide, acute, rather densely ap-

pressed-pilose on the back, not bearded, not glanduliferous; petals 3,

separate to the base, narrow-elliptic, hyaline, about 1.8 mm. long,

long-attenuate at the apex, the attenuate subcaudate apex involute,

glabrous throughout, not bearded, not glanduliferous; style about

0.5 mm. long, glabrous; ovary oblong, 3-celled, about 0.4 mm. long;

style-appendages 3, about 1 mm. long, erect, arising from a lower

level than the 3 much shorter papillose stigmas.

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, collected in

Brocchinia-Stegolepis-Heliamphora swamp, on _ southwest-facing

shoulder of Ptari-tepu, state of Bolivar, alt. 2200 m., November

2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59779, This handsome species does

not closely resemble any other species of this genus from northern

South America.

Leiothrix umbratilis Moldenke, sp. nov.

Herba; caulibus valde abbreviatis; foliis rosulatis rectis 19-22

cm. longis, 10-13 mm. latis utrinque plusminusve pilosis obtusis, in

Statu senectute glabrescentibus; vaginis laxis 14-15 cm. longis

dense patenteque villosis, laminis irregulariter lobatis; pedunculis

7-10, 35-40 cm. longis, sparse pilosulis dein glabrescentibus, ad

apicem persistenter patento-puberulis, 2-costatis compressis tortis.

Herb; stems greatly abbreviated; leaves all basal, cespitose, erect,

thin-chartaceous, grass-green, 19-22 cm. long, 10-13 mm. wide at the

mid-point, rather firm-textured, not fenestrate, more or less pilose on

both surfaces, glabrescent in age, blunt at apex; sheath slightly

shorter than the leaves, cylindric, rather loose, 14-15 cm. long,

densely spreading-villous, obliquely split at the apex, the blade

elongate, erect, usually about 2 cm. long, more or less appressed to

the peduncle, irregularly lobed at the apex; peduncles 7-10 per plant,

35-40 cm. long, very sparsely pilosulous when young, soon glabres-

cent except for the very apex which is persistently spreading-

puberulent, 2-costate, flattened, twisted; heads hemispheric, about

1 cm. wide, white, very hairy; involucral bractlets stramineous,

densely imbricate, in many series, variable in shape, oblong or

oblanceolate or elliptic, about 4 mm. long, blunt, about 1 mm. wide,

more or less sparsely pilose on the back, more densely so on the

margins and at the apex; receptacle densely long-villous; receptacu-

lar bractlets hyaline, spatulate, about 5 mm. long and 1 mm. wide,

obtuse, very sparsely pilose near the margins and apex; staminate

florets pedicellate: sepals 3, hyaline, narrow-elliptic, 2.1-2.3 mm.

long, about 0.6 mm. wide, subacute, glabrous throughout or very

sparsely pilosulous at the apex, not bearded, not glanduliferous;

petals 3,-hyaline, united into a slender tube about 2.1 mm. long,

glabrous, the free lobes narrow-oblong, hyaline, erect, about 2.1 mm.

long, glabrous, not bearded, not glanduliferous, somewhat involute

at the apex; stamens 3, included; filaments about 0.4 mm. long;

120 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

pistillate florets pedicellate: sepals 3, separate to the base, hya-

line, elliptic, erect, about 3 mm. long and 0.8 mm. wide, usually navi-

cular, subacute, ciliate-margined toward and at the apex; petals 3,

separate to the base, hyaline, erect, narrowly elliptic or oblong,

about 1.7 mm. long and 0.4-mm. wide, ciliate-margined toward and at

the apex; style about 1.4 mm. long, glabrous, with 3 slender erect

appendages issuing at about 1/3 its height, 1 mm. long; stigmas 3,

terminal, very small, about 0.2 mm. long; ovary 3-lobed, 3-celled,

glabrous, but surrounded by a tuft of very long erect villous hairs

issuing from the receptacle within the perianth.

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, collected in shaded

places at the edge of a forest in scrubby Stegolepis-shrub growth on

mesa between Ptari-tepui and Sororopan-teput, in vicinity of ‘‘Misia

Kathy Camp’’, state of Bolivar, alt. 1615 m., November 15-17, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 60280. The species is obviously related to

L. flavescens (Bong.) Ruhl., but differs in its longer and broader

leaves, the peduncles not surpassing the leaves, and in floral

characters.

Paepalanthus perplexans Moldenke, sp. nov.

JHerba caulescens; caulibus elongatis ca. 30 cm. longis gracilibus

valde foliosis furcatis; foliis lanceolatis 3.5-4 cm. longis, ca. 1 cm.

latis, firme membranaceis multistriatis patentibus acutis utrinque

irregulariter albido-pilosis dein punctulato-puberulis; vaginis anguste

cylindricis ca. 5 cm. longis sparse irre gulariterque pubescentibus vel

pilosulis, ad apicem dense villosis ciliatisque; pedunculis gracilibus

usque ad 30 cm. longis 3-costatis non tortis sparse irregulariterque

pilosulis.

Caulescent herb; stems elongate, about 30 cm. long, slender, very

leafy, branched; leaves sheathing, the bases closely imbricate,

lanceolate, 3.5-4 cm. long, about 1 cm. wide at the base, firmly

membranous, rich grass-green on both surfaces, many-striate, not

fenestrate, spreading, acute at the apex, the base scarious-margined

(the opaque portion of the blade uniformly 5 mm. wide to the base, the

Scarious margin becoming regularly narrower from the base to about

1.5-2 cm. above the base), both surfaces more or less irregularly

whitish long-pilose, less so or only punctulate-puberulent in age, the

scarious margins more or less long-ciliate; inflorescences about 4

per branch per season, but those of the previous season usually

persisting in blackened form lower down the branches; sheaths

narrow-cylindric, surpassing the leaves, about 5 cm. long, sparsely

and irregularly short-pubescent or pilosulous, its apex obliquely split,

densely villous and ciliate, the blade lanceolate and acute, erect; pe-

duncles slender, to about 30 cm. long, sparsely and irregularly pilo-

sulous, 3-costate, not twisted; heads hemispheric, 5-7 mm. wide;

involucral bractlets in many closely imbricate series, ovate, 2-2.5

mm. long, 1-1.5 mm. wide at the base, dark-brown, shiny, acute at the

apex, glabrous except for the ciliolate margins; receptacle long-vil-

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 121

lous; receptacular bractlets spatulate, about 2 mm. long, about 0.8

mm. wide at the widest point, brown on the upper 1/3, stramineous on

the lower 2/3, densely bearded at and just below the apex on the

back, the remainder glabrous on both surfaces; staminate florets ap-

parently of 2 types: the fertile type with 3 sepals, separate practical-

ly to the base, oblanceolate, about 1.7 mm. long, 0.4-0.6 mm. wide at

the widest point, navicular, dark-brown, rounded and densely bearded

on the back at the apex, otherwise glabrous and shiny; petals 3, deep-

brown, about 1.3 mm. long, united for 1/2 their length into a narrow

tube, glabrous throughout, the free lobes oblong, involute at the apex;

stamens 3, filaments brown, about 0.6 mm. long, glabrous; anthers

brown, elliptic-oblong, about 0.6 mm. long; the sterile type with 3

obovate-elliptic sepals separate practically to the base, about 1.7

mm. long and 0.8 mm. wide, brownish, long-pilose throughout on the

outer surface, densely bearded at the rounded apex; petals 3, united

into a slender tube about 1.6 mm. long, the free lobes about 0.6 mm.

long, narrow-lanceolate, recurved, thin; filaments 3, erect, heavy,

subspatulate, anantherous; pistillate florets not observed.

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, collected in Bonnetia

roraimae forest on the southwest-facing shoulder of Ptari-tepui, state

of Bolivar, alt. 2000-2200 m., November 2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

59748, This puzzling species resembles P. Killipii Moldenke in

general habit and appearance. The collector describes the plant as

having ‘‘scapes pale green below, pale salmon above; bracts brown-

ish; heads white with blackish.”’ It is most remarkable in exhibiting

no pistillate florets in the several heads examined, but having ap-

parently two types of morphologically staminate florets instead, one

type fertile and the other type anantherous. The species is probably

either dioecious or polygamo-dioecious.

Paepalanthus roraimensis Moldenke, sp. nov.

Herba caulescens; caulibus elongatis 50 cm. longis dense filiosis,

ad apicem dense longeque villosis dein glabrescentibus; foliis sub-

cofiaceis lanceolatis patentibus ca. 6 cm. longis, 1.3-1.4 cm. latis,

utrinque glabris vel sparsissime pilosis, ad basin longe villosis

multistriatis non fenestratis attenuato-acutis; vaginis anguste cylin-

dricis ca. 6.5 cm. longis arcte adpressis multistriatis non tortis

Sparsissime pilosis; pedunculis ca. 30, 15-20 cm. longis 5-7-costatis

sparse pilosulis vel glabrescentibus tortulis.

Caulescent herb; stems elongated, 50 cm. long or longer, densely

leafy, completely hidden by the leaves except at the base, 5-6 mm.

wide, densely long-villous at the apex, glabrous in age; leaves dull-

green, subcoriaceous, spreading, lanceolate, about 6 cm. long, 1.3-

1.4 cm. wide near the base, clasping the stem at base, glabrous or

very sparsely pilose on both surfaces except at the long-villous

base, completely glabrous and shiny when mature (except for the

base), many-Striate, not fenestrate, attenuate to the acute apex;

sheaths about equaling the upper leaves, about 6.5 cm. long, narrow-

122 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

cylindric, closely appressed to the peduncles, many-striate, not

twisted, very sparsely pilose, obliquely split at the apex, the blade

about 1.5 cm. long, lanceolate, erect, appressed, sparsely and ir-

regulraly ciliate, apiculate at the apex; peduncles numerous, about

30 per plant, 15-20 cm. long, sparsely pilosulous or glabrescent,

5-7-costate, slightly twisted; heads hemispheric, about 1 cm. in

diameter, gray; involucral bractlets blackish toward the apex, paler

toward the base, numerous, closely imbricate, broadly ovate, about

2.5 mm. long and wide, acute or subapiculate at the apex, glabrous,

shiny; receptacle very sparsely and obscurely long-villous or gla-

brescent; receptacular bractlets narrowly oblong, 2.6-2.8 mm. long,

about 0.5 mm. wide, black at the apex, brown below, hyaline at the

base, villous on the back toward the apex, densely bearded at the

apex; staminate florets: sepals 3, connate at the base, the free por-

tions elliptic, about 1.9 mm. long and 0.6 mm. wide, obtuse, short-

villous toward and at the apex on the back; petals 3, connate into a

hyaline tube about 1 mm. long, glabrous, ampliate at the apex into a

cupuliform rim which is about 0.6 mm. in height and 1 mm. in diame-

ter, hyaline, glabrous, and 3-toothed, the teeth ovate, about 0.4 mm.

long or less, often more or less ciliolate between the teeth; stamens

3, opposite the petal-teeth, inserted at the apex of the corolla-tube;

filaments about 0.6 mm. long, glabrous; anthers white, versatile,

each of the 2 separate thecae about 0.4 mm. long, opening by longi-

tudinal slits; 3 rudimentary style-appendages inserted at the apex of

the corolla-tube, about 0.4 mm. long, papillose; pistillate florets:

sepals 3, connate only at the very base, elliptic, dark-brown toward

the apex, hyaline at the base, about 2.1 mm. long and 0.8 mm. wide,

more or less navicular, appressed-villous on the back, densely

bearded at the apex; petals 3, hyaline, separate, narrowly oblong-

elliptic, about 2.1 mm. long and 0.4 mm. wide, acute, very densely

long-villous on the back with erect or spreading hairs equaling or

slightly surpassing the petals, not bearded, not glanduliferous; style

about 0.8 mm. long, glabrous, terminated by 3 erect stigmas and 3

erect style-appendages, all about 0.6 mm. long; ovary subglobose,

about 0.4 mm. long and wide, glabrous, 3-lobed, 3-celled.

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, collected below water-

fall spray among boulders or talus, on ascent of ledge along south-

west-facing side, from beginning of sandstone bluffs to summit,

Mount Roraima, state of Bolivar, alt. 2255-2620 m., September 27,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58768.

Paepalanthus scopulorum Moldenke, sp. nov.

Herba caulescens; caulibus gracilibus elongatis furcatis foliosis;

foliis duris firmis elongato-lanceolatis 2.5-4 cm. longis 3-7 mm. latis

acutis multistriatis non fenestratis patentibus, in senectute sub-

falcato-conduplicatis, supra in statu juventute dense albido-villosis

dein glabrescentibus, subtus obscure subadpresso-pilosis; vaginis

cylindricis laxiusculis 1.5-2 cm. longis densiuscule breviterque

pubescentibus, ad apicem longe ciliatis; pedunculis gracilibus, 5-15,

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 123

6-7 cm. longis, 4- vel 5-costatis, tortis, dense bre viterque pubescenti-

bus dein praeter apicem glabrescentibus..

Caulescent herb; stems slender, to about 10 cm. long, branched,

very leafy; leaves firm and tough, elongate lanceolate, somewhat

twisted or falcate-conduplicate in age, 2.5-4 cm. long, 3-7 mm. wide

at the mid-point, acute at the apex, many-striate, not fenestrate,

spreading, sheathing the stem at the base, densely white-villous with

tangled white hair when young on the upper surface, glabrescent in

age, obscurely subappressed-pilose on the lower surface (densely so

when very young, sparsely so in age); sheaths cylindric, rather loose,

about equaling the uppermost leaves, 1.5-2 cm. long, rather densely

short-pubescent with appressed antrorse hairs, less so in age, ob-

liquely split at the apex, the blade lanceolate, erect or the tip

spreading or recurved, 5-7 mm. long, more or less long-ciliate on the

margins; peduncles slender, 5-15 per plant, 6-7 cm. long, 4- or 5-

costate, twisted, densely short-pubescent with subappressed antrorse

hairs, glabrescent in age except for the very tip; heads hemispheric,

6-7 mm. in diameter; involucral bractlets broadly triangularovate,

dark-brown, about 2 mm. long, about 1.5 mm. wide at the base, short-

acuminate at the apex, ciliolate-margined, otherwise glabrous; re-

ceptacle densely long-villous; receptacular bractlets absent; stami-

nate florets: sepals 3, separate to the base, firm, erect, brownish,

darkest toward the apex, oblanceolate, about 1.4 mm. long and 0.5

mm. wide, acute, the margins more or less involute, densely bearded

at the apex on the back, otherwise glabrous, not glanduliferous;

petals 3, united into a hyaline infundibular tube about 1.7 mm. long,

glabrous, narrow-cylindric for about the lower half of its length,

abruptly ampliate to 0.8 mm. at the apex, its rim 3-apiculate; stamens

3, opposite the corolla-apiculations, inserted on the corolla-tube

about 0.4 mm. below its apex; filaments slender, about 0.4 mm. long,

glabrous, equaling the corolla-apiculations; anthers white, versatile,

oblong, about 0.3 mm. long, composed of 2 separate thecae, each

dehiscing by means of a longitudinal slit; style about 1.3 mm. long,

the upper 0.4 mm. trifid; ovary absent; pistillate florets few: sepals

3, lingulate, firm, erect, about 1.2 mm. long, rather uniformly about

0.6 mm. wide throughout, obtuse at the apex, light-brown toward the

apex and in a median band to the base, hyaline-margined toward the

base, more or less densely long-villous on the back and short-

bearded at the apex, or only densely bearded, not glanduliferous;

petals 3, separate almost to the base, subhyaline, erect, elliptic-

oblong, about 13 mm. long and 0.4 mm. wide, subacute at apex,

glabrous on the back, very densely long-villous on the inner surface

with white hairs surpassing the petals in length, not bearded, not

glanduliferous; style about 0.6 mm. long, glabrous, terminated by 3

clavate style-appendages and 3 bifid stigmas, all 0.4-0.5 mm. long;

ovary small, subglobose, about 0.4 mm. long and wide, glabrous,

3-celled, .

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, collected in dense

124 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

colonies and masses on wet bluffs, along base of south-facing sand-

stone bluffs, Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 2410 m., November 6,

1944, jotian A. Steyermark 59914. The collector notes ‘that it is one

of the commonest species on the bluffs. It resembles P. Killipii

Moldenke, from Colombia, in habit, but is abundantly distinct in

characters of the leaves, peduncles, and flowers.

Paepalanthus squamiliferus Moldenke, sp. nov.

Herba caulescens; caulibus usque ad 9 cm. longis dense foliosis;

foliis firme membranaceis erecto-patentibus 3.5-4 cm. longis, 2.5-4

mm. latis, acutis multistriatis non fenestratis utrinque glabris;

vaginis anguste cylindricis adpressis tortis ca. 6 cm. longis multi-

striatis glabris, apice piloso-ciliato; pedunculis solitariis usque ad

40 cm. longis 5-costatis, parce pilosis, pilis irregulariter patentibus

vel reflexis.

Caulescent herb; stems to about 9 cm. long, very leafy, completely

hidden by the leaf-bases; leaves firmly membranous, grass-green,

erect-spreading, grass-like, 3.5-4 cm. long, 2.5-4 mm. wide at the

mid-point, acute, many-striate, not fenestrate, glabrous on both sur-

faces; sheath greatly surpassing the leaves, narrowly cylindric, ap

pressed to the peduncles, twisted, about 6 cm. long, many-striate,

glabrous except for the more or less pilose-ciliate apex, obliquely

split at the apex, the blade erect, closely appressed, ovate, 0.5-1.5

cm. long, ciliate-margined when young, glabrous in age; peduncles

solitary at the apex of each stem, to about 40 cm. long, sparsely

pilose with irregularly spreading or retrorse white hairs, 5-costate;

heads hemispheric or almost spherical, about 1.5 cm. in diameter,

gray; involucral bractlets variable in size and shape, the outermost

very dark brown or blackish, broadly elliptic, about 4.5 mm. long and

3 mm. wide, the inner ones oblong, slightly wider near the apex,

dark-brownish, lighter toward the margins, about 4 mm. long and 1.5

mm. wide, acute at the apex, all rather sparsely long-villous in a

central band on the back with more or less appressed antrorse hairs;

receptacle long-villous; receptacular bractlets oblong or elliptic,

about 3.4 mm. long and 0.8 mm. wide, usually more or less condupli-

cate-navicular, acute, long-villous in a median band on the back;

staminate florets: sepals 3, connate only at the very base, erect,

light-brownish, elliptic, about 3.5 mm. long and 1 mm. wide, obtuse

at the apex, densely villous toward the apex on the back, not bearded,

not glanduliferous; petals 3, connate into a slender tube about 4 mm.

long, glabrous, not ampliate above, the separate lobes narrowly

oblong, erect, 3-3.5 mm. long and 0.5 mm. wide, short-bearded at the

apex, not involute, not glanduliferous; stamens 3, inserted at the

mouth of the corolla-tube; filaments about 2.5 mm. long, black,

glabrous; anthers not seen; pistillate florets: sepals 3, separate to

the base, brown, broadly elliptic, about 3.4 mm. long and 1.9 mm.

wide, acute, brownish, long-villous in a median band on the back, the

margins lighter and usually conduplicate, not bearded, subtending a

great mass of long, erect, villous hair; petals 3, separate to the base,

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 125

linearlanceolate, 2.1-2.8 mm. long, about 0.3 mm. wide, more or less

attenuate to the sharply acute apex, very densely long-villous on the

back with wide-spreading hairs that far exceed the petals; style

about 1 mm. long, glabrous, terminated by 3 erect flat style-

appendages about 1 mm. long and 3 erect simple or bifid stigmas

1.9-2 mm. long; ovary small, with 3 erect scales about 0.3 mm. long

at its base.

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, collected in Brocchinia-

Stegolepis-Heliamphora swamp on southwest-facing shoulder of Ptari-

tepul, state of Bolivar, alt. 2200 m., November 2, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 59777, The species is most remarkable because of the 3

erect scales subtending the base of the ovary. Apparently these

represent the very much reduced corollas.

Paepalanthus Steyermarkii Moldenke, sp. nov.

Herba pumila; caulibus valde gracilibus 1-2 cm. longis foliosis

plerumque furcatis; foliis numerosis linearibus 5-10 mm._longis

subrectis vel recurvato-patentibus, 0.5-1 mm. latis obtusis utrinque

densiuscule albido-pilosis; vaginis gracile cylindricis arcte ad-

pressis ca. 1 cm. longis dense albido-pilosis pedunculis paucis

2.5-3.5 cm. longis densiuscule albido-pilosis 3-costatis non tortis.

Dwarf herb; stems very slender, 1-2 cm. long, leafy, often branched;

leaves numerous, usually densely clustered at the apex of the stems

or branches, 5-10 mm. long, linear above the sheathing base, suberect

or recurved-spreading, 0.5-1 mm. wide, blunt, gray-green, not fene-

strate, rather densely white-pilose on both surfaces; sheath slender-

cylindric, closely appressed to the peduncle, equaling the leaves,

about 1 cm. long, densely white-pilose like the leaves, obliquely

split at the apex, the blade linear, spreading, about 4 mm. long,

blunt, white-pilose; peduncles slender, 1 or several per branch, 2.5-

3.5 cm. long, rather densely white-pilose with spreading or (more

rarely) appressed hairs, 3-costate, not twisted; heads hemispheric,

about 5 mm. in diameter, gray-white; involucral bractlets oblanceo-

late, 1.7-1.9 mm. long, about 0.8 mm. wide, light-brownish in a

median band almost to the apex, translucent along the margins and at

the apex, acute at the apex, glabrous throughout; receptacle long-

pilose; receptacular bractlets oblanceolate, about 1 mm. long and

0.5 mm. wide, very light-stramineous, obtuse at the apex, glabrous

except for the densely bearded apex; staminate florets: sepals 3,

separate practically to the base, oblanceolate, about 1.1 mm. long

and 0.4 mm. wide, light-brownish or stramineous, obtuse, glabrous

except for the densely bearded apex, not glanduliferous; petals 3,

united into a slender glabrous subhyaline tube about 0.8-1 mm. long,

the free terminal lobes about 0.3 mm. long, subhyaline or stramineous,

erect, glabrous, involute at the apex, not glanduliferous; stamens 3,

about equaling the petals; pistillate florets: sepals 3, separate

practically to the base, elongate-oblong, about 1.8 mm. long and 0.4

mm. wide, attenuate to an acute apex, light-stramineous or trans-

126 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

lucent, glabrous throughout, not bearded, not glanduliferous; petals

3, separate, elliptic-sublanceolate, hyaline, about 1.2 mm. long and

0.3 mm. wide, subacute, glabrous throughout, not glanduliferous;

ovary 3-celled, oblong-elliptic, about 0.7 mm. long and 0.4 mm. wide,

glabrous, Z-ovulate; style stout, about 0.4 mm. long, glabrous; stig-

mas 3; sty le-appendages 3, issuing from the same level as the

stigmas.

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, collected in sandy wet

ground with Stegolepis and Brocchinia on large mesa, Gran Sabana,

between Mission of Santa Teresita de Kavanayen northwest of Rio

Karuai, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m., October 26, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 59369, The species is apparently closely related to P.

cristatus Moldenke, which differs in its blunt brunneous involucral

bractlets, larger receptacular bractlets which are long-villous over

the entire back, larger cuneate sepals in the staminate florets,

smaller and bearded sepals and bearded petals in the pistillate

florets, the glabrescent leaves and peduncles, and other characters.

Rondonanthus micropetalus Moldenke, sp. nov.

Herba dense caespitosa; caulibus valde abbreviatis dense villosis;

foliis numerosis firmis rectis vel patentibus lanceolatis 2-4 cm.

longis, 2-4 mm. latis, acutis vel attenuatis, in statu juventute

utrinque sparse longeque pilosis, dein glabrescentibus, obscure

multistriatis non fenestratis nitidis, ad basin dense villosis; vaginis

cylindricis, ad basin inflatis, ad apicem arcte adpressis, ca. 1.4 cm.

longis, multistriatis non tortis glabris, ad apicem ciliatis; pedunculis

paucis abbreviatis 2-3 cm. longis non tortis sulcatis obscure pu-

berulis nitidis, ad apicem ampliatis.

Densely tufted herbs; stems much abbreviated, densely villous,

hidden by the leaves; leaves numerous, in dense rosettes, rather

firm, erect or spreading, lanceolate, 2-4 cm. long, 2-4 mm. wide at

the mid-point, acute or attenuate at the apex, sparsely long-pilose

on both surfaces when young, glabrescent in age, rather obscurely

many-Striate, not fenestrate, shiny, ampliate and clasping the stem

at the base and usually densely villous there; sheath cylindric,

somewhat inflated toward the base, closely appressed to the peduncle

at the apex, about 1.4 cm. long, many-striate, not twisted, glabrous

except for the apex, obliquely split at the apex, the blade lanceolate,

about 5 mm. long, erect, appressed to the peduncle, acute, ciliate-

margined; peduncles few, all abbreviated, 2-3 cm. long, not twisted,

several-sulcate, very obscurely puberulent in the sulcations, other.

wise glabrous, shiny, brownish, ampliate at the apex; heads hemi-

spheric, 3-9 cm. in diameter, white; plants apparently dioecious,

only staminate florets seen; involucral bractlets broadly ovate,

blackish, closely imbricate, about 2.5 mm. long and 3 mm. wide, more

or less acuminate at the apex, glabrous and shiny except for the

more or less ciliate margins toward the apex; receptacle long-

villous; receptacular bractlets oblong-elliptic, blackish toward the

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 127

apex, lighter or even subhyaline toward the base, closely appressed

to the staminate florets, 1.5-2.1 mm. long, 0.4-0.6 mm. wide, obtuse

at the apex, densely villous on the back from about the middle to the

apex and on the margins often to the base, densely bearded at the

apex, or glabrous except for the bearded apex; staminate florets:

sepals 3, separate to the base, subhyaline or stramineous, narrowly

elliptic-oblanceolate, sometimes brownish toward the apex, 0.7-1.5

mm. long, 0.2-0.4 mm. wide, acute at the apex, densely bearded at

and near the apex; petals 3, reduced totiny suborbicular scales about

0.2 mm. long or less, hyaline, separate to the base, opposite the

filaments and barely reaching the base of the anthers, appressed;

stamens 3, tiny erect, included; filaments about 0.3 mm. long, gla-

brous; anthers oblong, white, about 0.3 mm. long, dorsifixed, com-

posed of 2 parallel more or less versatile thecae, each opening by

longitudinal slits; among the staminate florets are similar ones with

more or less effete anthers, but otherwise identical; pistillate

florets not seen.

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, collected on ascent of

ledge along southwest-facing side of Mount Roraima, from beginning

of sandstone bluffs to summit, state of Bolivar, alt. 2255-2620 m.,

September 27, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58777. In the absence of

pistillate florets the generic position of this curious species is

uncertain. It is placed tentatively in Rondonanthus because of its

separate petals in the staminate florets and its apparently dioecious

habit. It differs pronouncedly from the only other known species of

the genus, R. roraimae (Oliv.) Herzog, which has the petals of the

staminate florets as long as the sepals and very different involucres.

It may possibly represent an undescribed genus.

Syngonanthus duidae Moldenke, sp. nov.

Herba acaulescens; foliis rosulatis recurvis usque ad 1 cm. longis

non fenestratis glabratis, ca. 0.5 mm. latis, obtusis; vaginis arcte

adpressis ca. 1.5 cm. longis glabris, apice ciliato; pedunculis

Solitariis gracillimis 815 cm. longis 3-costatis tortis basin versus ©

breviter pilosis, apicem versus glabris.

Acaulescent herb, or with extremely abbreviated stems; leaves

basal, rosulate, recurved, firm-textured, dull-green, tinted with brick-

red or brown, 1 cm. long or less, not fenestrate, the venation indis-

cernible, essentially glabrous, 0.5 mm. wide or less, blunt at the

apex; sheaths surpassing the leaves, closely appressed to the

peduncles, about 1.5 cm. long, essentially glabrous except for the

ciliate apex, obliquely split at the apex; peduncles solitary, very

slender, 8-15 cm. long, lightly 3-costate, twisted, short-pilose on the

lower half, glabrous above; heads hemispheric, 3. 5-6 mm.in diameter,

white; involucral bractlets lanceolate, about 3.2 mm. long, about 0.6

mm.wide at the base, regularly attenuate to the sharply subacuminate

apex, stramineous or white, glabrous throughout; receptacle densely

white-pilose with rather long hairs; receptacular bractlets oblong or

128 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

oblong-lanceolate, hyaline, about 2.8 mm. long, about 0.4 mm. wide

at the base, subacute at the apex, slightly appressed-short-pilose on

the back or glabrate, not bearded; staminate florets: sepals 3, sepa-

rate practically to the base, narrow-lanceolate, about 2.8 mm. long,

about 0.3 mm. wide at the base, attenuate to the subacute apex,

sparsely pilose on the back toward the base, not bearded, not glandu-

liferous; petals 3, connate into a hyaline tube about 1.4 mm..long and

0.5 mm. wide, glabrous, 3-lobed and involute at the apex, not glandu-

liferous; stamens 3; anthers white, oblong, about 0.2 mm. long;

pistillate florets: sepals 3, separate to the base, narrowly elliptic-

lanceolate, about 3 mm. long, about 0.4 mm. wide, attenuate to the

sharply acute apex, rather sparsely or densely pilose on the back.and

margins, not bearded, not glanduliferous; petals 3, connate at the |

middle, hyaline, narrow-ellitpic, about 2.2 mm. long and 0.5 mm.

wide, acute, somewhat pilose on the back, not bearded, not glandu-

liferous; style short, stout, about 0.4 mm. long, glabrous; stigmas 3,

about’ 0.3 mm. long, densely papillose; style-appendages 3, elongate

to 1 mm., glabrous, epapillose, arising from the same place as the

stigmas; ovary ovate, about 0.5 mm. long, glabrous, 3-celled, 3-

ovulate.

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, collected around a

small stream on dry rocky slopes, summit of Cerro Duida, Brocchinia

Hills, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1700-1980 m., September 1,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58199.

Syngonanthus venezuelensis Moldenke, sp. nov.

Herba perenna pumila caulescens; caulibus usque ad 3 cm. longis

gtacilibus brachiatis dense foliosis procumbentibus vel adscendenti-

bus, ad apicem plusminusve longe pilosis; foliis firmis linearibus

5-7 mm. longis non fenestratis obtusis parcioscule pilosis in statu

senectute glabrescentibus; vaginis gracilibus arcte adpressis ca-

7 mm. longis parce pilosulis glabrescentibus; pedunculis gracilibus

solitariis ca. 1 cm. longis 2-costatis non tortis glabris.

Dwarf caulescent perennial, forming dense mats; stems about 3 cm.

long, slender, several-branched, densely leafy, procumbent or ascend-

ing, more or less long-pilose with soft white hairs on the younger

parts; leaves firm, gray-green on both surfaces, linear except for the

sheathing base, spreading or recurved, 5-7 mm. long, less than 1 mm.

wide, not fenestrate, rounded at apex, rather sparsely and loosely

pilosulous on both surfaces, glabrescent in age, the hairs very short,

white, appressed; sheaths slender, closely appressed to the pe-

duncles, about 7 mm. long, subequaling the leaves, sparsely pi-

losulous like the leaves, glabrescent in age, obliquely split and

more or less ciliolate at the apex, the blade about 2 mm. long,

narrow-lanceolate, erect, blunt; peduncles slender, about 1 cm. long,

glabrous (or minutely pilosulous with appressed hairs at the apex),

2-costate, not twisted, usually one per branch; heads hemispheric,

about 5 mm. in diamtere; involucral bractlets stramineous, usually

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 129

darker brown in the central portion, obovate-oblanceolate, about 1.5

mm. long and 0.8 mm. wide, acute at apex, the margins at and above

the widest part subhyaline, glabrous and shiny throughout; receptacle

long-pilose; receptacular bractlets oblong-oblanceolate or oblong,

1.3-1.7 mm. long, 0.4-0.6 mm. wide, stramineous in a median band,

hyaline-margined, often with the margins conduplicate, densely

bearded at the apex on the back, otherwise glabrous; staminate

florets: sepals 3, separate almost to the base, brunneous, elliptic-

obovate or obovate, about 1 mm. long, about 0.4 mm. wide, subacute

or obtuse, glabrous throughout, not glanduliferous; petals 3, united

into a slender tube about 0.8 mm. long, glabrous, the free lobes about

0.3 mm. long, involute, glabrous, not glanduliferous; stamens 3, in-

cluded; pistillate florets: sepals 3, separate almost to the base,

hyaline, narrowly oblong or oblanceolate, 0.8-1.3 mm. long, about

0.2 mm. wide, acute at apex, glabrous throughout, the free apical

lobes quite short, hyaline, incurved, glabrous, not glanduliferous;

style stramineous, about 0.5 mm. long; stigmas 3; ovary oblong,

3-celled.

Type in herb. New York Botanical Garden, collected in sandy wet

meadow on large mesa, Gran Sabana, between Mission of Santa

Teresita de Kavanayen northwest to Rio Karuai, state of Bolivar, alt.

1220 m., October 26, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59347, Superficially

this peculiar species greatly resembles some of the very dwarf matted

species of Paepalanthus.

130 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

RAPATEACEAE

Rapatea Steyermarkii Maguire, sp. nov.

Herbae terrestres perennantes. Caudex adscendens erectusve,

10-20 cm. longus. Folia 8-10, 50-65 cm. longa; vaginis equitantibus

distichisque, in dispositione paullum helicoideis, 12-15 cm. longis,

1.5-3.5 cm. e costa ad marginem, 10-15-nervatis, vix brevi-castaneo-

Strigosis, scarioso marginatis, paullatim arctatis in petiolum alatum

ca. 1 cm. longum; laminis 40-50 cm. longis 5-7 cm. latis, supra

tenuiter celluloso-punctatis, infra similiter punctatis atque conspicue

glanduloso-papillatis, 70-80-nervatis, e costa prominenti nervis

lateralibus valde adscendentibus, apice falcato-acuminato, basi

inaequilaterali, abrupte constricto. Pedunculi solitarii vel pauci,

3-5 cm. longi, ca. 1.5 cm. lati, in maturitate valde recurvati; invo-

lucri bracteis 2, late cordatis ca. 5 cm. latis ad basim, 6-7 cm.

longis, ad apicem abrupte caudatis; receptaculi bracteis scariosis

12-18 mm. longis utrinque pubescentibus uninervatis; pedicellis ca.

lcm. longis 2 mm. crassis paullum compressis castaneo-pubescenti-

bus; spiculis ca. 2 cm. longis sepalis expansis exclusis; bracteolis

9-11, paullum gradatis, exterioribus 12-13 mm. longis 5 cm. latis,

interioribus 17-20 cm. longis, 3.5-4.0 mm. latis,acutis brevipungenti-

bus, apiculo ca. 1 mm. longo, corpore trinervato, utrinque pubescenti-

bus. Perianthium non visum; ovario triloculari, ovulo uno in loculo.

Capsula 7-8 mm. longa, basi subscarioso, sursum indurata; semine 5

mm. longo, cylindrico-oblongo, griseo-brunneo striato, hilo basilari

obliquo, concavo.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in shaded wet woods

of a dwarf type, lower southeastern slopes of Carrao-tepui, state of

Bolivar, alt. 1675-1980 m., Dec. 5-6, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

60868, “leaves arising at base from an elongated caudex or old stem

several inches to a foot from the ground, then the leaf bases or

sheaths themselves in a fan-like arrangement, but the blades in a

Spiral or severalranked arrangement, not in a single rank as in

Ste gole pis; leaves firmly membranaceous, dull green above, silvery

green-papillate below.’’

Rapatea Steyermarkii is most closely related to R. Ulei Ducke,

which it strikingly resembles superficially. Aside from its distinct

geographic and ecologic isolation, our plant is at once recognized

by its short peduncle, smaller head, and much larger spikelets, and

by the conspicuously glandular-papillate leaves, noted in the field

by the collector.

Stegolepis Gleasoniana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Foliorum vaginae conduplicatae ovatae, apice rotundatae vel

obtusae, nitentes membranaceae, nervis manifestis; laminis crassis

cofiaceis rigidis late linearibus erectis, subtus pallido-viridibus,

90-95 cm. longis, 8-22 mm. latis, in parte media latissimis, ad extre-

mos angustatis, inaequilateris, apice acuminatis, uno latere costa

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 131

media prominenti incrassata, 7-10 nervis uno latere, 10-12 nervis alio

latere; scapis elongatis tenuissimis, 40-45 cm. longis, 1 mm. crassis,

glabris, paucisulcato-striatis, apice paullo dilatatis; involucro nullo

nisi bracteis 3 infimis quam vicinis multo longioribus; floribus 1 vel

2 infrequente 4; bracteis brunneis, extimis 3 vel 4 membranaceis

majoribus inaequalibus anguste lanceolatis longe acuminatis, 14-18

mm. longis, 3 mm. latis, intermediis 11 brevioribus anguste lanceo-

latis, longe acuminatis (exterioribus) vel late lanceolatis vel ovatis,

breve- vel longe-acuminatis (interioribus), 6.5-7 mm. longis, 2.5-3

mm. latis (interioribus) ad 8-9 mm. longis, 2-3 mm. latis (exterioribus);

sepalis unguiculatis, laminis in anthesi exsertis erectis lanceolatis

acutis; petalis unguiculatis, laminis suborbicularibus, apice sub-

acutis; filamentis lineari-subulatis, 6 mm. longis, in parte inferiore

paullo latioribus; antheris lineari-subulatis, 10 mm. longis, poro

terminali introrso dehiscentibus; ovario late ovoideo, 2 mm. longo;

stylo filiformi, 11 mm. longo; ovulis in quoque loculo 8-10; capsula

4-5 mm. longa; seminibus rhomboideo-oblongis, purpureo-brunneis,

1.5 mm. longis, circiter 20-costatis, striis reticulatis.

Sheaths thin, membranaceous, finely nerved, rounded or obtuse at

summit; leaves somewhat asymmetric, broader in middle part, narrow-

ed at each end, deep green above, pale green below, midrib prominent

and thickened on one side, the nerves on either side of midrib promi-

nent only on one surface (lower), unequal in number; scapes very

slender and elongated; the three outermost bracts foliaceous, unequal

and elongated, equaling the flower; sepals brown, the blades rigid,

chartaceous, cucullate-incurved, 12-13 mm. long, 4.5-5 mm. wide, the

claw membranaceous, oblong-rhomboid, slightly enlarged at junction

with blade, 4 mm. long, 3 mm. wide, 7-nerved; petals deep yellow,

the blade suborbicular, abruptly narrowed to subacute tip, 16 mm.

long, 14 mm. wide, the claw 5 mm. long, 2 mm. wide; fertile stamens

3-5, one to three of them becoming partly or completely petaloid;

filaments slightly broader in lower half, 6 mm. long, 1.1 mm. wide

near base; ovary with 3 cells, 8-10 ovules in each cell (Fig. 17, c-e).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on moist bluffs of

Cerro Duida, southeastern-facing sandstone bluffs near Cano Negro

(tributary of Cano Iguapo), Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1095-

1520 m., August 26, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58040.

This species is remarkable for the elongated foliaceous outer

bracts of the heads. In its slender filiform peduncles it resembles

S. Allenii Steyermark of Panama, but that has the leaf sheaths taper-

ing rather than abruptly rounded at the summit, while, moreover, in

S. Allenii the flowers are much smaller and the bracts are strongly

imbricate.

Stegolepis Gleasoniana appears to be related to S. pauciflora

Gleason, from which it differs in the shorter sepals and petals, more

slender, almost filiform scapes, which are much narrower below the

heads than in S. pauciflora, elongated membranaceous outermost 3-4

132 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

bracts, much narrower leaf blades throughout the length, acuminate

instead of obtuse or subacute bracts, and the delicate, membra-

naceous instead of rigid and thick leaf sheaths, the nerves being evi-

dent in the thin sheaths of S. Gleasoniana and not evident in S.

pauciflora.

FIGURE 17

Stegolepis ptaritepuiana Steyermark. A, Uppemmost part of scape

with flower heads (X 1); B, Uppermost part of blade (X 1/2).

Stegolepis Gleasoniana Steyermark. C, Petal (X 1); D, Stamen

(X 2); E, Seed (X 5).

Stegolepis parvipetala Steyermark. F, Petal (X 2.5); G, Three of

filaments joined at base with one another (highly magnified).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 133

This distinct species is named in honor of Dr. H. A. Gleason of

the New York Botanical Garden, who has done much to advance our

knowledge of the genus Stegolepis and other genera of the

Rapateaceae.

Stegolepis parvipetala Steyermark, sp. nov.

Foliorum vaginae conduplicatae, incrassatae coriaceae, superne

gtaduatim angustatae; laminis erectis crassis rigidis coriaceis, uno

latere argenteo-viridibus, late linearibus, ad extremos angustatis,

90-100 cm. longis, 1-4.5 cm. latis, in parte media latissimis, pluri-

Striatis, subtus costa media prominenti; scapis elongatis erectis,

glabris, pluricostatis, 60-85 cm. longis, 4-6 mm. crassis, apice

paullo dilatatis; involucro nullo; floribus 32-35 sessilibus, 14-15

mm. longis; bracteis castaneo-aureis, circiter 22, ovato-triangulari-

bus, obtusis, 3-5 (extimis) ad 10 mm. (intimis) longis, 3-4 mm. latis;

sepalis 14 mm. longis, laminis 10 mm. longis, 4.5-5 mm. latis;

petalis parvis, 11 mm. longis, laminis ovato-oblongis, subacutis vel

obtusis, basi subito obtusis vel cordatis, 8 mm. longis, 4.5-5 mm.

latis, unguiculis amplis, 3 mm. longis, 4 mm. latis; filamentis 2.5-3

mm. longis, ad basin corollae adnatis, basi connatis; antheris

lineari-lanceolatis, basi valde cordatis; ovulis 27, in quoque loculo

9; stylo 13 mm. longo.

Leaves grass green on one side, silvery side on other; bracts dull

orange; claw of sepals 4 mm. long; petals dull yellow, small, re-

curved or spreading back, connate at base; filaments attached at

base of petals, joined to each other at base; anthers 7-8 mm. long

(Fig. 17, f-g).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on Ptari-tepui, on

forested south-facing slopes overlying sandstone, on ‘‘Cave Rock”’

above ‘‘Cave Camp’’, state of Bolivar, alt. 1810 m., October 29,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59514 (2 sheets).

This species is distinguished by the small petals with a broad

claw and broadly ovate blade, dull orange-castaneous bracts, and the

filaments united at base. It resembles S. angustata Gleason in the

leaf blades cuneate or narrowed at base and in the leaf sheaths

gtadually narrowed to the summit, but differs in the smaller petals,

with a broader claw and differently shaped blade, and in the orange-

Castaneous instead of pale brown bracts. From S. guianensis

Klotzsch it differs in the leaf sheath gradually narrowed to the

summit, smaller petals with broad claw and ovate blade, and color

of bracts.

Stegolepis ptaritepuiensis Steyermark, Sp. nov.

Foliorum vaginae conduplicatae incrassatae coriaceae late ovatis,

6.5-8 cm. longis, 4-10 cm. latis, nitentibus, supeme rotundatis,

marginibus membranaceis fere scariosis; laminis erectis crassis

tigidis coriaceis, late linearibus, 25-41 cm. longis, 10-30 mm. latis,

apice acutis et angustatis, tenuiter plurinervatis; scapis elongatis,

134 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

60-75 cm. altis, 2-3 mm. crassis, subteretibus, apice dilatatis com-

planatis rotundatis, 5-14 mm. latis, pluricostatis; involucro nullo;

floribus fuscis, firme chartaceis, 9-18, sessilibus, 17-20 mm. longis,

5-7 mm. crassis; bracteis 27-28, valde imbricatis, extimis brevissi-

mis late triangularibus vel ovatis, 4-5 mm. longis, 4-5 mm. latis,

intermediis late ovatis vel ovato-lanceolatis, 6-8 mm. longis, 3-4

mm. latis, intimis lanceolatis vel oblongo-lanceolatis, 14-17 mm.

longis, 4.5-5 mm. latis, omnibus apice abrupte apiculatis vel breve

acuminatis; sepalis 18 mm. longis, unguiculatis, laminis oblongo-

lanceolatis; petalis luteis, 14 mm. longis, longe unguiculatis,

laminis rhomboideo-subrotundatis, apice abrupte acuminatis; fila-

mentis 2 mm. longis; antheris 7.5-8 mm. longis; stylo filiformi, 10.5

mm. longo; ovario 3-loculari, ovulis in quoque loculo 4-5.

Scapes subterete except at the top which is flattened and ends in

a rounded tip; sepals with blade 15 mm. long and claw 3 mm. long;

petals with blade 10 mm. long, 10 mm. wide, and claw 5 mm. long,

2.5 mm. wide; stamens 6, all fertile; filaments papillate-areolate

(Fig. 17, a-b).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on Ptari-tepui, in

swamp on open level portion of plateau on southeast-facing slopes,

state of Bolivar, alt. 1600 m.. November 1, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 59655; also collected in sandy wet "ground with Brocchinia,

Gran Sabana, between Mission of Santa Teresita de Kavanayen north-

west to Rio Karuai, on large mesa, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m.,

October 26, 1944, Steyermark 59365.

This species is the common one found at the base of and on the

slopes of Ptari-tepui. It is related to S. pungens Gleason of Mount

Duida, from which it differs in the narrower, more falcate-ensiform

leaves, which are acute instead of obtuse at apex, the heads with

more numerous flowers, which are smaller, narrower, and in usually

two rows instead of one, as in S. pungens, the smaller petals, shorter

filaments, smaller bracts, and more slender, subterete instead of

flattened scapes.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 135

BROMELIACEAE!?!

Brocchinia melanacra L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

Verisimiliter acaulis, florifera ultra 8 dm. alta; foliis ad 6 dm.

longis, integerrimis, utrinque obscure punctulato-lepidotis, vaginis

ellipticis, 7-8 cm. longis, membranaceo-marginatis, basi atro-

castaneis lucidisque, laminis strictis, anguste triangularibus, ca. 2

cm. latis, parte apicali ca. 5 cm. longa, involuta, incrassata, laevi,

subtus atro-castanea, reliqua parte margine revoluta, utrinque viridi,

ex sicco rugosa; scapo recto, 5 mm. diametro, glabro; scapi bracteis

e late ovato longe acuminatis, eorum laminis cum apicibus foliorum

similibus, quam internodiis multo brevioribus; inflorescentia laxe ti-

pinnatim paniculata, ca. 5 dm. longa, omnino glabra; bracteis prima-

riis eis scapi similibus, quam basibus sterilibus ramorum multo brevi-

oribus; ramis strictis, gracilibus; bracteis florigeris ovato-lanceolatis,

acutis, ovaria aequantibus vel quam eis brevioribus; tloribus breviter

sed graciliter pedicellatis, paulo divergentibus; sepalis lanceolatis,

acutis, 4.5 mm. longis; petalis anguste panduratis, cucullatis,

sepala subaequantibus, albis; staminibus inclusis, filamentis serei

secundae cum petalis paulo connatis; ovario obovoideo, trigono, 4

mm. longo, omnino infero; stylis coalitis (Fig. 18, a-e).

Type collected on summit of Cerro Duida, on high moist ridge top,

Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1820-2075 m., September 4, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 58352. Tate 671, a very immature specimen

that came from the summit of Duida and that I could not place previ-

ously, is undoubtedly this same species. For comparison with other

species see the key below.

Brocchinia secunda L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

Caulescens, florifera verisimiliter sesquimetralis vel ultra; caule

reclinato, ultra 3 dm. longo, 7 mm. diametro, foliaceo; foliis ad 23

cm. longis, integerrimis, supra glabris, subtus dense punctulato-

lepidotis, vaginis ellipticis, ca. 5 cm. longis, quam laminis haud

latioribus, laminis anguste subtriangularibus, acuminatis sed apice

ipse acutis apiculatisque, 35 mm. latis, planis, margine angustd

albido excepto utrinque viridibus, areolatis; scapo ignoto; inflores-

centia laxissime tripinnatim paniculata, fere metralis, sparse minu-

teque albido-furfuracea; bracteis primariis ex ovato acuminatis,

parvis, quam basibus sterilibus ramorum multo brevioribus, punctu-

lato-lepidotis; ramis divergentibus, gracillimis, ultimis saepe

secundis; bracteis florigeris ovatis, acutis, 2-3.5 mm. longis,

pedicellos graciles superantibus, membranaceis; floribus secundis,

patentibus; sepalis lanceolatis, obtusis, 6 mm. longis, basi incras-

Satis, ecarinatis; petalis late ovatis, cucullatis, basi breviter

unguiculatis, sepala subaequantibus, albis; staminibus inclusis;

ovario gracillime cylindrico, ad 18 mm. longo, paulo supero; stylis

liberis (Fig. 18, f-j).

‘ ‘By Lyman B. Smith

136 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Type collected on moist face of dripping sandstone bluffs, Ptari-

tepuf, steep forested slopes at base of first line of sandstone bluffs,

on south-facing part, east of ‘‘Cave Rock”, state of Bolivar, alt.

2130 m., November 4, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59863.

Brocchinia Steyermarkii L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

Florifera 6 dm, alta (!Steyermark); foliis ad 7 dm. longis, strictis,

utrinque subdense punctulato-lepidotis, vaginis late ovatis, ca. 8

cm. longis, basi castaneis, laminis anguste subtriangularibus,

pungentibus, ca. 35 cm. latis, ex sicco involutis, reticulatis; scapo

erecto, 1 cm. diametro; scapi bracteis foliaceis, infimis dense

imbricatis; inflorescentia ample 3- vel 4-pinnatim paniculata, minute

denseque brunneo-flocculosa; bracteis primariis subfoliaceis, parvis,

supremis quam basibus sterilibus ramorum multo brevioribus; ramis

FIGURE 18

Brocchinia melanacra. A, Apex of branch (X 1); B, Apex of leaf

es ne C, Sepal (X 5); D, Petal (X 5); E, Apical section of ovary

Brocchinia secunda. F, Apex of leaf (X 1); G, Branch (X 1).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 137

divergentibus, gracilibus, ultimis plerumque subfasciculatis; bract-

eis florigeris late ovatis, acutis, quam ovariis multo brevioribus;

floribus sessilibus, divergentibus; sepalis subtriangularibus, 4 mm.

longis, haud carinatis; petalis ellipticis, obtusis, nullo modo cucul-

latis, sepala subaequantibus, aurantiacis; staminibus inclusis,

filamentis latis, basi cum sepalis petalisque connatis; ovario

oblongo-ellipsoideo, triangulato, 8 mm. longo, omnino infero; stylis

coalitis (Fig. 19, a-e).

Type collected in swampy savanna, bordering forest of Rio Karuai,

between Santa Teresita de Kavanayen and base of Ptari-tepui, state

of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m., November 18, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

60347,

FIGURE 19

Brocchinia Steyermarkii. A, Flower (X 1); B, Apex of leaf (xX. 1);

C, Sepal (X 5) D, Petal (X 5); E, Apical section of ovary (X 5).

Brocchinia vestita. F, Flower (X 1); G, Apex of leaf (X 1); H,

Sepal (X 5); I, Petal (X 5); J, Stamen (X 5); K, Apicai section of

ovary (X 5).

138 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Brocchinia vestita L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

Parva, e fragmentis solum cognita; foliis ca. 2 dm. longis, vaginis

brevibus, quam laminis vix latioribus, atro-castaneis, laminis

anguste triangularibus, acuminatis, pungentibus, planis, ad 28 mm.

latis, inmtegerrimis, supra glabris lucidisque, subtus subdense

punctulato-lepidotis, utrinque viridibus; scapo erecto, 6 mm. diame-

tro, dense brunneo-puberulo; scapi vaginis anguste triangularibus,

acuminatis, glabris, ad apicem versus incrassatis, supremis quam

internodiis bene brevioribus; inflorescentia subdense tripinnatim

paniculata, 25 cm. longa, 15 cm. diametro, bracteis primariis excep-

tis dense puberula; bracteis primariis eis scapi similibus, ad 18 mm.

longis; ramis gracilibus, sublaxifloris; bracteis florigeris e late

ovato acuminatis, quam ovariis subduplo brevioribus, tenuibus;

floribus sessilibus, divergentibus vel patentibus; sepalis oblongo-

ellipticis, obtuse carinatis cucullatisque, 4 mm. longis; petalis

oblongo-ellipticis, obtusis, sepala subaequantibus, albis; staminibus

liberis, inclusis; ovario 5-6 mm. longo, tereti, paulo supero; stylis

liberis (Fig. 19, f-k).

Type collected on ridge top, summit of Cerro Duida, Savanna

Hills, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1025-1200 m., September

2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58279, For comparison with other

species see the key below.

The following key will serve to relate the new species of Broc-

chinia, proposed in this paper, to my treatment in the Contributions

from the Gray Herbarium 161: 30. 1946,

1. Ovary only one-third inferior; leaves and scape-bracts serrate.

B. serrata.

1. Ovary wholly or almost wholly inferior.

2. Leaf-blades narrowly triangular or subtriangular, acute or

acuminate.

3. Capsule trigonous.

4. Flowers sessile; petals orange .........B. Steyermarkii.

4. Flowers slenderly pedicellate.

5. Leaf-blades, scape-bracts and primary bracts of

uniform texture; inflorescence bipinnate

B, prismatica.

5. Leaf-blades, scape-bracts and primary bracts with

dark castaneous indurate involute apices; inflores-

cence tripinnate ...... sisnaeetanas seseeeeeeBe me lanacra.

3. Capsule terete.

6. Leaf-sheaths prominent, 20-25 cm. long, dark casta-

neous; inflorescence narrow .......... eoeeeeeBe GCuMinata.

6. Leaf-sheaths inconspicuous, much smaller; inflores-

cence broad.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 139

7. Flowers secund; ovary slender, 18 mm. long

B. secunda.

7. Flowers not secund; ovary stout, 5-6 mm. long

B. vestita.

2. Leaf-blades ligulate, rounded and apiculate (no new species

under this heading).

Connellia caricifolia L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

Caulescens, ramosa, florifera 17 cm. alta; caule ultra 1 dm. longo,

2-3 mm. diametro; foliis dense quaquaversis, 6 cm. longis, omnino

inermibus, vaginis late ovatis, 2 cm. longis, glabris, sulcatis,

laminis linearibus, 4 mm. latis, supra glabris, subtus perobscure

punctulato-lepidotis, marginibus albis cartilagineis exceptis utrinque

viridibus; scapo erecto, 22.5 mm. diametro, brunneo, lucido; scapi

bracteis internodia superantibus sed scapum haud obtengentibus,

late ovatis, lucidis, infimis caudatis; inflorescentia simplicissima,

laxe perpauciflora, glabra; bracteis florigeris late ellipticis, apicu-

latis, ad 14 mm. longis, pedicellos graciles superantibus; floribus

erectis; sepalis ellipticis, ca. 12 mm. longis, tenuibus; petalis 2 cm.

longis, unguiculatis, roseis, lamina suborbiculari; staminibus stylo-

que inclusis; ovario supero (Fig. 20, a-b).

Type collected on exposed surface of morros, summit of Mount

Roraima, on northwest portion north and northwest of Summit Camp,

state of Bolivar, alt. 2620-2740 m., September 27, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 58846. The flowers are very similar to those of C.

Quelchii, also from Mount Roraima, but the leaves are weak, gla-

brous above and prominently white-margined where those of C.

Quelchii are stiff, densely lanate above and essentially uniform

in texture.

With considerable misgiving I am restoring the genus Connellia,

because it represents the least objectionable of several awkward

choices. To include C. Augustae, C. Quelchii and the two new

species here proposed, in Puya, involves too much contradiction in

the key to genera. The technical characters of capsule-dehiscence

and seed-appendages place Connellia much closer to Lindmania than

to Puya which it more closely resembles in habit.

To reduce Connellia to Lindmania would be logical, especially in

view of the intermediate position of Lindmania guianensis, but I

hesitate to do so until it is possible to establish the validity of

Lindmania as distinct from the earlier Cottendorfia. Lindmania

guianensis has the placentae practically as reduced as in Cotten-

dorfia, and the discovery of fruit of the latter may show that the

rather doubtful distinction on ovule-appendage is equally untenable.

Phylogenetically, Connellia appears to link Puya to Lindmania

but to be closer to the latter.

FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

140

FIGURE 20

ellia caricifolia. A, Scape and inflorescence (X 1); B, Leaf

(x 1).

Conne

Conn

C, Base of leaf (X 1); D, Branch of inflorescence

(X 1); E, Flower (X 1); F, Petal and stamen (X 1).

llia nutans.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 141

The following key summarizes the distinctions discussed above:

1. Seeds broad, alate; capsule primarily loculicidal; petals

strongly spirally twisted together after anthesis. ........... Puya

1. Seeds narrow, caudate or apiculate; capsule septicidal (un-

known in Cottendorfia) or sometimes about equally both; petals

not twisted together after anthesis.

2. Seeds or ovules merely apiculate; placentae basal.

C ottendorfia

2. Seeds long-caudate; placentae usually extending almost the

height of the cell.

3. Petals white, colorless, separate after anthesis; sepals

not over 5 mm. long, thin, flat; plants slender.

; Lind mania

3. Petals brightly colored, more or less massed together

after anthesis but not twisted; sepals larger and firmer;

plants relatively robust. ........... Reaeeaasnecetenees Connellia

Connellia nutans L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

Dense aggregata, plus minusve caulescens (?), planta fructifera

metralis vel ultra; foliis multis, caulem quaquaverse denseque vesti-

entibus, ca. 3 dm. longis, vaginis amplis, basi medioque integris,

dissite perobscureque punctulatis, brunneis, lucidis, laminis anguste

triangularibus, acuminatis, ad 3 cm. latis, basi extrema dentibus ad

2 mm. longis dense armatis alibi integris, infimis delapsis; scapo

decurvato, 14 mm. diametro, scapi bracteis erectis, dense imbricatis,

subfoliaceis sed omnino inermibus; inflorescentia bipinnatim panicu-

lata, 2-7 dm. longa, 8-12 cm. diametro, subthyrsoidea, glabra; bracte-

is primariis e late ovato acuminatis; ramis strictis, gracilibus,

floriferis brevibus sed fructiferis ad 18 cm. longis et bracteas multo

superantibus; bracteis florigeris oblongo-lanceolatis, 17 mm. longisy

brunneis, tenuibus; pedicellis gracillimis, 10 mm. longis; sepalis

ellipticis, obtusis, 14 mm. longis, carinatis, brunneis, lucidis;

petalis bene unguiculatis roseis, lamina suborbiculari; staminibus

styloque inclusis; ovario supero; seminibus caudatis (Fig. 20c-f).

Type collected along base of east-facing high sandstone bluffs,

Ptari-tepuf, state of Bolivar, alt. 2410-2450 m., November 7, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 59933; common type on bluffs, in dense mats.

The flower and seed of Connellia nutans closely resemble those of

C. Augustae, but the deflexed inflorescence of the former quickly

distinguishes it. Also even in fruit the branches of C. Augustae are

very short. Steyermark 59611, from south-facing high sandstone

bluffs, Ptari-tepui, October 30, 1944, alt. 2400-2410 m., is sterile,

but so closely resembles the type of C. nutans that it seems very

likely that it is the same species.

142 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

FIGURE 21

Navia aurea. A, Floral bract (X 1); B, Leaf (X 1).

Navia glauca. C, Leaf (X 1); D, Flower (X 1); E, Floral bract (X 1).

Navia Steyermarkii. F, Leaf-blade (X 1); G, Flower (X 1); H, Floral

bract (X 1).

Navia xyridiflora. 1, Flower (X 1); J, Leaf-blade (X 1).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 143

Guzmania confinis L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

Acaulis, florifera ad 5 dm. alta; foliis strictis, dense rosulatis,

ad 23 cm. longis, viridibus (!Steyermark), vaginis ellipticis, lamina

fere aequantibus, utrinque punctulato-lepidotis, laminis anguste

triangularibus, 23 mm. latis, subtus obscure punctulato-lepidotis,

supra densissime cinereo-lepidotis, margine revolutis; scapo erecto,

gtacili; scapi vaginis subfoliaceis, densissime imbricatis, purpureis;

inflorescentia dense bipinnatim paniculata, cylindrica; bracteis

primariis eis scapi similibus sed gradatim brevioribus, infimis flores

multo superantibus; ramis subabortivis, flores 3 subfasciculatim

gerentibus; bracteis florigeris suborbicularibus, 5 mm. longis, quam

sepala multo brevioribus, membranaceis, sparse lepidotis; sepalis

oblongis, late obtusis, 10 mm. longis, ad 6 mm. connatis, membrana-

ceis, sparse lepidotis; petalis 20 mm. longis, alte conglutinatis,

nudis, albis, laminis ellipticis; staminibus styloque inclusis;

capsula cylindrica, rostrata, 2 cm. longa (Fig. 22, a-b).

Type collected on limestone outcrops of Paramo de Tama, near

Colombian-Venezuelan boundary, state of Tachira, alt. 3045-3475 m.,

July 15, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57380; terrestrial, the common

dominant type, forming dense colonies. Casmanic confinis is much

more conspicuously lepidote on the upper surface of its leaves and

bracts than on the lower, a character shared by G. palustris, but not

by its other near relatives, G. Mosquerae and G. cryptantha, Guz-

mania palustris has a much stouter habit and broader leaves and

bracts than G. confinis and its flowers are about twice as large.

Mez has placed such species with highly connate sepals in Theco-

phyllum, but in every instance that I have been able to check, the

corolla proves them to be typical of Guzmania.

Guzmania retusa L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

Acaulis; foliis suberectis, 5 dm. longis, inflorescentiam supe-

fantibus, utrinque minute obscureque punctulato-lepidotis, vaginis

magnis sed haud distinctis, laminis lingulatis, 6 cm. latis, apice .

late rotundatis et retuso-apiculatis, subtus pallide purpureis, supra

purpureo-maculatis, margine anguste purpureis; scapo erecto, gracili;

scapi bracteis erectis, dense imbricatis, ellipticis, apiculatis,

punctulato-lepidotis; inflorescentia simplicissima, dense ellipsoidea,

4.5 cm. longa, 2 cm. diametro, apicem usque fertili; bracteis flori-

geris orbicularibus, leviter convexis, 2 cm. diametro, sepala supe-

rantibus, coriaceis, lucidis, punctulato-lepidotis, nervatis vel fere

laevibus; floribus subsessilibus; sepalis ellipticis, 13 mm. longis,

aequaliter ad 5 mm. connatis, Carinatis, coriaceis, apice sparse

lepidotis; petalis 23 mm. longis, flavis, laminis late ellipticis;

staminibus styloque inclusis (Fig. 23, a-c).

Type collected on lower south-facing slopes between Rio Karuai

and first ridge above Rio Karuai, Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt.

1220 m., November 28, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60677; terrestrial.

I hesitate to describe a species from two specimens coming from

144

FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

FIGURE 22

Guzmania confinis. A, Branch (X 1); B, Inflorescence (X 1).

Pitcairnia tuberculata. C, Branch of inflorescence (X 1).

Tillandsia lacera. D, Petal (X 1); E, Branch of inflorescence (X 1);

F, Sepal (X 1).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 145

localities some seventeen hundred miles apart, so the above des-

cription is wholly from the type. However, I can find no significant

difference in Steinbach 9623 which comes from the department of

Cochabamba in Bolivia.

Navia aurea L, B. Smith, sp. nov.

Breviter caulescens; caule haud ultra 10 cm. longo, 8 mm. diame-

tro; foliis multiseriatis, persistentibus, caulem omnino obtegentibus,

vaginis late obovatis, 12 mm. longis, tenuibus, nervatis, ad apicem

versus subdense serrulatis, laminis linearibus, acuminatis pungenti-

busque, 8 cm. longis, 2-3 mm. latis, laxe minuteque serrulatis,

coriaceis, viridibus (!Steyermark), juvenilibus ad basin versus

laxissime albido-floccosis, per aetate glabris lucidisque; inflores-

centia dense capituliforme, sessile; bracteis florigeris anguste

lanceolatis, sepala subaequantibus, apice minute serrulatis; floribus

imperfecte cognitis, sessilibus; sepalis liberis, lineari-lanceolatis,

longe acuminatis, ca. 12 mm. longis, tenuibus, glabris, lateralibus

carinatis; petalis aureis, ca. 25 mm. longis (Fig. 21,a-b).

Type collected in dry rock crevices of bluff along Cao Negro,

summit of Cerro Duida, Savanna Hills, Territorio Federal Amazonas,

alt. 1025-1200 m., September 2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58219,

Its bright yellow flowers immediately separate Navia aurea from all

other known members of the genus, yet its very fine many-ranked

leaves with their delicate cobwebby indument distinguish it even

when sterile.

Navia duidae L. B. Smith var. glabrior L. B. Smith, var. nov.

Differt foliis subtus minute punctulato-lepidotis, glaucis, haud

cinereis.

Type collected along rocky banks of Cano Negro, summit of Cerro

Duida, between Brocchinia Hills and Savanna Hills, Territorio

Federal Amazonas, alt. 1050-1600 m., September 2, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 58210; terrestrial among rocks.

Navia glauca L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

Caulescens; caule ad 15 cm. longo, 1 cm. diametro; foliis caulem

dense quaquaverse vestientibus, patentibus, vaginis brevibus,

omnino occultatis, laminis anguste triangularibus, acuminatis,

pungentibus, infra 7 cm. longis, ad 9 mm. latis, laxe minuteque serru-

latis, coriaceis, supra glabris viridibusque, subtus minute piloso-

lepidotis et glaucis; inflorescentia dense capituliforme, in foliorum

centro nidulante, pauciflora; bracteis florigeris lanceolatis, sepala

superantibus, glabris; floribus sessilibus; sepalis liberis, 14 mm.

longis, oblongo-lanceolatis, acutis, glabris, posticis carinatis;

petalis ad 23 mm. longis, albis; staminibus styloque inclusis (Fig.

21, c-e).

146 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Type collected on summit of Cerro Duida, on high moist ridge top,

Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1820-2075 m., September 4, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 58320.

Yj,

iy 7

hj, if CHUL MM)

FIGURE 23

Guzmania retusa. A, Flower (X 2/3); B, Inflorescence (X 2/3);

C, Apex of leaf (X 2/3).

Pitcairnia cinerea. D, Sepal (X 2/3); E, Leaf (X 2/3); F, Branch of

inflorescence (X 2/3).

Tillandsia stenoglossa. G, Apex of leaf (X 2/3); H, Branch of in-

florescence (X 2/3).

Navia Steyermarkii L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

Caulescens; caule ultra 2 dm. longo; foliis caulem dense quaqua-

verse vestientibus, patentibus, vaginis brevibus, omaino occultatis,

laminis linearibus, acuminatis, ca. 20 cm. longis, 8 mm. latis, laxe

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 147

minuteque serrulatis, supra glabris, subtus dissite piloso-lepidotis

mox glabris, utrinque viridibus; inflorescentia dense capituliforme,

in foliorum centro nidulante, 15 mm. diametro; bracteis florigeris

lanceolatis, sepala superantibus, ad apicem versus serrulatis; flori-

bus sessilibus; sepalis liberis, 13 mm. longis, oblongo-lanceolatis,

acutis, glabris, posticis carinatis; petalis ad 21 mm. longis, albis;

staminibus styloque inclusis (Fig. 21,f-h).

Type collected on moist southeastern-facing sandstone bluffs near

Cafio Negro (tributary of Cano Iguapo), Cerro Duida, Territorio

Federal Amazonas, alt. 1095-1520 m., August 26, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 58012.

Navia xyridiflora L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

Aggregata, caulescens; caule robusto, ultra 1 dm. longo; foliis

caulem dense quaquaverse vestientibus, persistentibus, patentibus,

vaginis brevibus, omnino occultatis, laminis linearibus, acuminatis,

ad 19 cm. longis, 16 mm. latis, dense minuteque serrulatis, supra

glabris viridibusque, subtus griseis, dissite minuteque punctulato-

lepidotis; inflorescentia dense capituliforme, in foliorum centro nidu-

lante, pauciflora; bracteis florigeris ellipticis, apiculatis, sepala

superantibus, coriaceis, brunneis, apice lepidotis; floribus sessili-

bus; sepalis liberis, posticis spathulatis, 11 mm. longis, ad apicem

versus valde alatis et lepidotis; petalis albis, delapsis solum

cognitis (Fig. 21, i-j).

Type collected on dry slopes, Brocchinia Hills, Cerro Duida,

Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1700-1980 m., September 1, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 58152. In habit, Navia xyridiflora appears

practically identical with N. angustifolia except for a slightly more

even upper leaf-surface, yet the sepals show the strongest contrast

in the genus. In N. xyridiflora they are strongly heteromorphic with

the posterior ones spatulate and broadly alate, while in N. angusti-

folia they are all lance-oblong and not at all alate.

The following key shows how the above novelties are distin-

guished from previously known members of Navia:

1. Inflorescence elongate, interrupted ......sseseceeeeeeee N. caulescens.

1, Inflorescence densely capitate or glomerate.

2. Leaf-blades 12-19 mm. broad, densely serrulate.

3. Inflorescence distinctly scapose, glomerate from several heads;

leaf-blades densely white-lanate beneath; sepals 5.5 mm. long.

N. bicolor.

3. Inflorescence sessile, capitate; leaf-blades glabrous or sparse-

ly and obscurely punctulate-lepidote beneath; sepals 11-19

mm. long.

4. Sepals to 19 mm. long, lance-oblong, subsimilar, not dilated

TOWAFd APEX, ..cccccccccccccccccccccccccccvcccosooeccces N. angustifolia,

148 FIELDIANA:. BOTANY, VOLUME 28

4. Sepals not over 11 mm. long, the posterior ones much dilated

toward apex, alate-carinate. .......ccccoccccsccsecee N. xyridiflora.

2. Leaf-blades less than 10 mm. wide.

5. Sepals not over 6 mm. long. |

GO. Leat-blades 6 mm: Broad..cssccsscccsccosane cosceessvececs Ne acaulis.

6. Leaf-blades less than 3 mm. broad.

7. Leaf-blades soon deciduous and exposing the branched

stem, 3 cm. long. ccccccccccccccccccccccccccoocccce Ve Schultesiana.

7. Leaf-blades persistent and concealing the stem, 10 cm.

VOM Beate sea ssa scans Pana etnvni ieee war svaventauecceeus N. graminifolia.

5. Sepals 10-19 mm. long.

8. Leaf-blades tapering evenly from base to apex; sepals free.

9. Leaf-blades not over 9 cm. long.

10. Petals bright yellow; leaf-blades laxly serrulate, 2-3

mm. wide, 8 cm. long; floral bracts serrulate. ..N. aurea.

10. Petals white or flavous; floral bracts entire.

11. Leaf-blades densely serrulate, 4.5 mm. wide, 5 cm.

MONG aerceucctetankcessstieniesstesces-<caseese N. brachyphylla.

11. Leaf-blades laxly serrulate, to 9 cm. long.

12. Leaf-blades pruinose-lepidote beneath with linear

scales, less than 7 cm. long but 9 mm. wide.

N. glauca.

12. Leaf-blades appressed-lepidote beneath.

13. Scales of the lower surface of the leaf-blade

with distinct free margins, making the surface

appear Cinereous-scurfy. .......seeceeeeeees N. duidae.

13. Scales of the lower surface of the leaf-blade

punctiform, immersed, making the surface appear

PUPA ace ARE LS RRR SEED N. duidae var. glabrior.

9. Leaf-blades about 20 cm. long, 8 mm. wide; floral bracts

Serrulate toward APlX. ....0..ccecnas00 cc ccccveses N. Steyermarkii.

8. Leaf-blades narrowed or inrolled toward base, 13-22 cm.

long; sepals much connate.

14, Leaf-blades subentire with only a few teeth near the

BARE. .cnccccccecccsscscencnccccsoccsnccscocccccccosscesos N. Gleas onii.

14. Leaf-blades sparsely serrulate throughout.

15. Stem 22 cm. or longer; leaf-blades to 25 cm. long, 9.5

mm. wide; sepals 16 mm. long. ........e0eeee0e N. Maguirei.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 149

15. Stem 6-10 cm. long; leaf-blades less than 20 cm. long,

5 mm. wide; sepals 10 mm. long.

N. Maguirei var. minor.

Pitcairnia cinerea L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

E fragmentis solum cognita, verisimiliter acaulis, florifera ultra

3-4.5 dm. alta (!Steyermark); foliis homomorphis, bulbose rosulatis,

ca. 3 dm. longis, vaginis late ovatis, 15 mm. longis, crasse coria-

ceis, inflatis, laminis arcuato-recurvatis, linearibus, longe acumi-

natis, 10 mm. latis, coriaceis, margine spinis patentibus gracilibus

ad 3 mm. longis laxe armatis, supra dissite lepidotis, mox glabris,

subtus densissime adpresseque cinereo-lepidotis; scapo erecto, 3.5

mm. diametro, cinereo-lepidoto, mox glabro; scapi bracteis infimis

foliaceis, internodia multo superantibus, supremis angustissime

triangularibus, parvis, quam internodia multo brevioribus, integris;

inflorescentia laxe bipinnatim paniculata, sparsissime lepidota;

bracteis primariis supremis scapi similibus, quam ramis multo

brevioribus; ramis divaricatis, subdense florigeris, ad 6 cm. longis;

bracteis florigeris late ellipticis, apiculatis, 3-4 mm. longis, tenui-

bus; floribus divergentibus, sessilibus; sepalis anguste subtriangu-

laribus, apice asymmetrice acutis, 15- 18 mm. longis, coriaceis,

basi alato-carinatis; petalis angustis, 25 mm. longis, nudis, margine

minutissime denticulatis, pallide viridibus; staminibus styloque in-

clusis; ovario 2/3 muperO parte infero obconico, G6-alato; ovulis

alatis (Fig. 23, d-f).

Type collected on igneous rock outcrops, Puerto Ayacucho, Terri-

torio Federal Amazonas, alt. 200 m., September 11, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 58514. Because of its alate ovules, Pitcairnia cinerea,

along with P. armata, P. ctenophylla, P. heliophylla and P. patenti-

flora, would seem to belong in section Schweideleria. It is interest-

ing to note that all these species agree in their very narrow spiny

leaf-blades, while all the species previously grouped in the section

have distinctly petiolate broad-bladed leaves with few or no spines.

Pitcairnia cinerea is very unusual in the genus for its 6-winged

ovary.

Pitcairnia tuberculata L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

E fragmentis fructiferis solum cognita, verisimiliter acaulis et

florifera ultra metralis; foliis rosulatis, ultra 7 dm. longis, vaginis

suborbicularibus, 3 cm. longis, integris, atro-castaneis, extus ad

apicem versus densissime brunneo-lepidotis, laminis sublinearibus,

acuminatis, basi paulo angustatis sed haud petiolatis, ad 2 cm.

latis, his vetustis glabris, toto margine spinis gracilibus atris ad 2

mm. longis laxe armatis; scapo erecto, 8 mm. diametro, scapi brac-

teis foliaceis, internodia superantibus sed scapum nullo modo

occultantibus; inflorescentia ampla, laxe bi- vel tripinnatim panicu-

lata; bracteis primariis angustissime triangularibus, ad 3 cm. longis,

quam basibus sterilibus ramorum multo brevioribus; ramis gracilibus,

150° FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

ad 25 cm. longis, ad apicem versus minute tuberculatis; bracteis

florigeris ellipticis, apiculatis, 5 mm. longis, quam pedicellis multo

brevioribus; floribus patentibus, saepe secundis; pedicellis 1 cm.

longis, gracilibus, tuberculatis; sepalis anguste triangularibus, ad

27 mm. longis, ecarinatis, subcoriaceis, densissime grosseque

tuberculatis; petalis delapsis solum cognitis, linearibus, 5 cm.

longis, nudis; staminibus verisimiliter inclusis; ovario 4/5 supero;

ovulis eanidatis (Pig.-225¢%

Type collected along dry grassy slopes following quebrada, be-

tween Beguilla and Mucuchachi, state of Merida, alt. 1065-2430 m.,

May 4, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 56297. Pitcairnia tuberculata is

strongly reminiscent of P. echinata but has naked petals, much

smaller sepals and floral bracts and much more complex indument

on the sepals. The indument of P. tuberculata consists of rods so

sculptured as to be dendritic in form. On account of the naked

petals, P. tuberculata would fall close to P. ferruginea in the key in

the Pflanzenreich, but the latter has merely stellate indument and

poorly demarcated leaf-sheaths.

Tillandsia lacera L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

Acaulis, florifera 27 cm. alta; foliis multis, dense rosulatis,

erectis, 12-20 cm. longis, utrinque dense adpresseque lepidotis,

vaginis late ovatis vel suborbicularibus, atro-castaneis, laminis

anguste triangularibus, long acuminatis, 2-3 cm. latis, cinereo-

lepidotis; scapo erecto, gracili; scapi vaginis dense imbricatis,

ellipticis, dense lepidotis, infimis foliaceo-laminatis, alteris late

rotundatis dein abrupte lineari-caudatis vel apiculatis, ex sicco

chartaceis; inflorescentia dense bipinnatim paniculata, breviter

cylindrica, 7 cm. longa, 3.5 cm. diametro; bracteis primariis eis

Supremis scapi similibus, erectis, bases steriles spicarum sub-

aequantibus, spicis e basi sterili nuda erecta divergentibus, dense

4-6-floris, oblongis, acutis, complanatis, 20 mm. longis, 8 mm. latis;

bracteis florigeris dense imbricatis, lanceolatis, subcucullatis, 9

mm. longis, sepala paulo superantibus, obtuse carinatis, chartaceis,

nervatis, dense adpresseque cinereo-lepidotis; floribus subsessili-

bus; sepalis liberis, lanceolatis, late acutis, 8 mm. longis, carinatis,

nervatis, glabris; petalis 13 mm. longis, auriculis binis praeditis,

laminis oblongis, late rotundatis, valde laceratis, fulgide lilacinis,

Stamina styloque superantibus (Fig. 22, d-f).

Type collected in thickets along quebrada, above Betania, at base

of Paramo de Tama, state of Tachira, alt. 2285-2430 m., July 14,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57282.

On account of its lacerate auricled petals, Tillandsia lacera is

obviously related to T. heterandra, but it differs in its abruptly

caudate upper scape-bracts, denser inflorescence, and short spikes

with naked sterile bases.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 151

Tillandsia rubra R. & P. var. reducta L. B. Smith, var. nov.

Differt planta minore, 6-10 dm. alta; inflorescentia simplex vel e

Spica terminali normali et lateralibus abortivis formata.

Type collected on southeastern portion of base of Carrao-tepul,

state of Bolivar, alt. 1460-1615 m., December 4-5, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 60851 (inflorescence simple); epiphyte on lower part of

tree trunk. Also collected on ridge shoulder between Quebrada de

Morro and Quebrada Cortijo, by boundary line Lara-Trujillo, above

Humocaro Bajo, state of Trujillo, alt. 2600-2800 m., February 6,

1944, Steyermark 55334 (cotype, with inflorescence with aborted

lateral branches); epiphyte in crotches of shrub.

Tillandsia (Pseudo-Catopsis) stenoglossa L. B. Smith, sp. nov.

Acaulis, florifera 3 dm. alta; foliis paucis, subbulbose rosulatis,

26 cm. longis, scapum superantibus, utrinque dense punctulato-

lepidotis, vivo omnino roseis (!Steyermark), exterioribus valde re-

ductis, vaginis late ovatis, ad 10 cm. longis, laminis anguste lingu-

latis, 16 mm. latis, apice late acutis apiculatisque, planis; scapo

erecto, gracillimo, mox glabro; scapi bracteis oblongis, parvis,

remotis, cCinereo-lepidotis; inflorescentia erecta, laxe bipinnatim

paniculata, 10 cm. longa, sparsissime cinereo-lepidota; bracteis

pfimariis eis scapi similibus, bases breves steriles ramorum paulo

Superantibus; spicis secunde patentibus, laxe florigeris, 5 cm.

longis, 1 cm. latis; rhachi flexuosa, gracili, angulata; bracteis flori-

geris ovatis, acutis, ecarinatis, quam sepalis distincte brevioribus,

fere laevibus; floribus valde divergentibus, nullo modo secundis;

sepalis liberis, obovatis, asymmetricis, 5 mm. longis, laevibus

(Fig. 23, g-h).

Type collected in Bonnetia roraimae forest on southwest-facing

shoulder, Ptari-tepui, bordering swamp, state of Bolivar, alt. 2000-

2200 m., November 2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59775. In my key

in the Contributions ‘from the Gray Herbarium, 89: 16, this species

would fall next to Tillandsia parviflora and T. guanacastensis. It

differs from both of them in its ligulate leaf-blades and from T.

guanacastensis in its lax spikes.

152 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

COMME LINACEAE

Aneilema gracilis (H.B.K.) Steyermark, comb. nov.

Tradescantia gracilis H.B.K. Nov. Gen. & Sp. 7: 261. pl. 672.

1825.

Aneilema gracilis, forma bicolor (Kunth) Steyermark, comb. nov.

Tradescantia gracilis B bicolor (Kunth) C. B, Clarke in DC. Mono.

Phan. 3: 298. 1881.

Tradescantia bicolor Kunth, Enum. 4: 88. 1843.

South-facing slopes of Cordillera del Avila, just above Caracas,

along trail towards Los Venados, Distrito Federal, alt. 1520-1675 m.,

Ste yermark 55027,

The stamens in this collection are 6 in number, all fertile, equal

and similar, and barbate in the lower third. So far as the 6 equal

stamens are concerned, the collection matches H.B.K’s plate 672 of

Tradescantia gracilis.

Phaeosphaerion pseudomonosperma (O. Ktze.) Steyermark, comb. nov.

Athyrocarpus Pseudomonosperma O. Ktze. Rev. Gen. Pl. 3, pt. 2:

319. 1898.

Mona gas: Montana de Aguacate, along Quebrada de Pajaral,

tributary to Rio Caripe, northeast of Alto de Aguacate, between

Caripe and Caripito, alt. 600-900 m., Steyermark 62217,

Tradescantia venezuelensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Perennis, caulibus erecto-adscendentibus, basi decumbentibus,

glabris, 40 cm. longis; foliis membranaceis, oblongo- vel ovato-

lanceolatis, acutis, basi obtusis vel rotundatis valde asymmetricis,

supra viridibus, subtus argenteo-viridibus, 3.5- 7 cm. longis, 1.5-

2.5 cm. latis, utrinque pilosis; vaginis 5-8 mm. longis, 3-5 mm. latis,

marginibus apicibusque ciliatis, apice oblique truncatis; pedunculis

1.5-3.5 cm. longis uno latere dense pilosulis; bracteis 2, subaequali-

bus, cordato-ovatis, obtusis, 12-13 mm. longis, 12 mm. latis, margini-

bus dense ciliatis; sepalis ovato-oblongis, obtusis, falcato-asym-

metricis, 3 mm. longis, sepalorum 2 tenuibus glabris, tertio uno

latere carinato, carina ciliata; petalis albis, 2 mm. longis, obtusis

vel rotundatis; staminibus 6, 3 brevioribus; filamentis glabris, ad

2 mm. longis; stylo filiformi, in fructu persistenti, glabro, 1-2 mm.

longo; seminibus 4, oblongis vel quadrato-rhomboidalibus, griseo-

brunneis, 1.25-1.5 mm. longis, 0.75- 1 mm. latis, uno latere plus

minusve 12-scrobiculato, e contrario reticulato cicatrice hilari

elongata.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected between La Trinidad

and headwaters of Rio de Amana, Cerro Turumiquire, state of Sucre,

alt. 1300-1800 m., May 10, 1945, Julian A. Steyermark 62688,

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 153

Known locally as ‘‘Suelda con suelda’’.

Characterized by the glabrous filaments, small white petals, tiny

sparsely pilosulous sepals, small size of seeds, strongly inequi-

lateral base of leaves, small bracts subtended on one side by a leaf,

and short pedicels, this species is related to Tradescantia comme-

linoides Roem. & Sch. of Central America and Mexico. From this

species, it differs, among other respects, in its white petals. It is

related to T. cymbispatha Clarke, from which it differs in the much

smaller seeds, more densely pubescent bracts, smaller petals and

sepals, inequilateral leaves, shorter pedicels, and filaments all

glabrous. From T. anagallidea Seub. and T. fluminensis Vell. it may

be distinguished by the asymmetric narrowed leaf base, smaller

flowers, shorter pedicels, and glabrous filaments.

LILIACEAE

Excremis coarctata (R. & P.) Baker, forma alba Steyermark, f. nov.

A typo recedit petalis albis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on ascent of Pico de

Naiguata, above Los Chorros, state of Miranda, alt. 2200-2765 m.,

June 16-17, 1945, Julian A. Steyermark 62963.

This differs from typical E. coarctata in the white, instead of blue,

petals.

Nietneria paniculata Steyermark, sp. nov.

Herba_ perennis; foliis erectis, caeruleo-viridibus, linearibus,

falcatis, angustate acuminatis, firmiter 10-costulatis, 7-17 cm.

longis, 1.5-3.5 mm. latis, vaginis equitantibus; inflorescentia panicu-

lata, 1.5-7.5 cm. longa, 1.5-2 cm. lata, pedicellis 8-13 mm. longis,

erectis; bracteis infimis 4.5-6 mm. longis; perianthio superne flavo,

parte inferiore olivaceo-viridi, hypanthio late conico, 2 mm. longo,

segmentis 5 mm. longis, exterioribus 1.5 mm. latis, interioribus

1.75-2 mm. latis, marginibus scariosis albidis 0.5 mm. latis, sub-

aequalibus, lanceolatis, acutis, apice paullo incurvatis, 5-7-nervatis;

filamentis subulatis, 3 mm. longis; antheris oblongis, 1.1 mm.

longis; ovario late conico, 3mm.longo sursum sensim angustato.

Tips of leaves long- or narrowly acuminate; the 2-3 bracts of the

scape above the lowest foliaceous bract poorly developed and re-

duced in size; inflorescence elongated paniculate, the flowers rather

remotely separated; perianth segments 6, the inner 5-7-nerved with

scarious whitish margins, the outer 7-nerved; bracts at base of low-

est flowering branches 4.5-6 mm. long; stigmas subcapitate; styles

1 mm. long.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in Gran Sabana,

between Mission of Santa Teresita de Kavanayen northwest to Rio

Karuai, on large mesa, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m., October 26,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59362.

154 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

This is the second species to be described in the genus Nietneria,

previously represented by the single species N. corymbosa Klotzsch

& Schomb. of the Roraima region. It differs from that species in

having a paniculate elongate instead of corymbose or subcorymbose

inflorescence, the flowers more separated, much shorter bracts at the

base of the lowest flowering branches, those in N. corymbosa being

more foliaceous, 7-9 mm. long in anthesis and 16-20 mm. long in

fruit, the tips of the leaves long- or narrowly acuminate, whereas in

N. corymbosa they are short-acute to subacuminate, and finally in the

middle and upper bracts of the scape, which in N. corymbosa are

more foliose and better developed.

Smilax duidae Steyermark, sp. nov.

Frutex scandens ubique glaber; ramulis teretibus laevibus vel

minute tuberculatis, inermis; petiolis crassis, 30 cm. longis basi

dilatis; laminis coriaceis elliptico-oblongis, 20-21 cm. longis, 7-9

cm. latis, obtusis vel acutis, basi subacutis et in petiolum subito

contractis, basi 5-nervatis, nervis extimis minus prominentibus;

pedunculis umbellarum mascularum in racemis bracteatis ad 5.5 cm.

longis dispositis; bracteis oblongis acutis, 5.5-6.5 mm. longis;

pedunculis 20-23 mm. longis, paullo compressis; receptaculis mas-

culis subglobosis 2 mm. diametro; floribus pallido-viridibus 21-23

per umbellam; pedicellis pallido-viridibus gracilibus 6-7 mm. longis;

perianthii segmentis oblongis, 4.5-5 mm. longis, circiter 1.2 mm.

latis, subacutis; staminibus perianthium aequantibus; filamentis 2.5

mm. longis; antheris lineari oblongis, 2.2 mm. longis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on Cerro Duida,

southeastern-facing forested sandstone slopes along Cano Negro

(tributary of Cafio Iguapo), Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 260-

610 m., August 26, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58057.

This species resembles S. pseudosyphilitica Kunth in appearance,

but differs in having larger staminate flowers, much longer pedun-

cles, and longer pedicels. The general shape and large size of the

leaves simulate those of S. graciliflora A. C. Smith and S. grandi-

folia Regel, but those species have aculeate stems.

From S. immersa A. C. Smith the new species may be distinguished

by the larger S-nerved leaves, longer peduncles and pedicels, and

longer perianth segments.

Smilax Lasseriana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caulis fruticosus teres striatus, tenuiter tuberculatus, ramulis

novellis striato-angulatis minute tuberculatis, inermis, scabridulis;

petiolis crassis, 5-7 mm. longis, apicem versus incrassatis et rugu-

losis; laminis coriaceis, supra lucidis, ovato-oblongis, 6-9 cm.

longis, 3-5.5 cm. latis, basi subcordatis in petiolum subito con-

tractis, apice obtusis breviter calloso-mucronulatis, e basi conspicue

3-5-nervatis, venis utrinque prominulis in rete grosso areolatum

connexis; umbellis foemineis axillaribus; pedunculis foemineis

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 155

brevibus, 2-10 mm. longis, striatis; pedicellis foemineis 1 mm.

longis, 0.6 mm. latis; perianthii segmentis anguste oblongis obtusis,

exterioribus 1.8-1.9 mm. longis, 0.8-0.9 mm. latis, interioribus 1.5

mm. longis, 0.5 mm. latis, apice incurvato-cucullatis; stigmatibus

brevibus, sessilibus, incrassatis, latioribus quam longioribus, 0.5

mm. altis; ovario 1.5 mm. longo.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on Sororopan-tepui,

crest of cerro between east and west end, state of Bolivar, alt. 2255

m., Julian A. Steyermark 60121, sprawling over ground by wooded

streamlet; stems wiry; leaves ‘coriaceous, deep green both sides;

flowers pale green.”’

This species is named in honor of Dr. Tobias Lasser of the Ser-

vicio Botanico of the Ministerio del Agricultura y Cria in Caracas.

In the obtusish, apiculate leaves and scabridulous stems this

species resembles S. rufescens Griseb., from which it differs chiefly

in the subsessile, pistillate peduncles and shining upper surface of

the cordate or subcordate leaves. Smilax viminea Griseb. has sub-

sessile peduncles, but much narrower leaves. Smilax Williamsii

Macbr. has obtusish leaves, but non-scabrous, noneverrucose branch-

es, and the reticulation of the upper surface of the leaf blades con-

sists of smaller areolation.

Smilax Pittieriana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Frutex scandens ubique glaber; ramulis teretibus laevibus inermis;

petiolis 1-1.5 cm. longis; laminis coriaceis oblongo-lanceolatis,

7-14 cm. longis, 1.5-5 cm. latis, acutis vel acuminatis, basi sub-

acutis vel obtusis in petiolum contractis decurrentibus, e basi 3-5-

nervatis, nervis extimis inconspicuis; pedunculis umbellarum mascu-

larum axillaribus solitariis circiter 2.5 cm. longis, paullo compressis;

receptaculis masculis subglobosis 2 mm. diametro; floribus viri-

descenti-flavidis, ca. 6 per umbellam; pedicellis masculis gracilibus

9-12 mm. longis, 0.4-0.5 mm. latis; perianthii segmentis lineari-

oblongis obtusis subaequalibus, 5.2-5.3 mm. longis, 1.2-1.4 mm.

latis, extus apicem versus et ad marginem parce et minute papilloso-

tomentulosis, l-nervatis; staminibus brevioribus quam segmentis;

filamentis 2 mm. longis; pedicellis foemineis 6-7 mm. longis, 0.3-0.5

mm. latis; perianthii foeminei segmentis lineari-oblongis obtusis, 4

mm. longis, I mm. latis, extus apicem versus parce papilloso-

tomentulosis; staminodiis 6, subulatis, 1.2 mm. longis, arcuato-

adscendentibus; stylis 3, crassis, carnosis, oblongis, parte superiore

tercero paullo constrictis 1-1.2 mm. longis; ovario 1.5 mm. long.

Type (staminate plant) in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in

scrubby forest at margin of swampy meadow, vicinity of “Misia Kathy

camp’’, on mesa between Ptari-teput and Soforopan-tepul, state of

Bolivar, alt. 1615 m., November 15-17, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

60251; co-type (pistillate plant), same locality, Steyermark 60251la.

156 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

The dimorphous leaves of the pistillate and staminate plants are

noteworthy, those of the staminate plants being broader. The older

mature leaves of both sexes are non-reticulate and show immersed

nerves, whereas the younger leaves of both sexes manifest a reticu-

late conspicuously nerved and veined appearance. In age, apparent-

ly, the leaves become much more coriaceous, and the veins become

immersed on the upper leaf surface. On these older leaves usually

just one main nerve stands out, the other lateral ones being only

slightly evident.

This species is related to S. immersa A. C. Smith of British

Guiana, the principal likeness being found in the nerves of the upper

leaf surface becoming immersed in the leaf tissue of the older

leaves. From this species it differs in its shorter petioles, smooth

rather than minutely tuberculate branches, more narrowly lanceolate

or oblong-lanceolate leaves, longer pedicels of the staminate flower,

and staminate inflorescence composed of only one umbel.

Smilax staminea Griseb., f. obtusata Steyermark, forma nova.

A typo differt apice foliorum obtuso vel subobtuso; pedunculis

foemineis axillaribus solitariis 2-4 mm. longis, 1.5 mm. latis; pedi-

cellis bacciferis 5-6 mm. longis.

-Stems striatulate, glabrous, unarmed; petioles thickened, 6-15 mm.

long; leaf-blades deep green above, dull paler green below, ovate-

oblong (older leaves) to narrowly oblong (those on lateral shoots),

6.5-11 cm. long. 2.5 cm. wide, shining above, conspicuously reticu-

late-veined on both sides, obtuse to rounded at base, obtuse or

subobtuse at apex, 3-5-nerved from the base; fruiting peduncles

short, solitary, 2-4 mm. long; fruiting pedicels 5-6 mm. long; berries

pale green, 7-8 mm. in diameter.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on forested sand-

stone south-facing slopes between pleteau portion and “‘Cave Camp,’

Ptari-tepul, state of Bolfvar, alt. 1700-1800 m., November 1, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 59695.

Tofieldia duidae Steyermark, sp. nov.

Herba caespitosa, foliis elongato-linearibus acicularibus, 5.5-14

cm. longis, 2-3 mm. latis, glabris, longitudinaliter 6-10-striatis, basi

distiche vaginantibus; scapo erecto tereti, 13-25 cm. longo, glabro

foliis longioribus, 2-G-floro; bracteis minutis; floribus strictis race-

mosis; pedicellis erectis, 8-12 mm. longis; involucello bracteolis

late ovatis acutis 1.5-2 mm. longis; perianthii segmentis oblongo-

lanceolatis acutis, 8 mm. longis, 1.75-2 mm. latis, 5-7-striatis;

filamentis linearibus planis 2.7 mm. longis; antheris lineari-oblongis,

1.2 mm. longis, 0.5 mm. latis; stylis 3 coalitis, 1.5 mm. longis;

stigmatibus 3 subcapitatis; ovario 3-lobato conico-oblongo 3.5 mm.

longo apicem versus acuto, triloculari; ovulis 10 in quoque loculo.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected along stream bank

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 157

above Vegas Falls, Brocchinia Hills, summit of Cerro Duida, Terri-

torio Federal Amazonas, alt. 1700-1980 m., September 1, 1944, Julian

A. Steyermark 58176; co-type in herb. N.Y. Bot. Gard., collected on

rocks in streambed at Central Camp, summit of Mount Duida, alt.

1550 m., Dec. 20-28, 1928, G. H. H. Tate 546.

This species differs from T. Schomburgkiana Oliver, described

from Mount Roraima, and with which it has been confused, by its

glabrous, long-acicular leaves, smaller perianth, much more slender

scape and pedicels, and the minute reduced bracts of the scape and

at the base of the pedicels.

Tofieldia sessiliflora Hook., var. robustior Steyermark, var. nov.

A typo differt inflorescentia valde elongata, 20-28 cm. longa;

seminibus 2-2.5 mm. longis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in wet meadow at

Las Sabanetas, above Los Aposentos, west of Humocaro Bajo, state

of Lara, alt. 2530 m., February 5, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 55291,

Known locally as ‘‘Barrita de San Jose’’.

This differs from typical T. sessiliflora in its much more elongated

inflorescence and longer seeds.

AMARYLLIDACEAE

Pancratium Moritzianum (Kunth) Steyermark, comb. nov.

Hymenocallis Moritziana Kunth, Enum. Pl. 5: 668. 1850.

Stem ancipital; filaments green in upper half, white below; style

dull green; all other parts white; segments recurved, 1/2 curved;

leaves green above, pale below; cultivated at Mucuchachi, state of

Merida, alt. 1065 m., May 4, 1944, Steyermark 56319 (2 sheets).

VELLOZIACEAE

Vellozia duidae Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caudex erectus simplex subligneus 1.3-1.8 m. altus, 2.5-5 cm.

diametro; foliis apicalibus subcoriaceis adscendentibus undique

viridibus 45-50 cm. longis, 10-11 mm. latis, apicibus pendentibus,

Supra glabris, subtus subglabratis vel inter nervios minute pilosulis,

marginibus basi adpresso-hirsutis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on ridge top, Savana

Hills, summit of Cerro Duida, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt.

1025-1200 m., September 2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58270,

“stems 4-7 feet tall; leaves ascending with drooping tips, sub-

coriaceous, grass green both sides; stems subligneous, soft, 1-2

inches in diameter.”’

158 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

It is with hesitancy that a new species in this genus is described

from a vegetative state only, but the plant from the summit of Duida

differs vegetatively from other species as follows: the broader and

longer leaves which are glabrous on the upper surface and only

subglabrate to minutely pilosulous in the sulcations between the

nerves on the lower surface, the appressed-hirsute basal margins of

the leaves, and the relatively tall thick stems which vary from 1.3-

1.8 meters in height.

Vellozia duidae is locally common in the Savana Hills, and forms

a striking appearance with its tall subligneous stems giving rise at

the tip to the long leaves. These stems are much taller than in

V. tubiflora H.B.K. of the lowlands of the Upper Orinoco in Vene-

zuela, and have much broader and longer leaves than either V.

tubiflora or V. Alexandrinae (Schomb.) Goeth. & Henr. of the Gran

Sabana region bordering Roraima, Auyan-te pul, and Ptari-tepui. In

those species, moreover, and especially in V. Alexandrinae, the

leaves are densely appressed-silvery-sericeous-pubescent beneath.

The chances are great that V. duidae, geographically isolated as it

is on the summit of Duida, will be found to possess additional

characters as a distinct species when its flowers are eventually

collected and described.

DIOSCOREACEAE

Dioscorea bolivarensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caules teretes, glabri; laminis membranaceis cordato-ovatis acumi-

natis, 4-6 cm. longis, 3-3.5 cm. latis, 7-nervatis glabris; petiolis

1.5-1.8 cm. longis; paniculis masculis paniculato-ramosis, 10-15 cm.

longis; racemulis 2.5-3.5 cm. longis; floribus plerumque binis vel

trinis fasciculatis pedicellatis; pedicellis 1-2 mm. longis glabris;

bracteis ca. 1 mm. longis ovatis acuminatis; perianthio 2 mm. lato

rotato; segmentis lineari-oblongis 1.5 mm. longis, 0.5-0.8 mm. latis,

tubo brevi; staminibus fertilibus 6, perianthii tubo insertis; fila-

mentis elongatis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected along rocky cas-

cades of Rio Upata, west of Upata, state of Bolivar, alt. 500 m.,

July 31, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57551.

The paniculately branched staminate inflorescence relates this

species to section Sarcantha Uline, as treated by R. Knuth in Das

Pflanzenreich (IV. 43: 247. 1924), and to D. amezonum Griseb. in

that section, but that species has very elongated staminate branches

of the inflorescence and the flowers are solitary, whereas in D.

bolivarensis the flowers are in pairs or in cymules of threes, and

much smaller.

Dioscorea Lasseriana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caules usque 2.5-2 mm. crassi, hirtello-pubescentes, pilis patulis

obsiti; laminis firmiter papyraceis ovato-oblongis, cordato-ovatis

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 159

vel subrotundatis, apice subiter cuspidatis, basi sinu latissimo

cordato, adultis 8.5-10 cm. longis, 5.5-9 cm. latis, subtus villosis,

supra glabris, 7-9-nervatis, venis prominente reticulatis, praesertim

subtus; petiolis 3-4 cm. longis hirtellis; racemis masculis fascicula-

tis pluribus in axilla folii, usque 15-20 cm. longis, 1-1.5 mm. crassis,

villosis, rhachiet floribus et pedicellis villosis; fasciculis sub

sessilibus 1-1.5 mm. longis, 2-4-floris; pedicellis 3-6 mm. longis,

villosis, perianthio 1.8-2 mm. longo, villoso, usque ad 4/5 partito;

segmentis lanceolato-oblongis, obtusis, extus villosis; staminibus

6, centralibus; filamentis recurvatis, basi in tubum coalitis; antheris

suborbicularibus brevioribus quam filamentis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on meadowy slopes

between La Sabana de las Piedras and Cerro Negro, northwest of

Caripe, state of Monagas, alt. 1200-1500 m., April 5, 1949, Julian

A. Steyermark 61836; also collected in woods above Las Cuadras,

along Quebrada Molino, north of Torondoy, state of Merida, alt. 1820-

2255 m., March 27, 1944, Steyermark 55802.

A member of subgenus Helmia (Kunth) Benth., sect. Dematostemon

Griseb., as treated by R. Knuth in Das Pflanzenreich IV. 43: 50-51.

1924, this species, because of its staminate flowers villous on the

outer surface, is related to D. Fendleri R. Knuth of Venezuela, but

differs from that species in having villous stems and the lower sur-

face of the leaves villous. It is also closely related to D. sericea R.

Knuth of Colombia, from which it differs in the much longer pedicels

of the staminate flowers, the acuminate or cuspidate leaf-tips, and

the loosely villous instead of villous-sericeous pubescence of the

lower surface of the leaves.

Dioscorea sororopana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Volubilis glabra; caulibus tenuibus subteretibus; foliorum laminis

firmiter membranaceis vel subcoriaceis late ovatis, subito acumina-

tis, basi sinu latissime cordato, adultis 4-8 cm. longis, 3.5-6 cm.

latis, glabris, 7-13-nervatis, nervis extremis furcatis, subtus con-

spicuoribus et laxe areolatis; petiolis 1.5-4 cm. longis; inflores~

centia mascula spicata; spicis masculis simplicibus solitariis vel

2-fasciculatis, 8-9 cm. longis, glabris angulatis, longioribus quam

foliis; floribus masculis 2-3-glomerulatis, sessilibus; glomerulis

1-3 mm. remotis; bracteis ovatis cuspidatis, 2.5 mm. longis; peri-

anthio masculo campanulato, 2-2.5 mm. longo, segmentis subaequali-

bus, suborbiculari-ovatis, rotundatis vel obtusis, 1.5 mm. longis,

0.75-1 mm. latis, paullo longioribus quam tubo; staminibus 3, tubi

fundo insertis, subcentralibus erectis, 1 mm. longis; filamentis

0.7-0.8 mm. longis; spicis fructiferis 10 cm. longis, 4 capsulas

gerentibus; capsulis suborbicularibus vel subreniformibus 17-18 mm.

longis, 18-19 mm. latis; seminibus undique alis circumcinctis, 9 mm.

longis, 5-6 mm. latis, late oblongis, semine ipso suborbiculari 3-4

mm. longo.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected by wooded streamlet,

160 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

crest of cerro between east and west end, Sororopan-tepui, state of

Bolivar, alt. 2255 m., November 14, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

60124 (staminate plant); same locality Steyermark 60143 (pistillate

plant), co-type.

By having the seeds winged all around, this species would fall

into subgenus Eudioscorea, according to R. Knuth’s treatment of the

genus in ‘Das Pflanzenreich’’. It is characterized by the 3 short

fertile stamens without staminodia in the staminate flowers, the

broadly suborbicular, rounded or obtuse staminate perianth segments,

the fasciculate, sessile staminate flowers, the capsule as broad as

or slightly broader than long, and the relatively small, broadly ovate,

heart-shaped leaves with a conspicuous reticulum of nerves beneath.

It may be considered a member of the sect. Hemidematostemon

Griseb., the known species of which are all Brazilian, but does not

agree with any of the described species of that section.

IRIDACEAE

Trimezia Fosteriana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Herba perennis, ex cormum oriunda; scapo erecto subcomplanato

simplici glabro, 60-75 cm. alto, bi- vel tri-foliato, bracteis subfolio-

sis remotis, 5«13 cm. longis; foliis radicalibus elongatis erectis

glauco-viridibus subcoriaceis conspicue striatis linearibus, 30-65

cm. longis, 5-8 mm. latis, apice obtusis et asymmetricis; spatha

terminali sessili 1-3-flora bivalva; valvis inaequalibus pedicellum

subaequantibus striatis late lanceolatis carinatis 3.5-4.5 cm. longis,

8-10 mm. latis, acutis vel acuminatis, exteriore interiorem basi

amplectenti; floribus aureo-purpureo-maculatis; perigonii laciniis

2.5 cm. longis, exterioribus patentibus, interioribus minoribus sur

sum arcuatis; stylo 13 mm. longo trigono tripartito, laciniis triangu-

latis aureo-flavidis 4 mm. longis, uno angulo ad duas margines late

alato; stigmatibus bifidis lobatis vel crenatis, dentibus obtusis;

staminibus styli ramulis oppositis et adnatis; filamentis liberis

aureo-flavidis 4 mm. longis; antheris 6 mm. longis, apice apiculatis,

juxta longitudinem dehiscentes; ovulis in loculis plurimis.

Type in herb. Chi, Nat. Hist. Mus., collected along Rio Tek-

Yunsén, between Santa Teresita de Kavanayen and Carrao-tepu,

state of Bolivar, alt. 1375 m., December 4, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 60834; sandy wet ground with Stegolepis and Brocchinia, Gran

Sabana, between Mission of Santa Teresita de Kavanayen northwest

to Rio Karuai, on large mesa, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m., October

26, 1944, Steyermark 59364.

This species is named in honor of Dr. Robert C. Foster of the

Gray Herbarium of Harvard University. His studies of tropical

American Iridaceae in recent years have done much to further our

taxonomic knowledge of this family.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 161

The long basal, closely ribbed, narrow leaves, foliose flowering

scapes, and yellow perianth segments, of which the inner ones are

spotted purple, distinguish this species. According to Dr. Foster,

who has examined my material, ‘‘this species represents a transition

between the rather broad, flat, thin leaves of T. martinicensis (Jacq.)

Herb. and its allies, and the rigid, terete, thick leaves of the Lans-

bergia-group, exemplified by T. juncifolia (Klatt) Benth. & Hook.”

MUSACEAE

Heliconia Schneeana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta 3 m. alta; foliorum laminis utrinque pallido-viridibus an-

guste oblongis, apice subito acuminatis; inflorescentia in scapo

aphyllo foliorum vaginis inferne abscondito terminali, erecta; rhachidi

inflorescentiae conspicua, flexuosa; rhachidis internodiis 3-6 cm.

longis, in si¢co 4-5 mm. crassis, dense brunneo-villosulis; bracteis

spathaceis rubris 8, elongato-lanceolatis, e basi latioribus, apice

acutis 12-19 cm. longis, 1-1.5 cm. latis, reclinatis vel reflexis,

dorso inferne praesertim tomentosis; bractea infima fertili elongata,

38 cm. longa, lamina parva instructa; floribus in axillis spatharum,

fasciculatis perpluribus pedicellatis ovario longioribus; bracteis

membranaceis lanceolatis acuminatis, 4.5-5 cm. longis, 1-1.3 cm.

latis, glabris; pedicellis flavidis 1.5-3 cm. longis, dense brunneo-

villosulis; tepalis 4-4.5 cm. longis, glabris, basi viridescenti-

flavidis superne pallido-viridibus; filamentis pallido-flavidis; ovario

basi flavido, superne viridi.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in forest above

Hacienda Agua Blanca, above La Azulita, state of Merida, alt. 1310-

1340 m., April 25, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 56083 (3 sheets),

“stems 10 feet tall; flowers among upper leafy shoot part; bracts

pointing downward, deep red; pedicel yellow; ovary yellow at base,

green in upper half; filaments pale yellow; leaves pale dull green

both sides.’’

This species is characterized by the strongly reflexed or down-

ward-pointing, narrowly elongated linear-lanceolate bracts of the

inflorescence, the flexuose densely villosulous rachis, the densely

villosulous pedicels, and the erect inflorescence.

It is named in honor of Dr. Ludvig Schnee of Caracas, who, for

many years, has studied and published on various groups of Vene-

zuelan monocoty ledons.

MARANTACEAE

Calathea acuminata Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta 35-40 cm. alta; foliis ad 18 cm. longe petiolatis, petioli

parte superiore ad 4-5 mm. longa tereti callosa supra minutissime

162 ' FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

pilosa; laminis inaequilateralibus elliptico-lanceolatis vel anguste

oblongo-ellipticis acuminatis basi acutis membranaceis, utrinque

glabris, 13-20 cm. longis, 2.7-3.3 cm. latis; vaginis membranaceis

praesertim supra minute adpresso-puberulis; spicis ellipsoideo-

ovatis, 3 cm. longis; pedunculis gracilibus striatulis glabris vel

minute adpresso-puberulis; bracteis 3-4, late ovatis acuminatis, 2.2-

3.7 cm. longis, 1.2-1.8 cm. latis, praesertim infra minute puberulis;

sepalis ellipticis 11-12 mm. longis; corolla alba, tubo 15 mm. longo.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected en las sabanetas, a

lo largo de los caminos en sitios poco humedos, Capihuara, Alto

Casiquiare, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 120 m., May 24, 1942,

Llewelyn Williams 15532, ‘‘hierba hasta de 40 cm. con flores

blancas”’; en los sitios poco humedo en la selva, San Carlos de Rio

Negro, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 100 m., February 28, 1942,

Llewelyn Williams 14515, ‘‘hasta de 30 cm. de alto; flores blancas’’.

This species apparently is a member of subgenus Microcephalum

Benth. as treated by K. Schumann in ‘‘Das Pflanzenreich’’ IV. 48:

111. 1902. It differs from all other members of this subgenus, how-

ever, in its larger flower with longer corolla tube measuring at least

15 mm. long. It is further characterized by having few (3-4) long,

acuminate bracts, which are minutely puberulous, especially at the

base, and the narrowly elliptical, longeacuminate leaves.

From C. Baraquinii (Verschaff.) Reg. it differs in the much longer

petioles, which are glabrate or minutely pilosulous, larger spikes,

glabrate to minutely puberulent peduncles, and longer corolla tube.

Calathea duidae Steyermark, sp. nov.

Planta acaulis; scapis e basi plantae emittentibus a foliis discre-

tis; foliis basalibus subcoriaceis inaequilateralibus, late ovatis vel

suborbiculari-ovatis subito mucronatis, basi truncatis vel rotundatis,

42 cm. longis, ad 36 cm. latis, glabris; scapis saltem 45 cm. longis,

in sicco 6-8 mm. crassis, dense adpresso-puberulis, supra velutinis;

spicis obovoideo-subglobosis, apice rotundatis basi obtusis vel

rotundatis, 9.5-10 cm. longis, ad 10 cm. latis; bracteis omnino fertili-

bus spiralibus, orbiculatis, apice rotundatis, plerumque fenestralibus

tenuibus plurimis, 4-5 cm. longis, 3-4 cm. latis, extus puberulis,

praesertim infra; floribus non visis; capsulis trilocularibus, apice

truncato-depressis, extus parce puberulis, 15 mm. longis, 11 mm.

Crassis; seminibus 3, arillosis, uno solum maturescentibus, obtuse

subtrigonis, seminis corpo nigro 9 mm. longo, 7 mm. crasso, arillo

brunneo 3 mm. longo, 5 mm. lato.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected between Sabana

Grande and Base River (Cano Negro), at southeastern base of Cerro

Duida, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 210 m., August 23, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 57888, ‘‘flowering stems arising from base of

plant; leaves subcoriaceous, deep green above, dull green below;

bracts lace-like, dull brown; fruit orange.’’

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 163

Locally known as ‘‘Bijau’’, the leaves of this plant are reported

to be used in wrapping a type of tamale here called ‘‘hallaca’’.

The fruiting bracts with their fine lacy network impart to this

species a most unusual aspect. If they are a normal and natural

feature, then the species may be considered as the most extra-

ordinary one of the genus. Examination by high power microscope

reveals that the skeletal tissue is a left-over one, originally covered

by parenchymatous cellular tissue. However, the parenchyma ap-

pears to be very thin, whereas the fibro-vascular network accounting

for the unusual lace-like skeleton of the bracts, is exceptionally

strong and persists in fruit as the characteristic gross morphological

feature of the bract.

The species is further distinguished by the densely, fine pubes-

cent naked flowering scape arising at the base of the plant, the

large broadly orbicular bracts, in which at least the lowest ones are

villosulous on the outer surface, the large inflorescences, and the

large orbicular-ovate or broadly ovate leaves.

Calathea Lasseriana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Folia ad 22 cm. longa; petiolis longissime vaginatis fere ad

articulum, vaginis membranaceis infra medium 8 mm. latis, petioli

parte superiore 5-6 mm. longa, 4-5 mm. crassa, subtereti callosa,

supra pilosulis; laminis inaequilateralibus supra viridibus infra

argenteo-viridibus membranaceis obovato-ellipticis abrupte et brev-

iter acuminatis, basi obtusis, 20-30 cm. longis, 8-16 cm. latis,

glabris; inflorescentia sessili terminali, inferne foliorum basibus

cincta; spica anguste ovata, 3.5 cm. longa; bracteis 2.5-3 cm. longis,

circum apicem minute puberulis, aliter glabris; floribus pallido-

flavidis; sepalis linearibus obtusis, 11-12 mm. longis, 1.5 mm. latis,

glabris; corollae tubo cylindrico, 12 mm. longo, 1.5 mm. crasso,

pubescenti pilis adscendentibus; lobis exterioribus oblanceolatis,

acutiusculis, 9 mm. longis, 3 mm. latis; ovario glabro.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in forest near Base

River (Cano Negro), at southeastern base of Cerro Duida, Territorio

Federal Amazonas, alt. 215 m., August 23, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 57920, ‘‘terrestrial; flowers creamy-yellow; leaves silvery gray

green below, rich deep green above with sulcate nerves.”’

This species is apparently related to C. mishuyacu Macbr., known

only from near Iquitos, Peru. Our collection differs from the type of

that species (Klug 416) in its sessile, instead of subsessile in-

florescence, broader more membranous sheaths of the petioles, the

sheaths of the petioles extending to the junction of the leaf blade

instead of ending below the callus as in C. mishuyacu, the shorter

broader callus at the top of the petiole, the leaf blades more rounded

at the base, and the shorter bracts.

It is also related to C. propingua (Poepp. & Endl.) Koernicke of

Surinam and Brazil, and to C. exscapa (Poepp. & Endl.) Koernicke

164 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

of Peru. From the former it differs in the sheaths of the petioles

extending all the way to the junction with the blade, the callus por-

tion at the base of the blade not pubescent, the more rounded base

of the leaf blades, the glabrate bracts, and the smaller flowers.

Ischnosiphon Lasseriana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Herba erecta stricta; caulibus minute verruculoso-tuberculatis,

supra medium 0.5 cm. crassis; petiolis ad articulum vaginatis, arti-

culo 7-9 mm. longo plerumque glabro, vaginis 6-6.5 cm. longis,

glabris; laminis inaequilateralibus utrinque viridibus ovatis acumi-

natis, basi rotundatis, 8.5-13 cm. longis, 2.8-3.8 cm. latis, glabris;

racemis solitariis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in lower portion of

Quebrada O-paru-ma, tributary of Rio Pacairao, below Santa Teresita

de Kavanayén, state of Bolivar, alt. 915-1065 m., November 15, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 60557.

> ’

Local name: ‘‘Curarima-yek’’.

This species is related to J. surinamensis (Mig.) Koernicke of the

Guianas and Brazil, and to J. verruculosus Macbr. of Peru. In its

solitary spikes it resembles the former, but differs from that chiefly

in the verruculose stems, while from the latter it may be distin-

quished by the smaller leaves, and by the more finely verruculose

stems, the projections being closer together and less conspicuously

raised above the surface of the stem.

Monotagma duidae Steyermark, sp. nov.

Herba erecta metralis; foliis longe petiolatis, articulo subtereti

0.8-6.5 cm. longo, glabro vel pubescenti; vaginis basi vel interdum

superne dense strigillosis; laminis infra cinereo-viridibus interdum

atro-viridibus lineatis, inaequilateralibus ovato-lanceolatis, acumi-

natis basi obtusis, 32-45 cm. longis, 11-15 cm. latis, supra ad

costam mediam plus minusve dense hirtello-pubescentibus, interdum

ad superficiam leviter puberulis, aliter glabris; inflorescentia termi-

nali, folio frondoso suffulta; paniculis congestis ovoideis vel ovato-

ellipticis, 10-13 cm. longis, 6-8 cm. ers bracteis subcoriaceis

pallido-viridibus vel cupreis suffusis, 2.2-2.4 cm. longis, strigillo-

sis; floribus blancis, roseo-suffusis; bracteolis membranaceis ovato-

lanceolatis subacutis, 7 mm. longis; sepalis lineari-spatulatis,

obtusis 5 mm. longis, 1 mm. latis; corollae tubo 1.5-2 cm. longo;

lobis 5-6 mm. longis, 3 mm. latis, lobo exteriori anguste spatulato,

7 mm. longo; staminodio exteriori ‘calloso 4 mm. longo; anthera late

obovato-oblonga; filamento late lineari.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in second woodland

after crossing Esmeralda Ridge on way to Duida, between Esmeralda

Savana and southeastern base of Cerro Duida, Territorio Federal

Amazonas, alt. 200 m., August 22, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57807,

“‘leaves in rosette from cluster on stems; staminodia pale rose at

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 165

base, rest of petals white; bracts pale green; leaves grass dull green

above, gray green below with dull dark green lines’’; forest along

Base River (Cano Negro), at southeastern base of Cerro Duida, ale.

225 m., August 23, 1944, Steyermark 57927, ‘‘herb in dense clump,

3 feet tall; leaves gray green below, deep green above; bracts brick-

colored above: flowers white with rose-salmon’’; San Carlos, Rio

Negro, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 100 m., 1942, Llewelyn

Williams 14243,

This species is characterized by the combination of the short,

dense inflorescence, strigillose bracts, relatively short sepals and

corolla parts, densely puberulent upper portion of the petioles, and

minutely puberulent midrib of the upper leaf surface.

It is related to M. laxum (P. & E.) Schum. and M. exannulatum —

Schum., from which it differs in the shorter sepals, abbreviated,

shorter inflorescence, strigillose bracts, finely puberulous upper

portion of the petiole, and puberulous midrib of the upper leaf sur-

face. Williams 14243 has the leaf surface and petioles more pu-

bescent than the other two collections cited, but is apparently the

same in all other respects. |

BURMANNIACEAE

Burmannia sanariapoana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Caules erectes simplices vel ramosi, 11-23 cm. alti, inferne folio-

losi, superne parce bracteosi; foliis 5-6, infimis ovato-lanceolatis,

3-5 mm. longis, caulinis lineari-lanceolatis vel lanceolatis, subulatis

squamiformibus, caulem vaginantibus, 5-12 mm. longis, 0.5-1.5 mm.

latis, prominenter uninerviis; bracteis caulinis adpressis remotis

oblongo-lanceolatis, acutis, 3-5 mm. longis; floribus in racema

capituliformi vel in cyma dichotoma secundis subsessilibus bracte-

atis; bracteis elliptico-oblongis, 1 mm. longis, 0.5 mm. latis; ovario

1.3 mm. longo; perianthio obconico triquetro purpureo, apice palli-

diori et viridi, superne alato, tubo triangulari 2-3.5 mm. longo, lobis

exterioribus ovatis 1-1.3 mm. longis erectis alatis vel cristatis,

supra marginibus inflexis apice cucullatis, lobis interioribus lineari-

spatulatis vel anguste oblongo-linearibus, rotundatis, 4 mm. longis;

Staminibus_ sessilibus, infra bases loborum interiorum insertis,

connectivo ellipsoideo, 2 cristis apicalibus sublanceolatis; antheris

reniformibus; stylo cylindrico-filiformi; stigmatibus divaricatis in-

fundibuliformibus cristatis (Fig. 24). :

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in vicinity of Sanari-

apo, near Rio Sanariapo, tributary of Orinoco river, Territorio Federal

Amazonas, alt. 100 m., September 8, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

58466, ‘‘flowers purple with paler lavender and greenish at tip’’.

This species is related to B. dasyantha Mart. of Brazil, but has

smaller flowers and shorter and more scale-like leaves than that

166 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

species. It is intermediate between B. capitata (Walt.) Mart. forma

bracteosa (Gleason) Jonk. and B. dasyantha.

FIGURE 24

Burmannia sanariapoana Steyermark ,

A, Portion of inflorescence (X 5); B, Flower and bracts (X 5);

C, One of inner and outer perianth lobes from within, and attached

stamen (X 18); D, Outer perianth lobe with crest, lateral view (X 18);

E, Stamen (highly magnified), F, Upper part of style with stigmas

(highly magnified).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 167

ORCHIDACEAE !?

Pogonia stricta C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba terrestris, gracilis. Caulis sparsim ramosus, cum famis

Strictis paucifloris, sine foliis sed minute bracteatus. Racemi bi-vel

quadriflori. Flores lateraliter visi arcuati. Sepala carnosa. Sepa-

lum dorsale fomicatum, longitudinaliter concavum, lanceolato-

oblongum. Sepala lateralia arcuato-falcata, caetera similia. Petala

elliptico-oblonga, leviter falcata, quam sepala paulo breviora sed

latiora. Labellum tubulari-involutum, simplex, lanceolato-oblongum,

obtusum; discus basi minute bicallosum, cum fascia lata carnosa

minute multipapillosa per medium. Columna apice dilatala, ala

conspicua term inata.

Plant terrestrial, very slender, at least 23 cm. high (up to the apex

of the raceme) in the only complete plant present. Stem with 1 to

several strict and more or less remote branches, produced below into

an irregularly flexuous villous portion, leafless, provided remotely

with minute appressed, triangular-ovate and acute or narrowly

triangular-lanceolate and acuminate bracts which are 10 mm. or less

long; branches short, 2- to 4-flowered, rarely up to 7.8 cm. long.

Floral bracts strict, triangular-ovate, deeply concave, acuminate.

Flowers small, narrowly campanulate and arcuate when seen from the

side in natural position. Sepals fleshy, longitudinally concave,

greenish yellow. Dorsal sepal fornicate, lanceolate-oblong, acute,

apiculate, up to about 20 mm. long and 4 mm. wide when expanded,

dorsally lightly carinate. Lateral sepals oblique and falcate,

lanceolate-oblong, acute, about 20 mm. long and 4.8 mm. wide,

dorsally carinate. Petals similar to the lateral sepals, elliptic-

oblong, falcate, acute, up to 18 mm. long and 5 mm. wide, 3-nerved

(or S5-nerved in the middle), with minutely irregular margins, creamy

yellow. Lip tubularinvolute in natural position, simple, lanceolate- |

oblong, obtuse, up to about 16.3 mm. long and 6.2 mm. wide below

when expanded, with the lateral margins toward the apex minutely

erose and crisped-undulate; disc minutely bicallose at base, with a

broad central oblong-lanceolate acuminate fleshy band (entirely

covered by crowded papillose keels) extending from the base nearly

to the apex. Column small, from a slender base rather abruptly

dilated above, terminating in a prominent triangular blunt wing which

is lacerate on each side below, about 8 mm. or less high at the

back (Fig. 25).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1203783, isotype in Herb.

Ames, no. 64865, Brocchinia-Stegolepis-Heliamphora swamp on

southwest-facing shoulder, Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 2200 m.,

November 2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59786, ‘‘lateral sepals with

pale greenish in center, lip creamy white with rose-lavender or

magenta’’,

12By Charles Schweinfurth

168 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

POGONIA

stricta

C. Schweint.

Arion, 4. rary

FIGURE 25

Pogonia stricta. 1, Plant (X 4/5); 2, Flower from the side (X 2);

3, Dorsal sepal (X 2); 4, Petal (X 2); 5, Lateral sepal (X 2); 6, Lip,

from above (X 2).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 169

This species is apparently allied to Pogonia paludosa Reichb. f.,

but is dissimilar in having branched stems, short floral bracts and

differently colored flowers with a dissimilar lip.

Pogonia triflora C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba terrestris, gracilis. Caulis basi excepta glaber, parte in-

feriore remote bivaginata, parte superiore remote bifoliata. Folia

parva, stricta, amplexicaulia; folium basale anguste ellipticum

et acutum; folium superius lineari-lanceolatum et acuminatum.

Racemus perlaxe triflorus cum bracteis floralibus conspicuis, stric-

tis, lanceolatis vel ovato-lanceolatis, acuminatis. Flores parvi,

' rosei, Sepalum dorsale fornicatum, expansum anguste oblongo-

lanceolatum, acutum. Sepala lateralia expansa similia. Petala

sepalis similia sed paulo breviora et latiora, cum marginibus superi-

oribus leviter et irregulariter denticulatis. Labellum expansum

anguste oblongo-ovatum, prope apicem trilobatum; lobi laterales

apice abrupte angulati; lobus medius triangulari-ovatus; discus

fascia. mediana lata percursus, basi minute bicallosus. Columna

gracilis, perianthii segmentis distincte minor.

Plant terrestrial, slender. Stem glabrous except at the very base

which is apparently lanuginose, provided in the lower portion with

two remote ovate of ovate-oblong amplexicaul sheaths and above

with two remote leaves, about 19 cm. high up to the base of the

floriferous portion. Leaves two, appressed, amplexicaul, narrowly

elliptic or linearlanceolate, ‘acute or acuminate, the upper and

larger blade about 3.6 cm. long and 6 mm, wide. Raceme very loose-

ly 3-flowered, with the rachis about 5 cm. long. Floral bracts con-

spicuous, strict, lanceolate (lowermost) to ovate-lanceolate, acumi-

nate, amplexicaul, deeply concave, the lowermost about 3.2 cm.

long and 9 mm. wide. Flowers rather small, ‘‘rose-orchid’’, appar-

ently nodding in age. Segments membranaceous. Dorsal sepal

fornicate in natural position, when expanded narrowly oblong-lanceo-

late, acute, about 2.4 cm. long and 5 mm. wide. Lateral sepals

closely similar. Petals similar to the sepals but slightly shorter and

broader, about 2.2 cm. long and 6 mm. wide, with the upper margins

lightly and irregularly denticulate. Lip deep rose, when expanded

oblong-ovate in outline, distinctly 3-lobed near the apex, about 2.25

cm. long and 9 mm. wide; lateral lobes with abruptly angulate obtuse,

spreading tips; mid-lobe small, triangular-ovate; disc traversed by a

broad median thickened band (with irregular margins) which extends

from the base about to the middle of the mid-lobe, minutely bicallose

at the base. Column, slender, slightly dilated upward, about 1.6 cm.

long (Fig. 26).

Type in herb. Chi, Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1203772, southwest-facing

slopes between base of mountain at Quebrada Ka-hua-paru and

Glycon swamp, Mount Roraima, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220-1980 m.,

October 1, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59014.

170 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

\\ POGONIA

trifilora

és Schureink.

ATUTUTTNUT A

i Sonpe

ayer

FIGURE 26

Pogonia triflora. 1, Plant (X 4/5); 2, Flower from the side (X 2);

3, Dorsal sepal (X 2); 4, Petal (X 2); 5, Lateral sepal (X 2); 6, Lip,

from above (X 2).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 171

This species appears to be similar to Pogonia tenuis Reichb. f.,

but differs in having longer floral bracts, larger rose-colored (not

white) flowers and acute (not acuminate) sepals. It seems to be

allied to P. elegantula Schlitr., but has much smaller, narrower

leaves.

Pogonia unifoliata C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba terrestris, minor. Caulis gracilis, ima basi dense villosus,

supra glaber, unifoliatus. Folium anguste ellipticum, acutum, ses-

sile, amplectens, erectum. Flos singulus, bracteatus. Sepala

lanceolato-oblonga, acuta, tubulari-involuta. Petala_ elliptico-

oblonga, paulo breviora, tenuiora. Labellum expansum oblongo-

ellipticum, prope apicem profunde trilobatum; lobi laterales involuti,

cum apice libero brevi rotundato vel obtuso; lobus medius comparate

parvus, in circuitu naturali triangularis, expansus suborbiculari-

obovatus; discus basi mmute bicallosus, fascia mediana late percur-

sus. Columna brevis, supra sensim dilatata.

Plant terrestrial, rather small. Stem slender, up to about 20 cm.

long, densely brown-villous at the base (doubtless where in contact

with the soil), glabrous above, blue-gray and glaucous, furnished in

the lower third with a minute ovate-lanceolate amplexicaul sheath

and in the upper third with a single leaf. Leaf erect, narrowly

elliptic, acute, sessile, amplexicaul, blue-gray, glaucous, about 2.8

cm. long and 8 mm. wide. Inflorescence 1-flowered, leafy bracted.

Bract similar to the leaf, ovate-elliptic, amplexicaul, acute, deeply

concave and clasping the flower, about 2.5 cm. long, with the tip

little shorter than the floral segments. Ovary slender, plurisulcate,

‘glabrous. Flower small, apparently a bud. Sepals parallel, fleshy,

pale yellow-green, glaucous, tubular-involute. Dorsal sepal lanceo-

late-oblong, acute, 7-nerved, about 14.5 mm. long and 4 mm. wide

when expanded. Lateral sepals similar, slightly shorter and narrow-

er, slightly oblique, 5-nerved. Petals elliptic-oblong, acute or sub-

acute, about 13 mm. long and 4 mm. wide, thinner than the sepals,

pale green, 3-nerved through the middle with lateral nerves branch-

ing. Lip oblong-elliptic in natural position, deeply 3-lobed near the

apex, about 12.5 mm. long and 5.8 mm. wide when expanded, pale

greenish white with purple lines; lateral lobes inrolled with short

rounded or obtuse free apex; mid-lobe very small, triangular in

‘ natural position with involute sides, when expanded suborbicular

obovate with crenate margins; disc through the middle with a broad

fleshy band (longitudinally divided above) extending from near the

base about to the middle of the mid-lobe, minutely bicallose at the

base. Column short, gradually dilated upward, white at base with

wine-purple near tip, about 7.1 mm. tall at the back including the

large erect anther (Fig. 27).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1203948, scrubby forest on

rocky o oe portion of plateau on southeast-facing slopes, Ptari-tepui,

state of Bolivar, alt. 1600 m., November 1, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 59630.

172 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

POGONIA

unt fio Ciata

& S, chure wifi.

FIGURE 27

Pogonia-unifoliata. 1, Plant (X 4/5); 2, Flower from the side (X 3);

3, Dorsal sepal (X 4); 4, Petal (X 4); 5, Lateral sepal (X 4); 6,-Lip,

from above (X 4).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 173

This species does not appear to have any near ally, but it recalls

a small form of the North American Pogonia ophioglossoides (L.)

Ker-Gawl.

Prescottia carnosa C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba terrestris, stricta; pro genere mediocris. Folia tria, basalia,

prominenter petiolata; lamina ovata, acuta, basi rotundata vel sub-

truncata, valde coriacea. Scapus glaber, remote multivaginatus.

Racemus subdense multifloms. Flores parvi. Sepala petalaque

revoluto-circinnata. Sepala similia, oblonga vel triangulari-oblonga,

apice abrupte rotundata, lateralia paulo majora et in saccum ovario

adnatum basi producta. Petala linearia, apice abrupte rotundata.

Labellum erectum, multo majus, subgloboso-concavum, valde car

nosum, intus medio unicarinatum, basi utrinque in auriculam adnatam

extensum. Columna abbreviata.

Plant terrestrial, strict, medium-sized for the genus, about 50.5

cm. high. Roots fascicled, tuberous, densely lanuginose. Stem up

to the inflorescence glabrous, about 41.5 cm. long, rose-red, pro-

vided with many (about 13) sheaths which are relatively short imbri-

cating and coriaceous at base, scarious longer and remote in the

middle, and scarious and very short above. Leaves 3, entirely basal

(i.e. rosulate), longepetioled; lamina ovate, acute, abruptly rounded

to subtruncate at base, with the margins entire but often appearing

erose-crenulate in the dried specimen, coriaceous, deep green above,

silvery beneath with rose-red mid-rib, about 4.7 cm. long and 3 cm.

wide; petioles fleshy and deeply sulcate, abruptly dilated above,

rose-red, about 5.5-6.5 cm. long. Inflorescence subdensely many-

flowered, looser below; rachis 8.5 cm. long, rose-red. Floral bracts

ovate, long-acuminate, scarious, shorter than the ovary. Flowers

very small, non-resupinate (i.e. with lip uppermost), tawny-yellow

and salmon, sepals and petals submembranaceous and recurved-

circinnate, lip fleshy. Dorsal sepal oblong or lanceolate-oblong,

abruptly rounded at the apex, l-nerved, about 3 mm. long and 1.2 mm.

wide below when expanded. Lateral sepals triangular-oblong, form-

ing at base a sac adnate to the ovary; free part similar to the dorsal

sepal, shortly connate on the inner margins, about 3.5 mm. long and

nearly 2 mm. wide below. Petals linear, abruptly rounded at the

apex, l-nerved, about 2.6 mm. long and 0.9 mm. wide. Lip relatively

large, subglobose-concave, tapering on each side below into a long

auricle which is mostly adnate to the sepaline wali but free at the

apex, very fleshy, about 7-nerved, divided in the middle by a promt

nent but short longitudinal keel, glabrous within but densely minute-

papillose on the outer surface. Column abbreviated, very stout

(Fig. 28).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1203753, Brocchinia-

Stegolepis-Heliamphora swamp on southwest-facing shoulder, Ptari-

tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 2200 m., November 2, 1944, Julian A.

Ste yermark 59772.

174 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

This species is remarkable for its small coriaceous ovate leaves

and for the medium keel or septum in the center of the fleshy lip.

It appears to be somewhat allied to the widely distributed Pres cottia

stachyodes (Sw.) Lindl. which has larger membranaceous leaves and

an ecarinate membranaceous lip.

Erythrodes confusa C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba terrestris, alta. Caulis gracilis, pluriarticulatus cum articu-

lis inferioribus radiciferis et superioribus foliiferis. Folia elliptico-

lanceolata, acuminata, basi sensim angustata, petiolata; petiolus in

vaginam laxam infundibuliformem productus. Racemus erectus, dense

multiflorus. Flores parvi. Sepalum dorsale lanceolato-ellipticum.

Sepala lateralia oblongo-lanceolata, leviter falcata, antice late

decurrentia. Petala oblique lineari-oblanceolata. Labellum in

calcar pergracile productum; lamina supra medium utrinque constric-

ta, cum lobo anteriore suborbiculari-ovato, conspicue apiculato;

calcar elongatum, supra plusminusve incrassatum.

Plant terrestrial, tall, about 35 cm. in length to the tip of the

raceme. Stem rather slender, many-jointed, glabrous except near the

apex, dark purple, the lower portion producing at the joints pairs of

long simple lanuginose roots, the upper portion loosely leafy. Leaves

about eight, shortly petioled; lamina elliptic-lanceolate, acuminate,

gradually narrowed below, membranaceous, many-nerved with three

prominent sulcate nerves, dull above, silvery gray beneath, up to 10

cm. long and 2.65 cm. wide (the uppermost and lowermost leaves

much smaller); petiole indistinct, about 2.7 cm. or less long, sulcate,

gradually dilated below into a loose infundibuliform sheath. Inflo-

rescence a dense, terminal, many-flowered raceme, about 4.3 cm.

long. Floral bracts lanceolate, long-acuminate, concave, sparingly

ciliolate. Flowers small, membranaceous, with a few scattered hairs

without and with a slender glandular-pubescent ovary. Sepals dull

lavender-brownish without, pale green at base and buff in upper half

within. Dorsal sepal lanceolate-elliptic, acuminate, concave, l-

nerved, (indistinctly 3-nerved near the base), up to 7 mm. long and

2.2 mm. wide in the middle. Lateral sepals oblong-lanceolate,

acuminate with inrolled margins, lightly falcate, long-decurrent at the

base in front, l-nerved (indistinctly 3-nerved toward the base), a

little smaller than the dorsal sepal. Petals adherent to the dorsal

sepal, very obliquely linear-oblanceolate, acute or acuminate, up to

7 mm. long and 1.1 mm. wide above, l-nerved, the same color as the

sepals. Lip produced into an elongate spur; lamina divided by an

abrupt constriction into two parts; basal part oval, concave, with a

little fold on each side at the constriction; anterior part suborbicular-

ovate, abruptly acute or apiculate, about 2.5 mm. long and 2.6 mm.

or less wide; spur very slender, more or less dilated above, up to

1.4 cm. long, white. Column dilated upward, terminating in an obtuse

oblong-triangular wing (Fig. 29).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 175

PRESCOT TIA

CaQaGPr»nriosa

e Schweinf.

FIGURE 28

Prescottia carnosa. 1, Plant (X 4/5); 2, Flower and ovary, natural

position (X 4); 3, Dorsal sepal (X 8); 4, Petal (X 8); 5, Lateral

sepal (X 8); 6, Lip, partially expanded, from above (X 6).

176 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28.

FIGURE 29

Erythrodes confusa. 1, Plant (X 3/5); 2, Flower from the side (X 2),

3, Petal (X 5); 4, Column with anther attached, from the side (X 5);

5, Lip and spur, from above (X 3).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I Lv?

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1203776, southeastern-

facing slopes along Cano Negro (tributary of Cano Iguapo), Cerro

Duida, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 305-1095 m., August 25-26,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57966.

This species appears to be allied to the Brazilian Erythrodes

commelinoides (Rodr.) Ames, but differs in its narrower leaves and

much smaller flowers with differently proportioned lip. In vegetative

appearance it suggests E. aratanhensis (Rodr.) Ames and E. multi-

foliata C. Schweinf., but the perianth is very different.

Stelis dispar C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba epiphytica, pro genere mediocris, rhizomatosa. Rhizoma

gracile, vaginis arctis tubulatis omnino juventute velatum. Caules

secundarii numerosi, rari vel approximati, apice unifoliati. Folium

conspicue petiolatum; lamina oblongo-elliptica, acuta, infra cuneata.

Inflorescentiae saepissime solitariae vel duae, diffusae vel sub-

erectae, folium subaequantes vel duplo superantes, supra dense

multiflorae. Flores perparvi, glabri. Sepala valde inaequalia, tri-

nervia. Sepalum dorsale late ovatum vel rotundato-ovatum. Sepala

lateralia similia, multo minora, valde obliqua. Petala minuta, sub-

orbiculari-rhombica, cum parte anteriore late rotundata et incrassata.

Labellum subaequale, valde incrassatum, semiorbiculari-ovatum

antice visum, transverse cuneato-trapeziforme superne visum. Co-

lumna generis.

Plant epiphytic, medium-sized for the genus, producing an elongate

thizome. Roots fibrous, filiform, glabrous, scattered. Rhizome

slender, irregularly flexuous, entirely concealed by close tubular

sheaths which waste away in course of development. Secondary

stems numerous, scattering (about 2.5 cm. apart) to approximate,

making an acute angle with the rhizome, up to 7.2 cm. long (common-

ly much less), unifoliate at the apex, entirely or mostly concealed by

two to four close tubular evanescent sheaths. Leaf erect or erect-

spreading, distinctly petioled; lamina oblong-elliptic, acute with a

minutely tridenticulate apex, cuneate below, coriaceous, about 4-7.5

cm. long, 9-17 mm. wide; petiole slender, about 2 cm. or more long.

Inflorescences commonly solitary or two (rarely remnants of a third

one appears), diffuse to suberect, subequaling to twice surpassing

the leaf, subdensely to densely many-flowered and racemose above,

rather loosely flowered toward the base. Floral bracts minute, in-

fundibuliform, acute. Flowers very small, glabrous, deep purple or

dull lavender with mulberry-purple lip. Sepals markedly unequal,

3-nerved, connate below. Dorsal sepal broadly ovate or round-ovate,

obtuse to subacute, about 3 mm. long and nearly as wide below.

Lateral sepals very obliquely round-ovate, about 2 mm. long and

wide below. Petals minute, suborbicular-rhombic, with the anterior

portion broadly rounded and fleshy-thickened, about 0.5 mm. long and

1 mm. wide. Lip subequal to the petals, very fleshy, with a trans-

verse thickening across the middle and a small conical tubercle near

the base, semiorbicularovate when viewed from the front, trans-

178 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

versely cuneate-trapeziform with a broad truncate-concave apex when

viewed from above. Column of the genus (Fig. 30).

Type in Herb. Ames no. 64847, isotype in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist.

Mus., no. 1221980, rich forest on slopes near summit of Cerro San

Isidro, above La Carbonera, state of Merida, alt. 2430-2745 m., April

22, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 56034, ‘epiphyte on trunk of Laden-

bergia undata, leaves fleshy subcoriaceous, dull green above, pale

below’’; same data, Steyermark 56031.

This species appears to be allied to the Ecuadorian Stelis lancea

Lindl., but differs in its very unequal sepals and simple lip.

Lepanthes exilis C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba epiphytica, caespitosa. Caules numerosi, pertenues, apice

unifoliati, pluriarticulati, vaginis arctis glabris tubulatis omnino

tecti. Folium lanceolatum vel elliptico-lanceolatum, acuminatum

cum apice acriter tridenticulato, breviter petiolatum. Inflorescentiae

axillares, saepissime plures, diffusae, multiflorae, quam folium plus-

minusve longiores. Flores parvi, membranacei, glabri. Sepalum

dorsale ovatum, acutum, concavum. Sepala lateralia in laminam late

ovatam profunde bidentatam connata. Petala perparva, transverse

oblonga cum lobo posteriore subquadrato-oblongo comparate longo et

lobo anteriore minuto, triangulari. Labellum petala subaequans, 3-

lobatum; lobi laterales comparate magni, late flabellati; lobus medius

minutus, villosus. Columna generis.

Plant epiphytic, caespitose. Roots fibrous, glabrous, filiform,

numerous. Rhizome abbreviated. Stems numerous, very slender,

l-leaved at the apex, several- (up to 14-) jointed, entirely concealed

by close tubular glabrous sheaths which terminate in ovate spreading

marginate, minutely hispid mouths, about 5 (rarely) -13 cm. long.

Leaf very shortly petioled; lamina lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate

(often narrowly so), coriaceous, acuminate to a sharply trideénticulate

apex, shortly cuneate below, 3.1-6.5 cm. long, up to 1.3 cm. or less

wide; petiole about 5 mm. or less long. Inflorescences axillary,

solitary to about 15, diffuse, laxly or subdensely many-flowered,

surpassing the leaf (sometimes nearly three times as long). Floral

bracts minute, infundibuliform. Flowers very small, membranaceous.

Sepals distinctly connate below, tawny yellow with pale yellow

margins. Dorsal sepal ovate, acute, concave, 3-nerved, up to 4 mm.

long and 2.2 mm. wide when expanded. Lateral sepals with their

inner margins connate to half their length, each sepal very obliquely

ovate, acute, 2-nerved; lamina of lateral sepals broadly ovate, about

3.4 mm. long from the outer point of union with the dorsal sepal to

the tip and 2.9 mm. wide near the base. Petals much smaller than

the sepals, vermilion-orange, transverse, bilobed, about 0.8 mm. long

and 1.9 mm. wide; posterior lobe much the larger, oblong-subquadrate

with a very oblique obtuse apex; anterior lobe very small, triangular,

obtuse. Lip adnate to the middle of the column, 3-lobed, orchid-rose;

lateral lobes relatively large, broadly flabellate, the apex broadened

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 179

of STELIS dispar

Bs » F Cre chweinf,

FIGURE 30

Stelis dispar. 1, Plant (X 3/5); 2, Flower, from the front (X 8);

3, ee (X 16); 4, Lip, from above (X 16 5, Lip, from the side

(x 16).

180 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

into a transverse peltate plate about 1.6 mm.across; mid-lobe minute,

oblong-ovate, long-hirsute. Column about 1.4 mm. long, dilated

above, orchid-rose (Fig. 31).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1207544, isotype in Herb.

Ames no. 64841, on densely forested steep south-facing slopes over-

lying sandstone, between “Cave Rock’’ and base of high sandstone

bluffs, Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 2100-2285 m., October 30,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59540 ‘‘leaves pale green above and

paler green beneath’’.

This species appears to be allied to Lepanthes cyanoptera Reichb.

f., but has longer leaves and dissimilar sepals and petals.

Pleurothallis callifera C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba epiphytica, mediocris, caespitosa. Caules numerosi, gra-

ciles, variabiles, apice unifoliati. Folia valde variabilia, saepissi-

me horizontalia, lanceolata vel saepius ovato-lanceolata vel ovata,

acuta vel acuminata, basi cordata. Inflorescentiae abbreviatae,

uniflorae, singulae vel plures. Flores parvi, bilabiati, glabri.

Sepalum dorsale oblongo-ovatum, concavum, acutum. Sepala lateralia

in laminam triangulari-ovatam, acutam, Cconcavam omnino connata.

Petala patentia, lineari-lanceolata, acuminata, basi obliqua. Label-

lum in positu naturali arcuato-recurvum et sulcatum, expansum

thombico-ovatum, membranaceum; discus prope basim carina trans-

versa crescentiformi ornatus. Columna crassa, perbrevis.

Plant epiphytic, medium-sized, caespitose. Roots numerous,

fibrous, glabrous. Rhizome abbreviated. Stems approximate, slen-

der, provided below with 2 close separated tubular sheaths of which

the upper is much the longer, very variable in size, about 9-23.5 cm.

long, l-leaved at the apex. Leaf very variable in form and size,

commonly horizontal or widely spreading, lanceolate (rarely) to

ovate-lanceolate or ovate, acute of acuminate with a minutely tri-

denticulate tip, cordate at the sessile base, 5.8-10.8 cm. long, 1.9-

4.4 cm. wide. Inflorescences abbreviated, axillary, 1-flowered,

apparently solitary to several, enclosed in an evanescent condupli-

cate spathe. Flower small, glabrous, bilabiate. Dorsal sepal

oblong-ovate, acute, 3-nerved, concave, about 7 mm. long and 4 mm.

wide. Lateral sepals entirely connate into a triangular-ovate con-

cave lamina which is acute, 5- to G-nerved, about 7 mm. long and

4.4 mm. wide. Petals linear-lanceolate, acuminate, oblique at the

base, l-nerved, about 6 mm. long and 1.1 mm. wide at the base. Lip

arcuate-recurved and sulcate in natural position, rhombic-ovate when

expanded, submembranaceous, cuneate below, obtuse at the apex,

3-nerved with the mid-nerve clavate and thickened near the tip, about

4 mm. long and 3.2 mm. or more wide when expanded; disc witha

prominent transverse crecentiform keel or callus near the base.

Column abbreviated, stout (Fig. 32).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1206418, isotype in Herb.

Ames no. 64844, on densely forested steep south-facing slopes over

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 181

LEPANTHES

(See extlis

ei \: y

oe C. Schweinf;

FIGURE 31

Lepanthes exilis. 1, Plant (X 3/5); 2, Flower, from the front, (X 7);

3, Petal (X 14); 4, Lip (X 14).

182 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

PLEUROTHALLIS callifera

FIGURE 32

Pleurothallis callifera. 1, Plant (X 1/2); 2, Flower from the side

(X 4); 3, Petal (X 5); 4, Lip, from above (X 5); -5, Lip and column,

from the side (X 5).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 183

lying sandstone, between ‘‘Cave Rock’’ and base of high sandstone

bluffs, Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 2100-2285 m., October 30,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59541, ‘‘leaves coriaceous, dark green

above and pale green beneath; sepals translucent, dull green with dull

lavender stripes; petals spreading, dull lavender; lip dorsal, erect,

purple, depressed along the middle’’

This species appears to pea Pleurothallis undulata Poepp.

& Endl., but the membranaceous rhombic-ovate lip is distinctive.

Pleurothallis exilis C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov. |

Herba perparva, calcicola, caespitosa. Rhizoma abbreviatum.

Caules secundarii perparvi, approximati, apice unifoliati. Folium

late spathulatum vel anguste oblanceolatum, apice rotundatum vel

acutum, infra sensim angustatum. Inflorescentia abbreviatae, bi-

vel quadriflorae, flos membranaceus. Sepalum dorsale valde concav-

um, oblongo-lanceolatum, acutum. Sepala lateralia in laminam con-

cavam elliptico-ovatam connata. Petala breviora, late obovata,

obliqua, abruptius acuta. Labellum quam petala paulo brevius, in po-

situ naturali conduplicatum, expansum anguste ovatum, apice rotun-

datum, marginibus anterioribus denticulatis. Columna apice cum ala

lacerata.

Plant very small, caespitose. Roots fibrous, glabrous, relatively

stout. Rhizome abbreviated. Secondary stems numerous, approxi-

mate, filiform, l-jointed, mostly concealed by 2 imbricating tubular

evanescent sheaths, l-leaved at the apex. Leaf erect or spreading,

broadly spatulate to narrowly oblanceolate, acute to rounded with a

minutely tridenticulate apex, gradually narrowed to an indistinct

petiole, up to 2.5 cm. long and 7 mm. wide, marginate. Inflorescence

abbreviated, with two to four flowers, the segments (in our specimen)

on the summit of an ellipsoid ovary. Dorsal sepal strongly concave,

oblong-lanceolate, acute, 3-nerved, membranaceous, about 3.7 mm.

long and 2 mm. wide when expanded. Lateral sepals connate into a

concave elliptic-ovate lamina which is 4-nerved, about as long as

the dorsal sepal and 3.4 mm. wide when expanded. Petals broadly

obovate, oblique, rather abruptly acute, l-nerved, about 2.6 mm. long

and 1.6 mm. wide. Lip conduplicate and gently recurved in natural

position, simple, narrowly ovate when expanded, rounded at the apex

with the anterior margins denticulate, about 2.5 mm. long, finely

papillose especially on the inner surface. Column shorter than the

lip, slightly arcuate, terminated by a lacerate wing (Fig. 33).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1206448, isotype in Herb.

Ames no. 64846, base of limestone bluffs, Cerro de la Cueva de

Dona Anita, south of and bordering valley of Caripe, state of Mona-

gas, alt. 1100-1200 m., April 7, 1945, Julian A. Steyermark 61902,

““common in crevices of lime bluffs, leaves deep green above and

gray green beneath’’.

This little species recalls Pleurothallis barbulata Lindl., but has

very different petals and lip.

184 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

PLEUROTHALLIS) evilis

| C, Schweinfurth

P, humilis CS chwernf:

FIGURE 33

Pleurothallis exilis. 1, Plant (X 2); 2, Flower from the side, partial-

ly expanded (X 5); 3, Petal (X 5); 4, Lip, from the side and from

above (X 8).

Pleurothallis humilis. 5, Plant (X 2); 6, Flower from the side,

partially expanded (X 5); 7, Petal (X 8); 8, Lip from above (X 12).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 185

Pleurothallis humilis C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba perparva, caespitosa, epiphytica. Caules secundarii ab-

breviati, vaginis duabus imbricatis tubularibus obtecti. Folium

singulum, erectum, oblanceolatum vel lineari-oblanceolatum, apice

abrupte rotundatum, infra longe angustatum. Inflorescentiae fili-

formes, Singulae vel tres, saepissime folia superantes, supra uni-

vel laxe triflorae. Flos parvus, tenuis. Sepalum dorsale valde

concavum, anguste lanceolatum, acuminatum. Sepala lateralia

similia sed angustiora, obliqua. Petala oblique lineari-lanceolata,

longe acuminata, sepalis paulo breviora. Labellum multo minus, in

positu naturali oblanceolato-oblongum, acutum, cum lobulis erectis

breviter rotundato-triangulis in parte inferiore. Columna crassa.

Plant very small, epiphytic, caespitose. Roots fibrous, glabrous,

as stout as the stems. Stems abbreviated, about 8 mm. or less long,

entirely or very nearly enveloped by 2 tubular imbricating translucent

sheaths. Leaf solitary, erect, oblanceolate or linear-oblanceolate,

abruptly rounded above with a minutely tridenticulate tip, long-

narrowed below, fleshy-coriaceous and rich green with purple spots

in natural condition and revolute margins in the dried state, up to 18

mm. long and 3.5 mm. wide when expanded, the mid-nerve being sul-

cate above and sharply carinate beneath in the dried specimen.

Inflorescences filiform, 1-3 near the summit of the stem, usually

more or less surpassing the leaf, 1- or loosely 3-flowered above.

Flower small but large for the plant, thin and translucent in the

dried specimen. Sepals and petals dull salmon-orange. Dorsal sepal

strongly concave, narrowly lanceolate, acuminate, 3-nerved, about

5 mm. long and 1.5 mm. wide when expanded. Lateral sepals similar

to the dorsal sepal, obliquely and narrowly lanceolate, acuminate,

shortly connate at the base, about 5 mm. long and 1 mm. wide.

Petals obliquely linear-lanceolate, long-acuminate, l-nerved, slight-

ly shorter than the sepals, about 0.75 mm. side. Lip red, much

smaller than the other segments, oblanceolate-oblong in natural

position, acute, glabrous, with a pair of incurved triangular-rounded

lateral lobules near the basal third, about 2.25 mm. long and 0.5 mm.

wide above. Column stout, about 1.5 mm. long (Fig. 33).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1203736, epiphyte on tree

on wooded slopes of Quebrada O-paru-ma, between Santa Teresita de

Kavanayen and Rio Pacairao (tributary of Rfo Mouak), state of

Bolivar, alt. 1065-1220 m., November 20-21, 1944, Julian A. Steyer

mark 60383.

This little plant has several apparent allies. It differs from

Pleurothallis barbulata Lindl. in having much larger sepals and

petals and an eciliate lip. It has petals which are markedly unlike

those of P. pertenuis C. Schweinf. and P. sarcophylla Reichb. f.

Pleurothallis Steyermarkii C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba terrestris, magna. Caules approximati, longi, apice unifoli-

ati. Folium ellipticum, apice abrupte acuminatum, infra longe an-

186 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

gustatum, coriaceum. Inflorescentiae axillares, pendulae vel re-

flexae, pluri-vel multiflorae. Flores comparate parvi, bilabiati,

atropurpurei. Sepala membranacea. Sepalum dorsale lanceolatum vel

ovato-lanceolatum, acuminatum. Sepala lateralia in laminam sub-

orbicularem profunde concavam connata. Petala oblongo-lanceolata,

longe acuminata, in positu naturali leviter incurva. Labellum

parvum, in circuitu triangulari-ovatum, in positu naturali trilobatum

cum lobis lateralibus basalibus obovato-semiorbicularibus et lobo

terminali triangulari acuminato. Columna parva.

Plant large. Rhizome apparently abbreviated. Roots fibrous,

pubescent, filiform, numerous. Stems approximate, rather slender,

clothed in the lower part with about three distant close tubular

sheaths which are evanescent in course of development, 41.5-65 cm.

or more long (incomplete in the Jongest specimen), unifoliate at the

apex, very rarely superposed. Leaf elliptic, abruptly acuminate with

a tridenticulate tip and produced mucro, long-narrowed to a more or

less petioled base, coriaceous, 15 - about 23 cm. long (longest blade

incomplete), 5-7.1 cm. wide. Inflorescences axillary, one or two,

nodding or recurved, subdensely several- to many-flowered, much

shorter than the leaf, about 11 cm. or less in length. Floral bracts

narrowly infundibuliform, abruptly acute. Flowers relatively small,

deep wine-purple, bilabiate. Sepals membranaceous. Dorsal sepal

lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, concave, 3-nerved, about

11 mm. long (tip incomplete), 4 mm. wide when expanded. Lateral

sepals entirely connate into a deeply concave suborbicular lamina

which is G6-nerved, about 10 mm. long and wide when partially ex-

panded, subacute at the apex. Petals oblong-lanceolate, long-

acuminate, lightly incurved in natural position, rather fleshy, 3-

nerved, about 10 mm. long and 2 mm. wide below. Lip relatively

small, triangular-ovate in outline, abruptly reflexed at the base,

3-lobed in natural position with obovate-semiorbicular lateral lobes

and triangular acuminate mid-lobe, subentire when expanded, deeply

cordate at base, about 4.1 mm. long from the basal margin of a

lateral lobule to the tip of the lip and subequally wide below; disc

with a pair of nipple-shaped calli in the center of the base. Column

short and stout, about 2 mm. high at the back, with a very short foot

in front (F ig. 34).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1221987, isotype in Herb.

Ames no. 64843, rich woods near and bordering Quebrada de Palmar,

at foot of Paramo de Tama, 2 kms. above Betania and 7 kms. above

Villapaez, state of Tachira, alt. 2500 m., July 14, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 57246, ‘‘leaves dark green above and dull green beneath,

stems erect, dull green mottled with dark purple’’.

This species appears to be allied to the Ecuadorian P leurothallis

antennifera Lindl., but lacks the abbreviated upper stem-member, has

shorter racemes and broader petals.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 187

PLEUROTHALLIS Steyermarkit

C, Schwe infurth

FIGURE 34

Pleurothallis Steyermarkii. 1, Upper portion of plant (x 3/5); 2,

Basal portion of plant (X 2/3); 3, Flower, from the side (X 3);

4, Petal (X 3); 5, Lip from above (X 6); 6, Lip from the side (X 6).

188 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Pleurothallis subtilis C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba mediocris, epiphytica. Rhizoma abbreviatum. Caules

secundarii approximati, graciles, a basi decumbenti suberecti, apice

unifoliati. Folium lineare, apice abrupte tridentatum, basi cordatum,

coriaceum, marginibus revolutis. Inflorescentiae axillares, uniflorae,

singulae vel plures. Flores perparvi, flavidi, glabri. Sepalum

dorsale valde concavum, suborbiculari-ovatum, obtusum. Sepala

lateralia in laminam concavam suborbicularem, apice bidentatam

connata. Petala falcata, oblongo-lanceolata. Labellum ovatun,

obtusum, valde incrassatum, basi abrupte reflexum et a latere visum

sigmoideum. Columna valde arcuata, supra dilatata.

Plant medium-sized, epiphytic, apparently caespitose. Roots

fibrous, filiform, glabrous, numerous. Secondary stems very variable

in size, numerous, slender, rigid, suberect from a decumbent base,

l-leaved at the apex, enveloped below by one to three close tubular

evanescent sheaths, up to 19 cm. long. Leaf commonly horizontally

spreading or reflexed, linear, narrowed above to an abrupt minutely

tridentate apex of which the middle tooth is produced into a con-

Spicuous mucro, cordate at the base, coriaceous with strongly revo-

lute margins, very variable in size, up to 12.7 cm. long and about 8

mm. wide when expanded. Inflorescences axillary, abbreviated, 1-

flowered, solitary or several (up to 7), enclosed by an evanescent

concave spathe. Flower very small, bilabiate, glabrous, with sepals,

petals and column pale yellow and lip deep yellow. Sepals concave.

Dorsal sepal suborbicular-ovate, obtuse, 3-nerved, about 3.5 mm.

long and 2.5 mm. wide when forcibly expanded. Lateral sepals

connate into a suborbicular lamina which is bidentate at the apex,

4-nerved, and slightly shorter but broader than the dorsal sepal.

Petals falcate, oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, l-nerved, with slightly

irregular margins, about 3.3 mm. long and 1 mm. wide. Lip ovate,

very fleshy, obtuse, abruptly reflexed at the base and sigmoid in

natural position when viewed from the side, cordate at the base when

viewed from the front, about 2 mm. long and 1.5 mm. wide. Column

strongly arcuate, abruptly dilated above (Fig. 35).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1206354, isotype in Herb.

Ames no. 64845, rich foreston slopes near summit of Cerro San Isidro,

above La Carbonera, state of Merida, alt. 2430-2475 m., April 22,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 56030, ‘‘epiphyte on Ladenbergia undata,

leaves dull blue green above and paler beneath’’.

This species differs from the Bolivian Pleurothallis scleropus

Schltr. in having smaller flowers with dissimilar sepals. It is vege-

tatively similar to the narrow-leaved form of the Peruvian P. juni-

nensis Schler.

Octomeria rhizomatosa C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba epiphytica, pro genere alta et rigida. Rhizoma repens,

elongatum ut videtur. Caules secundarii graciles, apice unifoliati,

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 189

PLEUROTHALLIS subtilis

CS: chweinfurth

FASE

L Pp

ay (SR

FIGURE 35

Pleurothallis subtilis. 1, Plant (X 3/5); 2, Flower, three-quarter

“ (x 6); 3, Lip from the side and from above (X 10); 4, Petal

(x 6).

190 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

tri- vel quadriarticulati et vaginis pluribus tubulatis arcte ornati.

Folia perangusta, oblongo- vel elliptico-linearia, apice acuto minute

tridenticulata, basi breviter petiolata. Inflorescentiae abbreviatae,

uniflorae, subaxillares, in fasciculo utroque flores plures ut videtur.

Flores parvi, membranacei, flavidi, glabri. Sepala petalaque per

similia, elliptico-lanceolata, acuminata, trinervia. Labellum multo

brevius, infra medium trilobatum, cum lobis lateralibus parvis,

rotundatis, suberectis et lobo intermedio multo majore, apice acuto

vel tridentato. Columna parva, leviter arcuata.

Plant epiphytic, tall for the genus. Rhizome creeping, apparently

elongate, entirely concealed by close tubular sheaths which waste

away during development. Roots fibrous, filiform, glabrous, appar-

ently growing in scattered clusters. Secundary stems slender, 1-

leaved at the apex, up to 2 cm. apart on the rhizome, subparalle! with

the rhizome or growing at a right angle from a decumbent base, 3- to

4-jointed, adorned at intervals with three to five close tubular eva-

nescent sheaths, about 8-20 cm. long. Leaf rigidly erect or ascend-

ing, short-petioled; lamina oblong-linear or elliptic-linear, acute with

a minutely tridenticulate apex, cuneate below, 11.7-19.5 cm. long, up

to 1 cm. wide; petiole sulcate, about 7 mm. long. Inflorescenses

subaxillary, abbreviated, 1-flowered, apparently with several flowers

in each fascicle. Flowers small, membranaceous, glabrous, with

creamy yellow sepals and petals and pale yellow lip. Dorsal sepal

elliptic-lanceolate, acuminate, 3-nerved, about 8.4 mm. long and 2.5

mm. wide. Lateral sepals free, very similar to the dorsal sepal but

slightly narrower (1.5 mm. wide), slightly oblique. Petals elliptic-

lanceolate, acuminate, about 7 mm. long and 2.2 mm. wide, 3-nerved,

Lip much shorter than the other segments, oblong-obovate in outline

in natural position, 3-lobed below the middle, about 3.7 mm. long and

2 mm. across the lateral lobes when expanded, cuneate at base,

pandurate-constricted on each side in the middle, acute and un-

equally 3-angled or tridentate in front; lateral lobes relatively very

small, erect-incurved in natural position, rounded; disc with a pair

of short distant keels extending from the middle of the lateral lobes

to the dilated portion of the middle lobe. Column relatively small,

gently arcuate, slightly narrowed above, about 2 mm. long at the

back (Fig. 36),

Type in herb. Ames no. 64842, isotype in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist.

Mus., no. 1207006, along ‘Quebrada Sororopan, between Santa Tere-

Sita de Kavanayén and Rio Tek-Yunsén, state of Bolivar, alt. 1375

m., December 3, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60830; cotype collected

on forested sandstone south-facing slopes between plateau portion

and ‘‘Cave Camp”’, Ptari-tepui, alt. 1700-1800 m., November 1, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 59703, ‘‘leaves deep green above and paler

green beneath, flowers (buds) greenish yellow”’.

Another collection (Steyermark 59703), while furnishing only young

buds, apparently represents this species. It differs in having some

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 191

OCTOMERIA +rhizomatosa

C, Schweinfurth

FIGURE 36

Octomeria rhizomatosa. 1, Plant (X 1/3); 2, Flower, from the side

(X 3); 3, Petal (X 3); 4, Dorsal sepal (X 3); 5, Lateral sepal (X 3);

6, Lip from above (X 7); 7, Column and lip from the side (X 7).

192 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

times greater intervals between the stems (up to nearly 3 cm.) and

sometimes broader leaves (up to 1.2 cm. wide).

This species seems to be allied to the Colombian Octomeria longi-

folia Schlitr., but has larger flowers with acuminate sepals and petals

and a differently proportioned lip. |

Acineta alticola C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba robusta, saxicola, caespitosa. Pseudobulbi plusminusve

ovoidei, apice tri-vel quadrifoliati. Folia elliptico-lanceolata vel

oblonga, acuta vel saepius acuminata, plicata. Inflorescentia:ba-

salis, supra laxe pluriflora. Flores pro genere parvi, subglobosi.

Sepala concava. Sepalum dorsale ovato-ovale, obtusum. Sepala

lateralia similia, paulo -majora, subobliqua, acuta. Petala obovato-

elliptica, oblique subacuta. Labellum in partes duas divisum; pars

basalis subquadrata, profunde concava; pars anterior leviter trilobata

cum lobis lateralibus erectis transverse semiovalibus et lobo medio

comparate parvo, triangulari; discus inter lobos cum callo carnoso

alto subquadrato. Columna arcuata, supra sensim bialata.

Plant stout, caespitose, growing in dense mats on face of cliffs.

Roots fibrous, stout, apparently lanuginose especially near the base,

numerous, elongate. Pseudobulb ovoid to narrowly pyriform, 10.6-12

cm. long, bearing 3 or 4 leaves at the summit, more or less con-

cealed at base by several broad evanescent sheaths of which the

larger inner ones appear to be leaf-bearing. Leaves elliptic-lanceo-

late to narrowly elliptic-oblong, acute or acuminate, gradually nar

rowed to a convolute base, plicate, chartaceous, many-nerved with

three to seven nerves conspicuously exserted beneath, variable in

size and shape, up to 58 cm. long, 4.6-9 cm. wide. Inflorescence

basal, suberect from a decumbent base, about 23 cm. long; basal

portion provided with several short loose infundibuliform sheaths

which are separated below and closely imbricated above; upper por

tion loosely about 12-flowered, apparently lepidote. Floral bracts

oblong-lanceolate, concave, obtuse, widely spreading, about 2.6 cm.

or less long. Flowers small for the genus, subglobose when viewed

from the side, faintly fragrant. Sepals thickly-fleshy, pale green

with scarious pale yellowish margins, the outer surface near the

center with brown-purple dots. Dorsal sepal ovate-oval, deeply

concave, obtuse, about 2.7 cm. long and 2 cm. wide when expanded.

Lateral sepals obliquely oval-ovate, acute, concave, about 2.9 cm.

long and 2.2 cm. wide. Petals obovate-elliptic, subacute, rather

abruptly narrowed near the base, oblique near the apex, about 2.7

cm. long and 1.7 cm. wide, subcoriaceous, pale green with dull

lavender spots within. Lip lightly sigmoid when viewed from the

side, about equaling the other segments in length; sharply divided

into 2 portions, basal part subquadrate, deeply saccate, about 1.2

cm. long; anterior part 3-lobed, the sinus between the lateral and

terminal lobes being right-angled and lobulate at its base; lateral

lobes erect, transversely semioval, without carinate growths within,

greenish yellow with rich purple spots; mid-lobe relatively small,

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I

193

Mis

UWMlil,

ITT My

VIM [LEE L

3s=

§,

1 f ACINETA alticola

3 ‘ C. Schwe infurth

FIGURE 37

Acineta alticola. 1, Plant (X 1/6); 2, Flower, from the side (X 2/3);

3, Petal (xX 2/3); 4, Column and lip from the side, natural size;

5, Lip from above, natural size.

194 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

triangular with upcurved sides and subacute apex in natural position,

broadly ovate if forcibly flattened, ‘‘pointed with inrolled margins’’;

deep yellow disc between the lateral lobes with a high subquadrate

fleshy purple callus and a small irregularly subglobose callus just

in front. Column relatively slender but gradually bialate toward the

apex, arcuate, whitish above and greenish white and “‘lightly pu-

bescent’’ below, about 2 cm. high (Fig. 37).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., nos. 1203742, 1203744, isotype

in Herb. Ames no. 64855, along base of east-facing high sandstone

bluffs, Ptari-tepur, state of Bolivar, alt. 2410-2450 m., November 7,

Faline A. Steyermark 59922,

This species appears to be quite distinct from all of the other

Acinetas noted by reason of the relatively shallow sinus between the

lateral and middle lobes of the lip and by its abbreviated not spatu-

late middle lobe.

Zygopetalum Tatei A. & S. var. angustilabium C. Schweinfurth,

var. nov.

Herba variabilis, pseudobulbis brevioribus et nunc latioribus uni-

foliatis atque labelli epichilio multo angustiore a specie differt. |

Plant epiphytic, very variable, closely similar to the species.

Pseudobulbs cylindric (as in the species) to ellipsoid or complanate-

subglobose, up to 3 cm. long (instead of 3.66 cm. long in the

species), unifoliate (not bifoliate), Scape about 13.5 cm. or less

long (instead of 35 cm.or more long), 1- (rarely) or loosely 2-flowered

above. Flowers about as large as those of the species except for

the epichile of the lip which is ovate or rhombic-ovate and acuminate

(instead of abruptly apiculate) about 1.9 cm. long and only 1.3 cm.

wide (instead of 2.3-2.8 cm. wide in the species),

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1203947, isotype in Herb.

Ames no. 64861, epiphyte on branch, summit of Carrao-tepul, state of

Bolivar, alr. 2470-2500 m., December 7, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

60909, ‘‘sepals and petals pale yellow—or olive green with pale

brown transverse bands, lip white with purple above and on crest,

column rich yellow with magenta on margin and magenta streaks

within’’; same locality and date, epiphyte on trunk of Bonnetia

Roraimae, ‘‘leaves coriaceous, dark green above and dull green be-

neath, sepals and petals orange-brown, lip white with dull brown at

base, column dull orange’’, Steyermark 60908; same locality and

date, ‘‘leaves dark green, lip creamy yellow, column pale grass

green’’, Steyermark 60910.

Maxillaria condensata C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba epiphytica, ramosa, late patens. Caules graciles, vetusti-

ores remote pseudobulbiferi, partes juniores cum vaginarum foliifera-

rum disticharum imbricantium fasciculis. Folia parva, variabilia,

saepissime elliptica vel oblonga, crassa ut videtur. Flores parparvi,

€ vaginarum axillis exorientes. Sepalum dorsale elliptico-oblongum,

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA I 195

MAXILLARIA

condensata C.S chweinfurth

FIGURE 38

Maxillaria condensata. 1, Plant (X 3/5); 2, Flower from the front,

expanded with the lip detached (X 2); 3, Lip, three-quarter view

(X 4).

196 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

acutum. Sepala lateralia falcato-oblonga, acuta. Petala oblanceo-

lato-linearia, acuta. Labellum in partes duas divisum; pars basalis

columnae parallela, tubulari-concava, expansaelliptica; pars an-

terior leviter convexa, ovato-subquadrata, apice profunde bilobata.

Columna conspicua, in pedem sensim producta.

Plant epiphytic, sprawling. Stems irregularly much branched,

slender, bearing pseudobulbs at more or less remote intervals, pro-

ducing scattered fibrous, filiform, glabrous roots mostly beneath or

in the vicinity of the pseudobulbs or among the remote strobiliform

clusters of leaves on the younger parts; stem-members adorned with

several short infundibuliform sheaths which are more or less distant

and evanescent in age, up to 9.3 cm. long in our specimens. Pseudo-

bulbs well-developed only on the older portions of the plant, narrow-

ly ovoid to ellipsoid, unifoliate at the apex, about 1.5 cm. or less

long and apparently surmounting abbreviated stems which are en-

veloped by several pairs of closely imbricating evanescent leaf-

bearing sheaths. Upper portions of the stems producing short stro-

biliform clusters of several distichous, closely imbricating leaf-

bearing sheaths. Leaves small, apparently fleshy, variable in size

and shape, elliptic to oblong or linear, subacute to abruptly rounded

with a minutely tridenticulate more or less oblique apex, up to 4.6

cm. long, 3.5-8.5 mm. wide, sessile at the narrowed complicate base.

Inflorescences abbreviated, 1-flowered, in the axils of leaf-bearing

sheaths on the younger portions of the plant. Flowers very small on

relatively elongate pedicels, with subfleshy segments. Sepals pale

greenish yellow. Dorsal sepal elliptic-oblong, acute, 3-nerved, about

7 mm. long and 3 mm. wide. Lateral sepals obliquely oblong, lightly

falcate, acute, 3-nerved or obscurely 5-nerved, about 7 mm. long and

3 mm. wide. Petals oblanceolate-linear, acute, 3-nerved, about 6 mm.

long and 1.3 mm. wide, maroon-purple or wine purple-red. Lip about

as long as the other segments, with the lower half erect and parallel

to the column and the anterior half recurved in natural position, pale

yellow with dull lavender spots on anterior lobe; lower portion

tubularconcave, broadly elliptic when expanded, minutely erose in

front and extending onto the anterior portion; anterior portion lightly

convex, ovate-subquadrate, deeply bilobed with overlapping lobules,

the lateral margins slightly constricted above the middle and irregu-

larly denticulate, provided with a conical tubercle beneath the apical

indentation. Column prominent, arcuate, slightly dilated above,

cream-colored, about 4 mm. high at the back, extended gradually into

a conspicuous foot (Fig. 38).

Type in Herb. Ames no. 64858, isotype in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist.

Mus., no. 1206998, lower southeastern slopes of Carrao-tepui, state

of Bolivar, alt. 1675- 1980 m., December 5-6, 1944, Julian A. Steyer-

mark 60873, ‘‘on dead mossy log’’.

There do not appear to be any near allies of this species.

The specific name is in allusion to the short crowded branches.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 197

Maxillaria patula C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba robusta, alticola, ramosa. Caules crassi, saepius ramosi,

plusminusve remote pseudobulbiferi. Pseudobulbi ovoidei vel an-

guste pyriformes, saepissime unifoliati, basi vaginis foliiferis

distichis obtecti. Folia oblongo-elliptica vel oblonga, apice rotun-

data, basi conduplicata sessilia. Inflorescentiae abbreviatae, uni-

florae, ex bractearum axillis exorientes. Flores parvi, carnosi,

aurantiaci. Sepala similia, concava, ovata, vel oblongo-ovata, acuta

vel acuminata. Petala late oblonga, acuta. Labellum erectum et

columnae parallelum, leviter sigmoideum, prope apicem distincte

trilobatum; lobi laterales erecto-incurvi, semiobovati; lobus termina-

lis parvus, ovato-rotundatus. Columna parva, antice complanata,

infra incrassata.

Plant robust, with sprawling stems. Stems stout, usually loosely

branched, bearing pseudobulbs at varying intervals; stem-members

between the pseudobulbs 2-10 cm. long, several-jointed, the older

ones naked, the younger ones more or less entirely concealed by

approximate or imbricating infundibuliform sheaths, bearing scatter

ing fibrous glabrous roots mostly beneath or in the vicinity of the

pseudobulbs. Pseudobulbs ovoid to narrowly pyriform, 1l- or rarely

2-leaved at the apex, up to 3 cm. high, surrounded below by several

(usually two or three) pairs of distichous imbricating leaf-bearing

sheaths, the blades being successively larger upward. Leaves

elliptic-oblong to oblong, rounded above with a somewhat unequally

bilobed and apiculate tip, sessile with a cuneate conduplicate base,

up to 7 (rarely 9.2) cm. long and 1.5 cm. wide, coriaceous. In-

florescences rising singly from the axils of the clustered bracts on

the younger apical portions of the stems, abbreviated, 1-flowered.

Flowers campanulate in natural position, fleshy, vermilion-orange

with orange-yellow to golden lip and column. Dorsal sepal concave,

ovate or oblong-ovate, acute (acuminate in natural position), about

10 mm. long and 5.6 mm. wide when expanded. Lateral sepals very

Similar but slightly longer and narrower than the dorsal sepal, lightly

oblique. Petals broadly oblong, acute, about 7.2 mm. long and 3 mm.

wide. Lip continuous with the column, upcurved and parallel to the

column in natural position, very fleshy, lightly sigmoid, about 7.1

mm. long, sharply 3-lobed near the apex, oblong when viewed from

above; lateral lobes erect-incurved, relatively elongate, semiobovate

from a cuneate base, with a rounded free terminal portion; mid-lobe

much smaller, ovate-rotundate, rounded above with a conical mucro

beneath; disc with a broad central thickening extending from the base

nearly to the apex of the upcurved lateral lobes. Column short,

stout, about 4 mm. high at the back, with the lower portion gradually

dilated into a short stout foot (Fig. 39).

Type in herb. Chi, Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1206446, isotype in Herb.

Ames no. 64859, between headwaters of Rio Golorado and summit of

southern peak, Cerro Turumiquire, state of Sucre, alt. 2200-2400 m.,

198 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

patul a

Sep CoS. chwetnfi

FIGURE 39

Maxillaria patula. 1, Plant (X 3/5); 2, Flower from the side, (about

X 1-1/2); 3, Flower from the front, expanded with the lip detached

(X 2); 4, Lip, three-quarter view (X 4).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 199

May 7, 1945, Julian A. Steyermark 62650, ‘‘leaves deep olive green

above and dull green beneath’”’.

This species is habitally very similar to the West Indian Maxilla-

ria croceorubens (Reichb. f.) L. O. Wms. (Ornithidium croceorubens

Reichb, f.), but the petals and lip are very different.

Oncidium diffusum C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba epiphytica, venusta. Rhizoma abbreviatum. Pseudobulbi

aggregati, ovoidei vel anguste ovoidei, valde complanati ut videtur,

apice unifoliati. Folium lanceolato-ellipticum, acutum, in petiolum

brevem sulcatum angustatum, membranaceum. Inflorescentia latera-

lis, pendula, diffusa, perlaxe paniculata cum ramis laxe paucifloris.

Flores parvi, segmentis patentibus. Sepalum dorsale oblanceolato-

spathulatum, infra longe angustatum. Sepala lateralia similia sed

majora, omnino libera, oblique spathulam, basi longe et anguste

unguiculata. Petala obovato-spathulata, quam sepala breviora sed

latiora. Labellum suborbiculari-ovatum, basi cordatum, supra con-

spicue constrictum lobulum subquadratum retusum formans; discus

basi medio cum callo conspicuo apice tridentato ornatus. Columna

brevis, utrinque ala lata transverse oblonga praedita.

Plant epiphytic, graceful. Rhizome apparently abbreviated. Roots

fibrous, filiform, glabrous, numerous. Pseudobulbs crowded, ovoid

or narrowly ovoid, unifoliate at the apex, apparently strongly com-

planate, about 3.7 cm. or less long, surrounded at base by one or

more pairs of distichous leaf-bearing sheaths which are evanescent

as the plant develops. Leaf petioled; lamina lanceolate-elliptic,

acute, cuneate below, membranaceous, about 13 cm. or less long and

2.6 cm. or less wide; petiole conduplicate, about 2 cm. or less long.

Inflorescence lateral, elongate, very loosely panicaulate, diffuse,

pendent (detached in our specimen), apparently over 70 cm. long;

branches short, about 5-8 cm. apart, loosely few-flowered, with

slender fractiflex rachis. Bracts ovate, concave, acuminate with

prominent midenerve. Flowers small for the genus, with widely

spreading segments. Dorsal sepal oblanceolate-spatulate, subacute

at the recurved apex, long-narrowed to a very slender base, about

9.2 mm. long and 3.4 mm. wide above. Lateral sepals similar, en-

tirely free, obliquely spatulate, subacute with a recurved thickened

apex, gradually narrowed to a long sulcate claw, about 11 mm. long

and 3.9 mm. wide above. Petals obovate-spatulate, broadly rounded

at the apex (sometimes with a short acute tip), narrowed to a short

claw, about 7.9 mm. long and 5 mm. wide above. Lip suborbicular

ovate in outline, cordate at base, convex or reduplicate in natural

position rather abruptly constricted in front to form a relatively small

Subquadrate terminal lobe which is bilobulate and apiculate, about

7.8 mm. long in greatest length (from either side of the base to the

apex) and 8 mm. wide below; disc provided through the basal central

half with a conspicuous callus which is irregularly toothed above and

terminates in three teeth of which the middle one is longest. Column

200 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

short, about 4 mm. high at the back, with a conspicuously beaked

rostellar process, provided above with a pair of broadly and trans-

versely oblong petaloid wings and below with a pair of small retuse

subquadrate plates (Fig. 40).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1204664, wooded quebrada

in Montana of Rio Tachira at base of Paramo de Tama, between

Betania and Tama, by Colombian-Venezuelan boundary, state of

Bolivar, alt. 2430 m., July 13, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57180,

“sepals and petals pale yellow above, pale brown near base, lip

pale yellow with pale brown blotches, crest of lip pale creamy

yellow’’.

This species seems to be allied to Oncidium pyramidale Lindl.,

but has a lax open panicle, a much narrower mid-lobe of the lip and

very dissimilar column-w ings.

Lockhartia latilabris C. Schweinfurth, sp. nov.

Herba epiphytica, caespitosa. Caules rigidi, simplices, foliorum

basibus imbricatis omnino tecti. Folia numerosa, disticha, equi-

tantia, triangulari-oblonga, breviter acuta, valde adscendentia. In-

florescentiae perbreves, pauciflorae. Flores pro genere grandes,

flavi. Sepala elliptico-ovata. Petala majora, elliptico-obovata,

antice late rotundata. Labellum simplex, suborbiculari-reniforme,

leviter retusum, marginibus irregulariter denticulatis; discus medio

calloso-incrassatus. Columna perbrevis, crassa.

Plant epiphytic, caespitose, medium-sized for the genus. Roots

numerous, fibrous, glabrous, filiform, more or less branched. Stems

Straight, up to 17 cm. high, entirely concealed by the imbricating

bases of the leaves. Leaves very numerous, distichous, equitant,

triangularoblong or triangular-lanceolate, strongly ascending, short-

ly acute, often slightly incurved above, up to 2.3 cm. long on the

outer margin and 5.5 mm. wide across the base. Inflorescences

apparently solitary in several of the upper leaf-axils, subequaling

the leaves. Floral bracts broadly ovate, acuminate, amplexicaul

below. Flowers large for the genus, membranaceous, pale yellow,

the lip being spotted with orange-brown toward the center. Dorsal

sepal elliptic-ovate, subacute at the rounded apex, 3-nerved, about

8.8 mm. long and 5 mm. wide. Lateral sepals similar but slightly

broader, acute, concave below, slightly oblique. Petals larger than

the sepals, elliptic-obovate, broadly rounded above, with slightly

irregular margins, 3-nerved with the lateral nerves branching, about

10.8 mm. long and 7 mm. wide. Lip simple, noticeably broader than

long, suborbicular-reniform, concave, lightly retuse, with irregularly

denticulate margins (except near the truncate basal portion), about

10 mm. long on either side of the retuse center and 15 mm. wide;

disc callose-thickened throughout the basal and central portions,

the thickening appearing bilobed in the center and with lacerate

margins. Column very short and stout with a semiovate wing having

irregular margins on each side (Fig. 41).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 201

‘

4 KY

7 iS AY aes

by S

FIGURE 40

Oncidium diffusum. 1, Plant (X 3/5), 2, Flower, three-quarter view

(X 1-1/2); 3, Dorsal sepal (X 2); 4, Petal (X 2); 5, Lateral sepal

(X- 25° 6; Coluaa from the front, with wings expanded (x 2); 7, LAD

from above (E52).

202 a0 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

= LOCKHARTIA

Catilabris C. Sch ureinfi.

FIGURE 41

Lockhartia latilabris. 1, Plant (X 4/5); 2, Flower expanded, from

the front (X 3).

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 203

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., no. 1203732, isotype in Herb.

Ames no, 64848, at western end of Sororopdn-te pul, Salto de Iwara-

caru-meru, state of Bolivar, alt. 1615 m., November 15,1944, Julian A.

“ter listen 60222, ‘epiphyte on tree trunk along stream above water-

a 9?

The simple and unlobed lip of this species is distinctive from that

of most Lockhartias, while the shape and the lack of any distinct

keel appears to be unique.

204 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

PIPERACEAE?

Peperomia Steyermarkii Yuncker, sp. nov.

Herba parva glabra terrestris; caule tuberoso; foliis suborbiculari-

bus, 810 mm. diametientibus, peltatis 5-nerviis; petiolo filiformi ad

3.5 cm. longo; spicis 1 mm. crassis, 15-20 mm. longis; pedunculo

filiformi 2-2.5 cm. longo; drupa globoso-ovoidea, stylo brevi subu-

lato; stigmate apicali.

A small delicate tufted glabrous terrestrial herb; stem come or

tuber-like, 3-4 mm. thick; leaves when living fleshy-membranous,

deep green above, suffused with purplish with a pale green spot near

the base in center and with pale green areolate veins radiating from

this spot, silvery pale green or suffused with lavender beneath, sub-

orbicular, 8-10 mm. in diameter, peltate 2-4 mm. from the margin, with

5 delicate anastomosing nerves from the petiole, drying very mem-

branous, subpellucid; petioles filiform, up to 3.5 cm. long, pale

greenish-white when living; spikes 1 mm. thick x 15-20 mm. long

when dry; peduncle filiform, often rose-lilac when growing, 2-2.5 cm.

long, sometimes with a leaf about 1 cm. below the spike; bracts

round-peltate; fruit globose-ovoid, black, verrucgse, about 0.8 mm.

long, with a short subulate style; stigma apical.

Type in herb. Chil Nat. Hist. Mus., collected at edge of cafetal,

below limestone bluffs, Cerro de la Cueva de Dona Anita, south of

and bordering valley of "Caripe, state of Monagas, alt. 1200 m., April

7, 1945, Julian A. Steyermark 61874.

Piper Arbelaezii Trel. & Yun., var. subglabrirameum Yuncker, var.nov.

Frutex 3-4 m. altus; internodiis innovationum laeviter hirtulis mox

glabrescentibus; spicis 12 mm. crassis, 70 cm. vel ultra longis;

pedunculo 8-9 cm. longo, glabro; bracteis sub margine fimbriatis,

dorso longe pilosis.

Shrub 3-4 m. tall, planted at times for ornament; young internodes

thinly hirtellous, quickly glabrescent; leaves subcoriaceous, deep

green above, silvery green beneath; spikes creamy-white, recurved-

drooping, 5-6 mm. thick in anthesis, 12 mm. in fruit, up to 70 cm. or

more long; peduncle 8-9 cm. long, glabrous; bracts submarginally

fringed, dorsally long-pilose. Otherwise as in the species.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected along Rio Zumbador

and tributary, near base of Piedra Blanca, northeast of Bergantin,

state of Anzoategui, alt. 800-1000 m., March 1-2, 1945, Julian A.

Steyermark 61298.

SBy T. G. Yuncker

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 205

Piper bolivaranum Yuncker, sp. nov.

Planta glabra vix pedalis; foliis anguste lanceolatis, 10-17 mm.

latis, 6-8 cm. longis, apice sensim acuminatis basi acutis, a tertio

supero deorsum pinnatim venosis; petiolo 2-10 mm. longo; spicis 3

mm. crassis, 25 mm. longis; pedunculo filiformi, 10-12 mm. longo;

bracteis triangulari-subpeltatis anguste fimbriatis; drupa truncato-

trigona; stigmatibus sessilibus.

A small glabrous soft-wooded branching plant scarcely 30 cm. tall;

internodes 1-3 cm. long; leaves membranous, deep green above, paler

beneath, narrowly lanceolate, 10-17 mm. wide x 6-8 cm. long, apex

gradually acuminate, base equilaterally acute, pinnately nerved be-

low the upper third with about 3 ascending nerves on each side,

loop-connected and joined to the midrib with numerous horizontal

nervules, drying membranous, translucent, minutely pellucid-dotted;

petiole 2-10 mm. long; peduncle filiform, 10-12 mm. long; bracts

triangularsubpeltate, narrowly marginally fringed; fruit truncate-

trigonous, granulate; stigmas 3, small, sessile.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on mossy-covered

banks of streamlet on plateau near ‘‘Misia Kathy Camp”’, Ptari-tepui,

state of Bolivar, alt. 1585 m., October 28, 1944, Julian As Steyermark

59468.

Piper el-paramoense Yuncker, sp. nov.

Frutex 2-3 m. altus; intemodiis superis parcius hirtulis; foliis

ovato-ellipticis, 7-8 cm. latis, 14-15 cm. longis, apice acutis, basi

oblique inaequilateraliter cordatis, lobis rotundatis quam petiolo

brevioribus, ad tertium superum pinnatim venosis, supra glabris,

subtus ad venas hirtulis; petiolo 2-4 cm. longo subvilloso ad laminam

vaginato-alato; spicis 4-5 mm. crassis, 11 cm. longis; pedunculo 2

cm. longo pubescente; bracteis concavo-subcucullatis, margine brevi-

fimbriatis; ovario ovoideo; stigmatibus sessilibus.

A shrub 2-3 m. tall, upper internodes short and slender, sparingly

hirtellous glabrescent; leaves when living spicy-fragrant, membra-

nous, dull green above, greenish-silvery beneath, elliptic-ovate, 7-8

cm. wide x 14-15 cm. long, apex acute, base obliquely inequilater-

ally cordate with rounded lobes shorter than the petiole, sinus nar-

rowly acute or closed with the lobes slightly overlapping, pinnately

nerved to the upper third, the nerves 5 or 6 on each side, prominent

beneath, slightly impressed above, with rather prominent cross-

connecting and anastomosing nervules, drying somewhat membranous,

translucent; petiole 2-4 cm. long, subvillous, vaginate-winged to the

blade; spikes 4-5 mm. thick x 11 cm. long, nodding; peduncle slender,

2 cm. long, pubescent; bracts concave-subcucullate, marginally

short-fringed; ovary ovoid; stigmas 3, sessile.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected at El Pazamo, north-

east of Las Delicias, northeast of Caripe, state of Monagas, alt.

1200-1450 m., April 13, 1945, Julian A. Steyermark 62038.

206 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Piper monagasense Yuncker, sp. nov.

Frutex 5-6 m. altus; internodiis indumento conferto brunneo inter

texto vestitis; foliis ovatis 13-16 cm. latis, 27-30 cm. longis, apice

acutis, basi cordatis, lobis basalibus rotundatis approximatis

obtegentibusve, supra secus venas villosis, subtus dense crispe

villosis, a tertio supero deorsum pinnatim venosis; petiolo 4 cm.

longo, indumento brunneo intertexto praedito, ad laminam vaginato-

alato; spicis 7-8 mm. crassis, 35 cm. vel ultra longis; pedunculo

3.5 cm. longo, pubescentia intertexta vestito; bracteis triangulari-

subpeltatis, conferte ad marginem fimbriatis; ovario ovoideo, stig-

matibus sessilibus.

A shrub 5-6 m. tall; upper internodes comparatively slender and

elongated, densely matted brown-villous; leaves when living dark

green with sulcate loose areolate nerves above, silvery-gray green

beneath with raised nerves, ovate, 13-16 cm. wide x 27-30 cm. long,

apex acute, base cordate, lobes rounded, approximate or overlapping,

nearly equal or one lobe somewhat longer, pinnately nerved below

the upper third, the nerves 6 or 7 on each side, submarginally loop-

connected, with rather prominent cross-connecting and anastomosing

nervules, villous above along the nerves, densely crisp-villous be-

neath, the hairs brown, drying coriaceous, opaque; petiole 4 cm.

long, matted brown-villous, vaginate-winged to the blade; spikes

pendent, 7-8 mm. thick x 35 cm. or more long in fruit; peduncle 3.5

cm. long, matted-villous; bracts triangular-subpeltate, densely

marginally fringed with brown hairs, the pedicel villous; ovary

ovoid; stigmas 3, sessile.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on forested south-

west-facing slopes of Cerro Negro, above La Sabana de Las Piedras,

northwest of Caripe, state of Monagas, alt. 1500 m., April 5, 1945,

Julian A. Steyermark 61853.

Piper oparumaense Yuncker, sp. nov.

Suffrutex 2-3 m. altus; internodiis superis lenticulato-verrucosis,

glabris; foliis ovatis, 17 cm. latis, 28-30 cm. longis, apice obtusis,

basi inaequilateraliter cordatis, sinu obliquo clauso, venis subtus

puberulis, ad quartum superum pinnatim venosis; petiolo 3-5 cm.

longo ad laminam vaginato-alato, lenticulato-verrucoso; spicis 1 x

30 cm. magnis; pedunculo 2-3 cm. longis; bracteis rotundato- vel

subtriangulari-subpeltatis; drupa oblonga subtetragona, apice paullo

papilloso; stigmatibus sessilibus.

A soft-wooded subshrub 2-3 m. tall; upper internodes moderately

short and slender, lenticularwarty, glabrous; leaves when living

subcoriaceous, deep green above, paler beneath, ovate, 17 cm. wide

x 28-30 cm. long, apex obtuse, base inequilaterally cordate with

oblique closed sinus, lobes rounded, the larger longer than and

covering the petiole, pinnately nerved to the upper fourth, the nerves

about 6 on eech side with 3 additional recurved nerves in the longer

lobe, submarginally loop-connected in two series, with rather strong

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 207

cross-connecting and anastomosing nervules, glabrous above, the

nerves beneath puberulent, drying coriaceous, opaque; petiole 3-5

cm. long, glabrous, vaginate-winged to the blade, lenticular-warty;

spikes ! cm. thick x 30 cm. or more long when mature; peduncle 2-3

cm. long, glabrous; bracts rounded- or subtriangular-subpeltate,

somewhat inflexed ventrally, papillate and brown-hairy on the ventral

margin and pedicel; fruit oblong-subtetragonous, somewhat papillate

at the apex; stigmas 3, sessile.

Type in herb. Chi, Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in lower portion of

Quebrada O-paru-ma, tributary of Rio Pacairao, below Santa Teresita

de Kavanayen, state of Bolivar, alt. 915-1065 m., November 25, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 60548.

Piper perlongivillosum Yuncker, sp. nov.

Frutex nodosus 1 m. altus; internodiis superis indumento hirtulo

cum pilis longioribus intermixto vestitis; foliis elliptico-subovatis,

6-8 cm. latis, 1821 cm. longis, apice subcaudatim acuminatis, basi

subaequilateraliter rotundatis cordulatisve, venis subtus hirtulis,

fere totis pinnatim venosis; petiolo ca. 5 mm. longo hirtulo-villoso;

spicis 4 mm. crassis, 6 cm. vel ultra longis; pedunculo 2 cm. vel

ultra longo; bracteis parvis subcucullatis apice triangulari-truncatis;

fructu obovoideo bene angulato subalatove; stigmatibus sessilibus.

A nodose shrub about 1 m. tall; upper internodes short and slender,

hirtellous intermixed with rather stiff hairs up to 3-4 mm. long;

leaves when living rugose on both sides, dark dull green above,

paler beneath, firmly membranous, elliptic-subovate, 6-8 cm. wide x

18-21 cm. long, apex subcaudately acuminate, base subequilaterally

rounded, cordulate, pinnately nerved throughout, the nerves 10-12 or

more on each side, submarginally loop-connected, with shorter inter

mediates and cross-connecting anastomosing nervules, glabrous and

somewhat depressed-punctate above, the nerves beneath staring

hirtellous, the midrib with scattered long hairs, drying chartaceous,

translucent, narrowly revolute; petiole stout, about 5 mm. long,

hirtellous-villous; spikes 4 mm. thick x 6 cm. or more long, dull

green when living, rather loosely flowered; peduncle slender, 2 cm:

or more long, hirtellous-villous; bracts small, subcucullate with

triangulartruncate apex, hispidulous; fruit obovoid, strongly angled

or subalate, glabrous; stigmas small, sessile.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on southeastern-

facing slopes along Cano Negro (tributary of Cano Iguapo), Cerro

Duida, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 305-1095 m., August 25-26,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 57953.

The rugose leaves, dimorphic hairs and strongly angular or some-

what winged fruit are distinctive characters of this species.

Piper Steyermarkii Yuncker, sp. nov.

Frutex scandens glaber epiphyticus; foliis ellipticis 3.5-6 cm.

latis, 10-15 cm. longis, apice sensim acute acuminatis, basi aequi-

208 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

lateraliter acutis, a medio infero pinnatim venosis; petiolo ad 25 mm.

longo ad medium et ultra vaginato; spicis 5 mm. crassis, 5 cm.

longis; pedunculo vix 5 mm. longo; bracteis parvis rotundato-subpel-

tatis, conferte longeque cae nia fructu subgloboso, brevi-

styloso.

A climbing epiphytic glabrous nodose shrub; internodes slender,

elongate; leaves subcoriaceous, deep glossy-green above, paler

beneath, elliptic, 3.5-6 cm. wide x 10-15 cm. long, apex attenuate ly

sharp-acuminate, base equilaterally acute, pinnately nerved from the

lower half, the nerves 2-4 on each side or in large leaves with a

faint fifth nerve near the base, the innermost pair connected with the

midrib with shorter nerves upward, drying coriaceous, opaque, nar-

rowly revolute; petioles up to 25 mm. long below, reduced upward,

vaginate and narrowly winged to above the middle, drying somewhat

corrugated; spikes white when in flower, pale green and 6-7 mm.

thick in fruit when growing, 5 mm. thick x 5 cm. long when dry; pe-

duncle scant 5 mm. long; bracts small, round-subpeltate, densely

long pale-fringed; ovary ovoid, tapering into a short stout style;

stigmas 3, small; fruit subglobose, somewhat granulate, glabrous.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on southeast-facing,

steep wooded slopes just below dry ridge and shrubby growth, Ptari-

tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 1585-1600 m., November 10-11, 1944,

Julian A, Steyermark 59996,

Piper subalpinum Y uncker, sp. nov.

Suffrutex 1-2 m. altus; internodiis superis conferte retrorseque

brunneo-hirtulis; foliis lanceolato-ovatis, 5-7 cm. latis, 12-19 cm.

longis, apice sensim acuminatis, basi aequilateraliter rotundatis,

supra glabris, venis subtus adpresse hirtulis, a medio deorsum

pinnatim venosis; petiolo 5-15 mm. longo conferte hirtulo, ad laminam

vaginato-alato; spicis 5 mm. crassis, 5 cm. longis; pedunculo 15 mm.

longo hirtulo; bracteis triangulari-subpeltatis, margine fimbriatis;

fructu subgloboso; stigmatibus sessilibus. |

A branching soft-wooded subshrub 1-2 m. tall; upper internodes

slender and rather short, densely retrorsely brown-hirtellous; leaves

when living subcoriaceous to firmly membranous, rugose, dark green

above, dull paler green beneath, lance-ovate, 5-7 cm. wide x 12-19

cm. long, apex gradually acuminate, base equilaterally rounded,

pinnately nerved from below the middle, the nerves 4 on each side,

impressed above, salient beneath, with prominent cross-connecting

and anastomosing nervules, glabrous above, the nerves beneath

appressed-hirtellous, drying coriaceous, subopaque, narrowly revo-

lute; petiole from 5 mm. long above to 15 mm. long below, densely

hirtellous, vaginate-winged to the blade; spikes erect-ascending, 5

mm. thick x 5 cm. long; peduncle 15 mm. long, hirtellous; bracts

triangular-subpeltate, marginally fringed; fruit subglobose; stigmas

3, short, sessile.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 209

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on densely wooded

slopes of narrow ridge between quebrada and summit, Sororopan-

tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 2130-2250 m., November 15, 1944, Julian

A. Steyermark 60172.

210 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

MORACEAE !4

Cecropia kavanayensis Cuatr., sp. nov.

Arbor ramulis scabris copiose hamato-pilosis. Folia mediocria

coriacea peltata petiolata. Petiolus robustus striatus albicans ad-

presse villosus et minute arachnoideus, basi subtus pulvinum brun-

neum dense tomentosum incrassatus. Lamina palmata profunde (2/3)

7-lobata, lobis subobovato-oblongis apice obtusis basi angustatis,

margine integra vel levissime sinuata; lobo maximo ab insertione

petioli usque ad apicem 28 cm. longo et 15.5 cm. lato, lobo minimo

12 cm. longo et e5 cm. lato, parte centrali concrescenti 7-8 cm.

radii; supra atroviridis conspectu glabra sed sparsissimis tenuissimis

pilis araneosis munita, nervis primariis et secundariis conspicuis

tertiariis transversis obsoletis superficie sub lente minutissime

irreguliterque reticulato-alveolata vel rugulosa; subtus sericeo-

cinerea nervis primariis crasso-eminentibus roseis laxe strigosis vel

araneosis, nefvis secundariis prominentibus roseis ascendentibus

circa 1.5 cm. distantibus, laxe araneosis, tertiis transversis 2-3 mm.

distantibus bene conspicuis, inter eos superficie dense cinereo-

arachnoideo-tomentosa.

Inflorescentiae masculae geminatae. Pedunculus rigidus crassus

valde brevis, dense tomentoso-hirsutus, 1-2 cm. longus. Spatha 8.5

cm. longa, cylindrico-oblonga apice abrupte acutata breviter apicu-

lata, extus dense albido-villosa intus glabra sed sparsissimis pilis

arachnoideis visibilis. Amenta masculina circa 10 pedicellata, 4-6

cm. longa maturitate in sicco 4-5 mm. crassa. Perianthium prismatico-

pyramidatum 6 farium striatum 1.5 mm. longum, costis apiceque

minute hirsutulum. Pedicelli robusti rigidi basi in ad modum annulum

crassum 3-5 mm. altum coaliti, parte libera crassa 3-7 mm. longa,

breviter tomentulosi et hirsutuli.

Type in herb. Chi, Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on wooded slopes of

Quebrada O-paru-ma, between Santa Teresita de Kavanayen and Rio

Pacairo (tributary of Rio Mouak), state of Bolivar, alt. 1065-1220 m.,

November 20-21, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 62754.

This interesting species is related to C. obtusa Trecul., but differs

from it chiefly by the smooth upper side of the leaves. The same

character differentiates if from C. solanoensis Pitt. Other very

typical features of C. kavanayensis are the short peduncles of the

male inflorescences, the thick pedicels which are concrescent at the

base, and the rigid, coriaceous leaves.

Pourouma Steyermarkii Standley et Cuatr., sp. nov.

Arbor 14 m. alta. Ramuli subteretes pallido-virides cicatricibus

stipularum annularis parum obliquis, cicatricibus foliorum depresso-

By Josée Cuatrecasas

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 211

ovatis 3-4 mm. latis, internodiis 1-1.5 cm. longis striolulatis hirsutis.

Stipulae terminales caducae 3-4 cm. longa oblongo-lanceolata, sub-

villoso-hirsuta, subnitida.

Folia integra parva alterna coriacea petiolata. Petiolus 5-6 cm.

longus angustus sed robustus basi apiceque subite incrassatus

breviter denseque hirsutus patulus. Lamina ovato-acuminata basi

obtuse cuneata apice breviter cuspidata, 8-12 cm. longa, 4-6.5 cm.

lata, margine brevissime sinuata vel conspectu integra; supra viridis,

in sicco viridiegrisea, scabra pilis cornicis acutis basi callosis

copiosis et pilis simplicibus tenuis longioribus sparsissimis munita,

costa conspicua hirsutula, nervis secundariis ascendentibus minus

conspicuis, tertiariis obsoletis; subtus costa crassiuscule eminenti

subsericeo-hirsuta, nervis secundariis 6-7 utroque latere ascendenti-

bus angulo acuto prominentibus subsericeo-hirsutis submarginem

angustioribus arcuato-anastomosatis, venulis transversis crebris

prominulis subsericeis cum alteris venulis tenuioribus obsoletum

reticulum formantibus, costa nervis venulisque subsericeo-hirsutis

inter hos reliqua superficie pilis tenuibus arachnoideis tomentum

cinereum formantibus tecta.

Inflorescentiae femineae cymosae ad terminationes ramorum axil-

lares longe pedunculatae pauciflorae. Pedunculi graciles sed ridigi

dense hirsuti 4-5 cm. longi. Saepe 3 ramulis centrale unifloro later-

alibus 5-15 mm. longis crassiusculis hirsutis 3-4 flores ferentibus.

Pedicelli crassi hirsuti breves 2 mm. longi. Perianthium femineum

ovato-ellipticum utriculosum 4 mm. longum, dense velutinum. Stigma

peltato capitatum tomentosum. Capsula ovata apice acuta circa 12

mm. longa, et 6 mm. lata, pericarpio coriaceo-lignoso, perianthio

camoso griseo-viridi eduli inclusa.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in the lower south-

facing slopes of Mount Ptari-tepuf between Rio Karuai and first ridge

above Rio Karuai, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220 m., November 28, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 60665, ‘‘tree 40 feet tall, leaves firmly mem-

branaceous, deep green above, gray below, fruit gray green, edible’’.

Local name: ‘‘caibari-cai-yek’’.

This new species is well characterized by its small, entire, thinly

coriaceous leaves which are cuneate at the base and acuminate at the

apex; they are rough, scabrous on the upper side and cinereous be-

neath. Pourouma Steyermarkii is similar to P. Mildbraediana St. and

P. umbellata St. of the Amazonian basin, but the above cited charac-

ters differentiate it from them. Pourouma Mildbraediana has larger,

thicker, stronger nerved leaves which are cordate or rotundate at the

base, and P. umbellata has smooth leaves on the upper side, which

are larger and thicker with more numerous, acute angled, and stronger,

sericeous nerves beneath.

Pourouma Cucura Standley and Cuatr., sp. nov.

Arbor mediocris. Caulis 30 cm. diam. cortice badi vel grisei, sub-

212 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

laevi, ligno pallido. Ramuli terminali subteretes internodiis brevibus

dense hispidis pilis longis rigidis patentibus siccitate flavis copiose

obtectis. Folia simplicia alterna coriacea petiolata. Petiolus longus

mediocriter robustus patulis leviter striatus copiosis pilis longis

flavis patulis munitis, basi subite incrassatus, 4.5-8 cm. longus.

Lamina ovata basi rotundata vel subtruncata vel obtusissime cuneata,

apice late obtusa, margine leviter repando-crenata, 10-15 cm. longa,

6.5-11.5 cm. lata, supra pallide viridis sublaevis longis pilis tenuis

rectis basi minute callosulis sparsis munita, costa magis villosa et

nervis secundariis conspicuis tertiariis obsoletis; subtus cinerea

costa crasse elevata hirsuta, nervis secundariis prominentibus 7-9

utroque latere ascendentibus angulo acuto flavo-hirsutis prope margi-

nem tenuioribus arcuatis anastomosatis, venulis transversis copiosis

prominulis cum alteris tenuioribus in reticulo anastomosatis, pilos

longos rigidos sparsos ferentibus et dense tomento lanato-araneoso

reliquam laminam obtecto velatis. Stipulae subcoriaceae 3.5 cm.

longa obtusiusculae densissime hirsuta.

Inflorescentiae femineae paniculatae pluriforae axillares ad termi-

nationes ramorum quam folia valde breviores. Pedunculus 4.5 cm.

longus rigidus rectis patentibus dense longissime hispidus. Ramuli

1.5-5 mm. longi crassiusculi plus minusve flexuosi hirtuli. Pedi-

celli breviter hirsutuli crassiusculi recti vel arcuati, 2-4 mm. longi.

Perianthium femineum ovatum utriculosum breviter hirsutulum. Stigma

Capitatum tomentulosum subsessile. Capsula ovato-elliptica apice

obtusa circa 9-10 mm. longa, 5-6 mm. lata, pericarpio coriaceo-

lignoso, perianthio carnoso nigrescenti sapido inclusa.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected at Capihuara Casi-

quiare, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 118 m., May 6, 1942,

Llewelyn Williams 15812, ‘‘nom. vulg. Cucura. Arbol de tamano

mediano o moderadamento alto con corona abierta; el tronco con

varias raices superficiales o adventicias y el tronco cilindrico,

erecto, 30 cm. diam., sin famas por la mitad de la altura; la corteza

de color castano claro o _grisaceo, algo lisa y el liber colorado a

obscuro; la madera tambien de color claro, moderadamente blanda y

facil de cortar; el fruto ovoideo, de color oscuro, casi negro, contiene

una pulpa comible y de sabor dulce; el liber exsuda resina de color

oscuro o negruzco; hojas de color verde palido tirando a gris por

debajo; en la selva de tierra firme en los chiquichiquiales’’.

Pourouma Cucura is a well marked species distinguished chiefly

by its long shaggy branchlets, petioles, and inflorescences.

Coussapoa Steyermarkii Cuatr., sp. nov.

Arbor epiphytica trunco circa 30 cm. diam. Ramuli brunnei-grisei

juveniles dense tomentoso ferrugineo-hirsuti.

Folia simplicia integra alterna petiolata crasse coriacea. Petiolus

robustus 10-15 mm. longus dense hirsutus, supra planiusculus subtus

Striatus apice subarticulatus. Lamina obovata basi obtuse cuneata

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 213

apice obtusa vel rotundata margine laevis leviter revoluta, 4.5-9 cm.

longa, 2.8-6.5 cm. lata; supra atro-viridis nitida, siccitate ochraceo-

vitidula opaca, nervis medio secundariisque argute impressis reliquis

obsoletis; subtus luteolo-viridis nervis ferrugineis, in sicco ochra-

ceo-ferruginea, nervo medio secundariisque 3-4 utroque latere, acute

ascendentibus prope marginem arcuato anastomosatis valde crasse

prominentibus, subsericeo-hirsutis ferrugineis, nervulis transversis

satis crebris horizontalibus valde elevatis cum venulis minus promi-

nulis reticulato-anastomosatis, copiosis pilis longis simplicibus vel

furcatis plus minusve patentibus et intricatis tecta. Stipula crassius-

cula, acutiuscula 10 mm. longe densissime subsericeo-hirsuta.

Inflorescentiae femineae 1-2-cephalae axillares, pedunculo 10-12

mm. longo. Capitulis ad 4 mm. diametro globosis. Perianthium

obovoideo-angulatum glabrum. Semina nitida.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on the southeast

facing slopes of Mount Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 1585-1600

m., November 10-11, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60002a, ‘‘waremba-

yek. Epiphytic tree "with trunk 1 foot in diameter growing attached to

trunk of 59999; leaves coriaceous, dark green and shining above with

sulcate nerves, yellow green below with ferruginous nerves prominent

below; stems, buds, petioles, and rachis ferruginous; flowers

greenish.”’

Number 60679 collected at Rio Karuai, 1220 m., alt., is sterile and

probably represents the same species in spite of its leaves rotundate

at the base. |

Number 60364 of Santa Teresita de Kavanayén is another form with

larger and acute leaves, but also sterile.

This species is typified by the hirsute-ferruginous branchlets and

petioles and by its thick, coriaceous leaves which are hirsute-

ferruginous below.

Coussapoa viridifolia Cuatr., sp. nov.

Arbor parva, 8 met. alta. Rami cortice griseo rugoso, valde juve-

niles ferrugineo-hirsuti.

Folia simplicia integra alterna petiolata coriacea. Petiolus 10-22

mm. longus, rigidus pubescens subtus leviter striatus supra sulcatus.

Lamina obovato-oblonga basi paulo angustata obtusissima, apice

obtusa vel rotundata, margine laevis plana vel, in sicco, leviter revo-

luta, 6-9 cm. longa, 3-5 cm. lata; supra viridis glabra, siccitate

tabacinea, nervis medio secundariisque leviter impressis reliquis

nervulis minutum reticulum prominulum formantibus; subtus costa

crasse elevata, nervis secundariis prominentibus 5 utroque latere,

angulo acuto ascendentibus prope marginem tenuioribus arcuato-

anastomosatis, nervulis transversis prominulis, venulis minus

elevatis reticulum minutum gracilem formantibus, nervis parce pu-

bescentibus reliqua glabra. Stipulae breves villoso-hirsutae 4-7

mm. longae.

214 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Inflorescentiae masculae axillares subterminales cymoso-panicu-

latae 2.5-4 cm. longae pluriflorae, pedunculis tenuibus rigidis patulis

15-25 mm. longis tomentuloso-puberuli, ramulis elongatis brachiatis

gtaciles saepe 2-furcatis, 85 mm. longis, tomentellis. Pedicelli 2-7

mm. longi graciles tomentelli. Capitula globosa 2.5-3 mm. diam.

fulva. Sepala facie glabra margine ciliata. Antherae maturitate

subexsertae.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected along mesa escarp-

ment between Santa Teresita de Kavanayen and wooded quebrada

about 8 kms. northwest of Kavanayeén, alt. 1220 m., November 23,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60456, ‘‘small tree 25 feet tall; leaves

subcoriaceous, rich deep green above, pale green below; flowers

buff-brownish, sap slightly milky’’.

This species is well characterized by its small obovate-oblong,

subcoriaceous leaves which are obtuse at both ends, and glabrous

except on the slightly hirtellous principal nerves beneath.

The most similar species, C. orthoneura St., and C. cuneata Migq.,

have thicker, larger, more or less acuminate leaves, not reticulate

nerved; in this last species the male capitules are smaller too.

Coussapoa viridifolia var. tenuifolia Cuatr., var. nov.

Lamina foliorum membranacea obovato-oblonga basi obtusa apice

rotundata breviter emarginata, 4-8 cm. longa, 2-4 cm. lata pallide

viridis, nervis principalibus subtus parce hirtulis reliqua glabra, non

ele vato-reticulata.

Inflorescentiae femineae cymulis 1-2-cephalis, pedunculis 6-10

mm. longis, capitulis 2 mm. latis, perianthio glabro, stigmate peni-

cillati exserto. |

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on Cerro Duida, on

the southeastern-facing slopes along Cafo Negro (tributary of Cafto

Iguapo), alt. 305-1095 m., August 25-26, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

57955, ‘“‘tree 40 feet tall; leaves firmly membranaceous, pale grass

green above, pale green below; inflorescence pale green”’.

This variety of C. viridifolia substantially differs by its slightly

smaller, more slender leaves which do not have an elevated venose-

reticulum, and by the shorter inflorescences; these, being feminine,

cannot be compared with those of the typical species.

Coussapoa Williamsii Cuatr., sp. nov.

Arbor parva terrestris vel epiphytica. Ramuli subteretes virides,

in sicco brunnescenti.

Folia simplicia integra alterna petiolata coriacea. Petiolus 3.5-5

cm. longus glaber striatus. Lamina subobovato-oblonga basi attenu-

ata obtusa apice angustata cuspidata, margine levissime crenato-

sinuata vel laevis leviter revoluta, 10-13 cm. longa, 4-7 cm. lam;

supra in sicco luteolo-viridula vel brunnescens, glabra costa promi-

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 2145

nula nervis secundariis notatis, superficie minutissime ruguloso-

reticulata punctato depressa vel adultioribus sublaevi; subtus costa

crassa elevata striata parce puberula, nervis secundariis 5-7 utroque

latere prominentibus ascendentibus ad marginem curvato anastomo-

satis, parce puberulis vel in adultis glabris, nervulis transversis

subimmersis depressis tenuiter conspicuis inter eos venulis minutum

reticulum subtus microscopium visibilem formantibus, epidermo inter

lineas reticulorum minute bullato-elevato et praecipue in statu juve-

nile minutissime hirtula adultiore glabra. Stipulae cylindraceo-

lanceolatae 2.5 cm. longae acutae pubescentes.

Inflorescentiae masculae cymoso-paniculatae pluriflorae, axillares

subterminales 3-4 mm. longae, pedunculo tenui puberulo ramulis

divaricatis plus minusve flexuosis puberulis vel tomentellis, pedi-

cellis teneribus 1-4 mm. longis. Capitula subglobosa 2-3 mm. lata.

Perianthium glabrescente apice minute sparseque puberulum. Anther-

ae subexsertae.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in the Upper Orinoco

river at Esmeralda, Territorio Federal Amazonas, alt. 143 m., May

14, 1942, Llewelyn Williams 15240 & 15363.

Closely related to C. cuneata Miq., which has thicker, coriaceous

leaves, tomentulose or arachnoid beneath, smaller male capitules,

longer pedicels, and long exserted anthers. Coussapoa cornifolia

Standl. has the under side of the ovate acute leaves tomentulose,

somewhat smaller capitules, and exserted anthers. Coussapoa

orthoneura Standl. has more acute ascending nerves of the leaves,

smaller male capitules, and different structure of the epidermis of

the lower side of the leaf, which is more or less tomentulose and

arachnoid, although in the old state can be nearly glabrous, but, by

means of a microscope, the epidermis is seen to consist of minute

spreading hairs with rather depressed alveoles between the reticulum.

The more lanceolate stipules, which are only slightly pubescent,

differentiate C. Williams ii from the above cited species.

Pseudolmedia rigida (Kl. & Karst.) Cuatr., comb. nov.

Olmedia rigida Klotsch & Karsten. Linnaea 20: 524. 1847.

MONAGAS: forested southwest-facing slopes of Cerro Negro,

above La Sabana de las Piedras, northwest of Caripe, alt. 1500 m.,

April 5, 1945, Julian A. Steyermark 61846, ‘‘tree 80 feet tall; wood

very hard; latex creamy-yellow; leaves chartaceous-subcoriaceous,

dark green and shining above, dull green below”’ ANZOATEGUI:

forested slopes of Montana de las Palomas, tributary of Rio Nevert,

between ‘‘Carmelita’’ and ‘‘Natalia”’, northeast of Bergantin, alt.

900-1000 m., March 23, 1945, Steyermark 61447, ‘‘tree 25 feet tall;

leaves chartaceous-firmly membranaceous, dark green above, dull

green below; flowers dull green”. Headwaters of Rio Maravilla,

slopes of Fila Grande between Los ‘Chorros and Cerro Negro, east of

Bergantin, alt. 900-1400 m., March 23, 1945, Steyermark 61714, ‘‘tree

216 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

30 feet tall, slender with oblong shape; leaves firmly membranaceous-

chartaceous, deep green above, dull pale green below’’.

Local name: ‘‘chara’’,

URTICACEAE !5

Pilea venosa Killip, nom. nov.

Pilea succulenta Wedd. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat. [Paris | 9: 256.

1856, not Hook. f., 1847.

MONAGAS: Cerro de la Cueva de Dofia Anita, valley of Caripe, alt.

1100 m., Julian A. Steyermark 61896. ANZOATEGUI: confluence of

Rio Leén with Rio Zumbador, northeast of Bergantin, alt. 400-500 m.,

Steyermark 61215 (“‘guritoto colorado’’).

This species was based upon Funck’s 145, and in my revision of

the Andean species of Pilea (Contr. U.S. Nat. Herb. 26: 509. 1939)

was tentatively treated as a synonym of P. mollis Wedd., a plant of

north-central Venezuela. The type locality was given by Weddell as

“In terras caracasanis, prope Gucharosa” in the ‘‘Archives’’ and as

“In ditione Caracas, prope Guacharos’’ in DC. Prodromus 16, pt. 1:

150. In all probability this is Guacharo, situated in Monagas, be-

tween the Cerro Turumiquire and Caripe. Steyermark’s material

shows that this species is clearly distinct from P. mollis. The

stipules are larger and more persistent than in P. mollis; the cysto-

liths, though slenderer, are far more numerous; and the pedicels of

the staminate flowers are proportionately shorter.

*S By E. P. Killip

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I Zia

PROTEACEAE

Euplassa Glaziovii (Mez) Steyerm., comb. nov.

Adenostephanus Glaziovii Mez, in Engl. Bot. Jahrb. 30, Beibl. 27:

10. 1890.

Euplassa obversiflora (Mez) Steyerm., comb. nov.

A denostephanus obversiflorus Mez, in Engl. Bot. Jahrb. 30, Beibl.

27: 9-10. 1890.

Euplassa saxicola (Schultes) Steyerm., comb. nov.

Roupala saxicola Schultes, Leafl. Bot. Mus. Harv. Univ. 13: no.

10: 300-301. 1949.

The pinnately compound alternate leaves with opposite leaflets,

and the flower structure definitely place this in the genus Euplassa.

Euplassa venezuelana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Arbor 9 m. alta; ramulis tenuiter adpresso-pubescentibus; petiolis

cum rhachibus 17-19 cm. longis, adpresso-fulvo-pubescentibus;

foliolis 2-4-jugis, oppositis, coriaceis, ovali-oblongis vel obovatis,

basi obtusis, apice tenuiter vel profunde obcordatis vel emarginatis,

integerrimis, supra nitidis glabris grosse reticulatis, subtus pallido-

viridibus parce minute adpresso-pilosulis tenuiter reticulatis, pilis

pallidis, 5.5-10 cm. longis, 3.5-6 cm. latis; petiolulis 9-10 mm.

longis, adpresso-fulvo-pubescentibus; racemis terminalibus et axil-

laribus simplicibus, 15-25 cm. longis, 2-3 mm. crassis, rhachi dense

adpresso-ferrugineo-tomentosis; pedicellis 1.5-3 mm. longis, dense

adpresso-ferrugineo-tomentulosis; calyce subirregulari subclavato-

cylindrico curvato; sepalis 4 apice concavo staminiferis, 9-11 mm.

longis, extus parce adpresso-fulvo-tomentulosis, intus glabris; a her-

is subsessilibus ovatis, 1.8-2 mm. longis; glandulis hypogynis

connatis, marginibus paullo lobatis vel undulatis, 1.5 mm. altis,

glabris, uno latere lobato profundiori; ovario parce tomentoso, 2.5

mm. longo, ad glandulam adnato; stylo erecto robusto glabro, 4-5 mm.

longo; stigmate clavato compresso 2 mm. longo (Fig. 42, a-b-c).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected along Rio Karuai,

northwest of Santa Teresita de Kavanayen, state of Bolivar, alt. 1220

m., November 30, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60824, ‘‘tree 30 feet

tall; leaves coriaceous, deep green and shining above, pale green

below; rachis and peduncle ferruginous-brown; corolla buds brownish

or olive green without’’.

This species is related to E. Glaziovii (Mez) Steyerm. and E.

obvers iflora (Mez) Steyerm. From the former it differs in having 4

pairs of leaflets deeply emarginate at apex, the lower leaf surface

pilosulous instead of glabrous, and the relatively shorter pedicels in

proportion to the length of the flowers. From the latter, E. vene-

zuelana differs in the more densely ferruginous appressed tomentum

218 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

of the rachis of the petiole, peduncles, and branchlets, and the entire

margins of the leaflets.

Panopsis ptariana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Frutex 1.1-1.8 m. altus; ramulis junioribus cum petiolis parce

FIGURE 42

A, Euplassa venezuelana. Pistil (X 5); B, Euplassa venezuelana.

Perianth segment, ventral view, showing anther (X 5); C, Euplassa

venezuelana. Single flower, unopened (X 5); D, Phthirusa ptariana.

Petal with attached stamen, lateral view (X 3); E, Phthirusa ptari-

ana. Petal with attached stamen, ventral view (X 3); F, Phthirusa

ptariana. Petal with attached stamen, ventral view, filament more

elongate (X 3); G, Ranunculus limoselloides. Petal (X 4); H, Ra-

nunculus limoselloides. Sepal (X 4); I, Ranunculus limoselloides.

Achene (X 3). °

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 219

addresso-pilosulis; foliis oppositis subcoriaceis subtus pallido-

viridibus in sicco flavido-vel olivaceo-viridibus utrinque prominente

pulchre areolato-reticulatis obovato-oblongis basi obtusis apice

rotundatis, laminis 4-6 cm. longis, 1.7-3 cm. latis, specie glabris sed

cum microscopo pilis pallidis adpressis obtectis, petiolis 2-3 mm.

longis parce adpresso-pilosulis; racemis terminalibus 3-fasciculatis

simplicibus 4-6 cm. longis, 12-15 mm. latis; rhachi 4-6 cm. longo,

ferrugineo-tomentoso; pedicellis divaricate patentibus 4-5 mm. longis,

ferrugineo-pubescentibus; sepalis 4.5-5 mm. longis planis revolutis

intus glabris extus pilosulis ferrugineis; filamentis 3.5-4 mm. longis

glabris sepalis brevioribus; squamulis hypogynis 0.6-0.7 mm. longis

in urceolum quadridentatum connatis, dentibus 0.2 mm. longis; ovario

ovato superne angustato ferrugineo-hirsutulo; stylo et stigmate

flavido.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on dry sandy and

rocky sandstone exposures on level ground adjacent to swamp on

plateau-portion of southeast-facing slopes, Ptari-tepui, state of

Bolivar, alt. 1600 m., November 1, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59677,

“shrub 4-6 feet tall; leaves subcoriaceous, deep green above, pale

green below, areolate-reticulate-veined; pedicels and calyx and ovary

ferruginous; style and stigma yellow’’.

This species is closely related to P. multiflora (Schott) Taub.

(Andripetalum multiflorum Schott and Andripetalum reticulatum Pohl),

but differs from that in having more slender, unbranched racemes with

simple or ternate peduncles, shorter, more rigidly divaricate-spread-

ing pedicels, more finely areolate-reticulate and paler green leaves,

hairs on the ovary longer, hairs on the leaf surface longer and of a

paler buff color instead of white, and in the hypogynous squamellae,

which in P. multiflora have longer teeth 0.5 mm. long and longer

glands 0.9-1 mm. long.

Panopsis tepuiana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Arbor 19-22 m. alta; ramulis novellis ferrugineo-tomentellis; foliis

alternatis vel oppositis coriaceis, supra nitidis viridibus, adultis

subtus pallidioribus, junioribus subtus pallido-ferrugineis, oblanceo-

latis vel elliptico-oblanceolatis, basi angustatis, apice subobtusis

apiculatis, supra minute reticulatis, subtus tenuiter reticulatis et

dense minute rubentibus vel ferrugineo-pilosulis ad nervum medium

praecipue, laminis 8.5-15 cm. longis, 2-5 cm. latis; petiolis 8-15 mm.

longis, rubentibus vel ferrugineo-tomentellis; racemis terminalibus

simplicibus vel ramosis, 6.5-8 cm. longis, dense ferrugineo-tomen-

tosis; pedicellis 1.5-3 mm. longis dense rubentibus vel ferrugineo-

tomentosis; sepalis rubentibus lineari-spatulatis obtusis recurvatis

intus glabris extus ferrugineo-tomentosis, 3.5-5 mm. longis, 0.5 mm.

latis; antheris oblongis abrupte appendiculatis; filamentis plerumque

liberis, parte liberi 1.5-2 mm. longo, glabris; squamellis hypogynis

0.5 mm. altis, tenuiter lobatis rotato-connatis; ovario dense ferru-

gineo-hirsutulo; stylo glabro erecto, 2-2.2 mm. longo; stigmate

clavato.

220 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on southeast-facing

slopes, Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 1585-1600 m., November

10-11, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59988 (2 sheets), ‘‘tree 60-70 feet

tall; leaves coriaceous, deep green and shining above, dull paler

green below on older leaves, pale ferruginous below on young leaves;

rachis, pedicels, and sepals orange-ferruginous; petals recurved,

creamy-yellowish within; style and stigma pale green; fruit edible’’.

Local name: ‘‘para-ma-yek’’.

This species is similar to P. rubescens (Schott) Ducke, from which

it differs in the shorter inflorescence, shorter pedicels, more densely

ferruginous tomentum of the stems, flowers, and lower leaf surface,

shorter styles, and in the hypogynous gland which is shorter and not

4-dentate.

Roupala minima Steyermark, sp. nov.

Frutex 0.8-1.1 m. altus; ramis solitariis infra simplicibus glabris;

foliis adscendentibus, utrinque caeruleo-viridibus, coriaceis sub-

sessilibus elliptico-oblongis vel suborbicularibus, basi angustatis

vel rotundatis, apice obtusis vel rotundatis, integerrimis, marginibus

incrassatis, omnino glabris, subtus nervo medio et nervis lateralibus

paullo prominentibus vel inconspicuis, supra plus minusve incon-

spicuis, laminis 13-30 mm. longis, 7-25 mm. latis; petiolis glabris,

1-2 mm. longis, racemis axillaribus vel terminalibus solitariis sim-

plicibus, 5.5-9 cm. longis; rhachi glabro; floribus juvenilibus extus

glabris; bracteis ovato-triangularibus subito longe attenuatis glabris,

1 mm. longis, 1 mm. latis; pedicellis glabris divaricate patentibus 1-3

mm.longis; ovario glabro; stylo tenui glabro in fructu ad 4 mm. longo;

folliculis (maturis) coriaceis oblique oblongo-ellipticis basi sub-

Stipitatis vel prominente attenuatis 20-28 mm. longis, 810 mm. latis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in savana, vicinity

of ‘Misia Kathy Camp’’, on mesa between Ptari-tepui and Sororopan-

tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 1615 m., November 15-17, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 60234 (2 sheets), ‘‘shrub, single-stemmed, 2-4 feet tall;

leaves ascending, coriaceous, blue-green both sides; rachis blue-

green’’.

An unusually well-marked species, characterized by the low

Stature and stems simple and unbranched for three-fourths their

length, and by the markedly small, crowded, ascending leaves, all of

which combined impart a peculiar aspect to the plant.

Roupala sororopana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Frutex 1.2 m. altus; ramis in stato sicco purpureis glabris vel

furfuraceis; foliis alternatis coriaceis supra glabris viridibus, subtus

furfuraceis ferrugineo-suffusis (in sicco specie purpureis) glabres-

centibus elliptico- vel ovato-oblongis basi obtusis, apice obtusis vel

rotundatis, laminis 6-11.5 cm. longis, 2.5-7 cm. latis; petiolis 1.5-3

cm. longis, ferrugineo-furfuraceis (in sicco purpureis) obtectis vel

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 221

glabris; racemis axillaribus simplicibus 12.5-13 cm. longis, 1-2 mm.

latis, rhachi minute ferrugineo vel partim glabrato; pedicellis patenti-

bus 2.5-4 mm. longis, ferrugineo-tomentosis; sepalis 7-9 mm. longis,

extus minute furfuraceis; staminibus 4; antheris lineari-oblongis 3

mm. longis cum appendiculo rotundato; filamentis 3/4 longitudine ad

calycem adnatis, in parte superiori quadrans liberis, parte liberi 1

mm. longo; squamellis hypogynis 4 suborbicularibus, 0.2-0.3 mm.

longis; ovario breviter ferrugineo-hirsutulo, 1.5-1 -6 mm. longo; stylo

erecto glabro, 4.6 mm. longo; stigmate clavato parum incrassato.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on rocky hematite

exposures at west end, on summit, Sororopan-tepui, state of Bolivar,

alt. 2225-2255 m., November 13, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60089.

This is related to R. obtusata Kl. of Brazil and British Guiana,

from which it may be distinguished by the tomentose pedicels and

rachis of the inflorescence, the ferruginous scurfy tomentum on the

lower leaf surface, as well as on some of the stems, petioles, and

larger flowers.

LORANTHACEAE

Gaiodendron punctatum (Ruiz & Pavon) G. Don, var. puracense

(H.B.K.) Steyermark, comb. nov.

Loranthus puracensis H.B.K. Nov. Gen. & Sp. 3: 437. 1820;

Gaiodendron puracensis (H.B.K.) G. Don, Gen. Syst. 3: 432. 1834.

In his Flora of Peru, vol. 13, part II, no. 2, p. 397, Macbride states

for G. puracense, ‘‘Perhaps only a variety of G. punctatum, but

slenderer and smaller in all its parts’’. I am in agreement with this

Statement, and therefore a reduction of this entity to varietal rank is

necessaty.

Knuth (Init. Fl. Venez., in Rep. Sp. Nov. Veg. 43: 301. 1928)

refers an Ule collection from Roraima to G. punctatum, but it is

probable that it belongs to this variety puracense which the present

author collected on Ptari-tepui in the same general region. Pittier et

al in the Catalogo de la Flora Venezolana, vol. 1, p. 268, under

G. punctatum, state that ‘‘el material que poseemos en el herbario

bajo esto nombre, parece ser referible a la siguiente especie’’ (G.

Tagua). Thus, outside of the Ule collection above cited, the follow-

ing collection is the only Venezuelan material with deep yellow

flowers that can be referred correctly to the G. punctatum group:

“Growing 35 feet up on bluffs, along base of south-facing high sand-

stone bluffs, Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 2410 m., November 6,

1944, Julien A. Steyermark 59912, flowers very fragrant, like exotic

perfume; floral buds orange-yellow; style, filaments, and petals deep

yellow, calyx pale green; leaves coriaceous or subcoriaceous, deep

green above, pale green below; petals recurved in upper half; shrub

3 feet tall’’.

222 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Phoradendron karuaianum Steyermark, sp. nov.

Frutex parasiticus furcatus, ramis oppositis pseudodichotomis vel

cymosis teretibus, ad omnes nodos cataphyllis suffultis; internodiis

3-4 cm. longis; cataphyllis late deltoideo-triangularibus supra nodos

0.5-2 cm. insertis; foliis oppositis paullo falcatis vel symmetricis

lanceolato-ellipticis vel elliptico-ovatis basim versus et ad apicem

sensim attenuatis, laminis 5-8 cm. longis, 1-3.5 cm. latis, in stato

sicco minute ruguloso-verruculosis, palmatim 3-nervosis basinerviis;

nervis inconspicuis non elevatis; petiolis 2-4 mm. longis alatis;

spicis axillaribus ad nodos plerumque solitariis tenuibus 2-3 cm.

longis, 1.5-2 mm. crassis cataphyllorum, jugis 3 et articulis 3 tenui-

bus gerentibus; pedunculis 2-3 mm. longis; articulis 3 et 5-8 mm.

longis, 12-16-floris, prophyllis superne minute papillatis; floribus

2-seriatis: masculis minoribus, in diametro l-1.1 mm. ad quoquem

articulum infra flores foeminineas; foemineis majoribus, in diametro

1.5-1.7 mm.; baccis oblongis laevibus 4 mm. longis, 2.5 mm. latis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in dense forest at

base of Cerro along Rio Karuai, Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt.

1220 m., November 27, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60659.

Local name: ‘‘atapi’’.

This is an exceptional species, belonging to the Dichotomae

group, and apparently related to P. laxiflorum Ule of Amazonas,

Brazil, from which it differs in its thicker, longer, less-pointed

leaves and more densely-flowered spikes. From P. Jenmani Trel. it

differs in the pointed leaves and more densely many-flowered

spikes. Furthermore, from some members of section Chrysocarpae it

differs from P. haitense Urban in the broader, shorter blades, oblong

fruits, and more densely-flowered spikes. It is well characterized

by the combination of densely-flowered slender spikes, the flowers in

two ranks, the oblong fruits, and the palmately-nerved thickish

leaves.

Phoradendron ptarianum Steyermark, sp. nov.

Frutex parasiticus, ramis oppositis dichotomis teretibus dioicis;

cataphyllis tantum ad nodos basales ramulorum l-jugis sterilibus late

deltoideo-triangularibus, 1.5 mm. longis, supra nodos 1.5-4 cm. in-

settis; foliis oppositis crasso-coriaceis paullo falcatis elliptico-

lanceolatis vel oblanceolato-oblongis basi angustatis, apice rotunda-

tis vel obtusis, laminis 7-10 cm. longis, 1.5-4 cm. latis, in sicco

minute ruguloso-verruculosis aereo- vel olivaceo-viridibus, margini-

bus plerumque albicantibus, penninerviis, nervis lateralibus incon

spicuis; petiolis 12-25 mm. longis; spicis axillaribus ad nodos

nonnullis olivaceo-viridibus, 1.2 cm. longis, 2-2.5 mm. crassis, cata-

phyllorum jugis 3-4 et articulis 4-5 gerentibus; pedunculis 2-3 mm.

longis; articulis 4-5 et 5-6 mm. longis, 3 mm. latis, clavatis, 24-30-

floris, floribus masculis (tantum visis) perticillacis G-seriatis tri-

meris.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 223

Type in herb. Chi, Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on forested south-

facing slopes overlying sandstone, on ‘‘Cave Rock’’ above ‘‘Cave

Camp”, Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 1810 m., October 29, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 59483, ‘‘parasite on shrub; leaves coriaceous,

bronze to olive green both sides; spikes or rachis dull olive green;

stem terete, dull green’’.

From P. undulatum (Pohl) Eichler this species differs in its di-

oecious habit, longer petioles, prevailingly obtuse blades, and in the

minutely papillate or suberose, instead of ciliolate, margins of the

cataphylls. From P. Uleanum Steyerm. (P. macrophyllum Ule, not

Cockerell)* of Mount Roraima, it differs in the obtuse, usually nar

rower blades, longer petioles, and crowded staminate flower spikes.

Phoradendron tepuianum Steyermark, sp. nov.

Frutex parasiticus furcatus, ramis oppositis dichotomis teretibus

dioicis; internodiis 4-7 cm. longis; cataphyllis tantum ad nodos

basales ramulorum l- jugis sterilibus late deltoideo-triangularibus,

1 mm. longis, supra nodos 9-12 mm. insertis; foliis oppositis crasso-

coriaceis late obovatis vel elliptico-obovatis basi subito attenuatis,

apice rotundatis, laminis 3-6 cm. longis, 3-5 cm. latis, in sicco

minute ruguloso-verruculosis aereo-olivaceo-viridibus novellis api-

calibus leviter penninerviis adultis costa tantum basi manifesta,

costae residuo et nervis lateralibus plerumque obsoletis; petiolis

7-10 mm. longis; spicis axillaribus ad nodos nonnullis lutescenti-

viridibus 2.5-5 cm. longis, 4-5 mm. crassis cataphyllorum jugis 4-5

et articulis 5 gerentibus; pedunculis 1-3 mm. longis; articulis 5 et

3-10 mm. longis, 2.5-5 mm. latis, clavatis, 10-16-floris, prophyllis

3-4 mm. longis apice papillato-ciliolatis, floribus foemineis (tantum

visis) 4- vel 4+2-seriatis; baccis oblongo-ovoideis 5 mm. longis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on dry sandy and

rocky sandstone exposures on level ground adjacent to swamp on

plateau-portion of southeast-facing slopes, Ptari-tepui, state of

Bolivar, alt. 1600 m., November 1, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59688,

‘parasitic on shrubs; leaves cotincecus, bronze olive-green; rachis

and flowers yellow-green’’.

Apparently a member of section Penninerviae and related to P.

Northropiae Urban of the Bahamas and to P. Warmingii Eichl. of

Brazil. From the latter it differs in the terete stems and more numer

ous joints of the flowering spikes, while from the former it differs in

the stouter, longer spikes and stouter branches. In some respects

this new species resembles P. Macbridei Standl. of Peru, but that

*Phoradendron Uleanum Steyermark, nom. nov.

Phoradendron macrophyllum Ule, Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berl. 6: 291.

1915, not Phoradendron macrophyllum Cockerell, Am. Nat. 34: 293.

1900.

224 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

has only 4-seriate flowers and the leaves are smaller and of a

different shape.

Phthirusa adunca (Meyer) Maguire, var. orinocensis (Spreng.) Steyerm.,

comb. nov.

Loranthus orinocensis Spreng. Syst. 2: 129. 1828; Phthirusa

orinocensis Eichl., in Mart. Fl. Bras. 52: 60. 1868.

Phthirusa ptariana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Scandens parasiticus lignosus glaberrimus; ramis subangulatis

cortice in adultis cinereo; foliis coriaceis supra oliveo-viridibus

subtus pallido-viridibus, elliptico-ovatis vel late ellipticis, basi

angustatis vel rotundatis, apice acuminatis, 7-12 cm. longis, 2-5.5

mm. latis, nervo medio prominenti; petiolis 1.5-2.5 cm. longis; spicis

in paniculam terminalem dense ramosam dispositis, 3-3.5 cm. longis,

3-3.5 cm. latis; pedunculis 3-4 mm. longis, ad 2.5 mm. crassis; flori-

bus polygamo-dioicis aut hermaphroditis, 6-meris; calyce pallido-

viridi 2 mm. alto, 2 mm. lato, leviter 2-3-dentatis, dentibus deltoideis

minutis; petalis 6, pallido-viridibus, lineari-oblongis, 7 mm. longis,

1.5 mm. latis, intus papillosis, extus laevibus, anthesi aperte patent-

ibus; staminibus 6, alternatim diversis; filamentis subalbidis su-

perne liberis, parte liberi 1-1.5 mm. longa; antheris pallido-brun-

neis, late oblongis, ca. 2 mm. longis, eis staminium longiorum

superne paullo rotundatis, staminium breviorum apiculatis; stylo 4.5

mm. longo; bacco oblongo, 13 mm. longo, 8 mm. lato (Fig. 42, d-e-f).

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on densely forested

steep sovyth-facing slopes overlying sandstone, between ‘‘Cave

Rock’? and base of high sandstone bluffs, Ptari-tepui, state of

Bolivar, alt. 2100-2285 m., October 30, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark

59549 (2 sheets), ‘‘parasitic, branching ligneous clinber; leaves

coriaceous, olive green above, pale green below; perianth segments

spreading horizontally in upper half, pale green; filaments whitish;

anthers pale brown; calyx pale green’’.

This species is characterized by its large petals, congested short

inflorescences, large fruit, and long petioles. It is apparently related

to P. adunca (Meyer) Maguire.

Phthirusa roraimensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Frutex parasiticus; ramis fuscis teretibus glabris lenticellosis et

longitrorsum rimulosis; internodiis 1-2 cm. longis; foliis coriaceis

utrinque olivaceo- aut aereo-viridibus, elliptico-oblongis vel late

obcuneatis, basi angustatis, apice rotundatis aut subtruncatis vel

emarginatis, Ssaepe mucronatis, 2.5-5 cm. longis, 1-3.2 cm. latis,

subtus nervis obsoletis, supra aut haud evidentibus aut 3-5 incon-

Spicuis; petiolis 8-12 mm. longis; spicis axillaribus brevibus, 4-5

mm. longis (fructiferis 12 mm. longis), 6-8-floris; rhachi 12 mm. longo

et in diametro 1 mm.; bracteis brunneis ovatis 2 mm. longis, 1 mm.

latis; floribus lacteo-lutescentibus dioicis, calyce 1.8 mm. alto, 1.8

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I ee A

mm. lato, glabro, 2-dentatis, dentibus late deltoideo-triangularibus,

acutis, marginibus irregulariter undulatis vel erosis; petalis 5-6,

lineari-oblongis, 6 mm. longis, 1 mm. latis; staminibus 5-6 alternatim

diversis; filamentis 0.3-0.4 mm. longis, glabris prope apicem peta-

lorum insertis; antheris suborbiculari-oblongis, 1 mm. longis, ad. ex-

tremitates utfasque rotundatis; baccis caeruleo-viridibus, oblongo-

ovoideis, 7 mm. longis, in diametro 5 mm.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on southwest-facing

forested slopes between Rondon Camp and base of sandstone bluffs,

Mount Roraima, state of Bolivar, alt. 2040-2255 m., September 30,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 58943, ‘‘parasite on 58944; leaves

coriaceous, olive green to bronze both sides; perianth creamy

yellow”; same locality, Steyermark 58965, ‘‘fruiting plant of same

species as 58943; fruit dull blue-green’’.

This species is perhaps related to P.clandestina Mart., from which

it differs in the shape and size of the leaves, size of flowers and

stamens, and terete rather than angulate branchlets. From the group

to which P. micrantha Eichl. belongs, it differs in its 5-6-merous,

instead of 4-merous, flowers, while from P. guyanensis (K1.) Eich. it

may be distinguished by the glabrous branchlets, and non-furfu-

raceous leaves and branches.

SANTALACEAE

Thesium tepuiense Steyermark, sp. nov.

Herba annua, 25-30 cm. alta; caulibus simplicibus vel inferne

ramosis, ramis paucis angulosis rigidis, in diametro 1.5-2 mm.; foliis

ovato-lanceolatis, acuminatis, adpressis, minutis, ad 2 mm. longis;

Spicis congestis simplicibus, bifurcatis, vel cymoso-paniculatis dis-

positis; floribus luteo-albidis, proximis, congestis, sessilibus;

bracteis et bracteolis ovatis acuminatis, ad margines inferiores

minute denticulatis, 1.5 mm. longis; perigonio in anthesi subcylin-

drico, 3.8-3.9 mm. longo, tubo 1.8-1.9 mm. longo ovoideo angulato, .

laciniis 5 anguste oblongis vel lineari-oblongis, obtusis, 2 mm.

longis, 0.5 mm. latis, margine inflexo, apice subcucullato, minute

obtuse appendiculato, intus et ad margines pubescentibus, pilis

papillatis brevibus et longis; staminibus 5 laciniis oppositis, fila-

mentis ca. 1 mm. longis, subulatis arcte adpressis quam antheris

paullo longioribus; antheris ovato-oblongis vel ovatis, 0.5 mm. longis;

ovario in fundo tubi globoso; stylo quam perigonio paullo breviori;

Stigmate capitato obtuso simplice; nuce ovoidea, 3.5 mm. longa, 2.25

mm. lata, angulatis, nerviis 5-9 validis, nervulis obliquis trans-

versisque.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on Savanna, vicinity

of ‘‘Misia Kathy Camp”’, on mesa between Ptari-tepui and Sororopan-

tepui, state of Bolivar, alt. 1615 m., November 15-17, 1944, Julian A.

Steyermark 60237.

226 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

This remarkable species is the first of the family Santalaceae to

be discovered in the area of the table-mountains of Venezuela. In

its annual habit it resembles T. brasiliense DC., but differs from that

species in its more robust, but shorter, simple or sparsely branched

angulate stems, closely crowded inflorescences with larger, more

conspicuous bracts, and somewhat larger fruits. From the only other

known South American species T. aphyllum Mart., it is at once dis-

tinguished by the annual roots, smaller flowers with shorter perianth

lobes, and smaller fruits.

CARYOPHYLLACEAE

Arenaria venezuelana Briq. Ann. Conserv. Jard. Bot. Geneve XIII and

RIV: 3835-1911.

This name must replace A. humifusa Linden & Planch., 1863, not

Wahlenberg, 1812. Arenaria humifusa Lind. & Pl., even if considered

to have been effectively published (See Sprague in Kew Bull. 1926:

32-44. 1926), still remains a later homonym, and cannot be used,

since it is antedated by Arenaria humifusa Wahlenberg, Fl. Lapp.

129. 1812. This latter name was legitimately published, and is dis-

cussed by Nordhagen in Bergens Museum Arb. 1: 24. 1935._

In publishing his A. venezuelana, Briquet uses the same type

number (Linden 393) as was used by Linden & Planch. for their A.

humifusa. If Briquet had been aware of this situation, one would

have supposed that he would have mentioned something about his

species replacing that of Linden & Planch. Typical A. venezuelana

has elongated stems with the leaves either all linear-lanceolate and

crowded, or these mixed with broader elliptical-lanceolate ones. It

varies in pubescence of stems, leaves, sepals, length and width of

leaves, and in length of internodes.

The extreme depressed cespitose form of this species is Arenaria

venezuelana, forma Jahnii (Blake) Steyermark, comb. nov.

Arenaria humifusa B Linden & Planchon, Trois. Voy. Linden 1:

35. 1863; Arenaria Jahnii Blake, Contr. U.S. Nat. Herb. 20: 35. 1863.

In the Catalogo Flora Venezolana, vol. 1, p. 294, Pittier publishes

A. humifusa var. nana Lind & Planch., but actually this name was

never originally published by the authors as such. Linden & Planch-

on described (p.35) under their Arenaria humifusa a certain ‘‘Forma B

Nana, caulibus vix 2 centim. longis”’ and cite the collection of B as

from ‘‘Alto del Paramo de Mucuchies. Alt. 3250-3900 metres. Linden,

no. 1486’’. This latter form actually has never been taken up nomen-

clatorially, and Pittier merely adopted the first word of Linden &

Planchon’s description, misusing it as a name of their unnamed forma

B. From an examination of the type specimen of A. Jahnii Blake, it

is apparent that it is identical with and represents the A. humifusa

forma B described above by Linden & Planchon. Moreover, when the

type of A. Jahnii is compared with additional material from the

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 227

- paramos in the state of Merida, it is found to represent but a cespi-

tose extreme form, grading by various degrees into A. venezuelana.

For example, Steyermark 57518 from Laguna Mucubaji, above Los

Apartaderos, state of Merida, matches well the type collection of

A. Jahnii. Other collections (Steyermark 55669 and 55738) similarly

relate themselves to this depressed paramo-inhabiting form. The type

collection of A. Jahnii has small, detached portions of clumps with

the pedicels protruding well above the tips of the leafy shoots. In

Steyermark 57518 similarly extended pedicels may be found when the

clumps are broken into smaller portions. In other collections, such

as Steyermark 55669, the pedicels are not as obviously extended and

the leaves and stem appear more congested, but represent only a form

of variation present in these cespitose matted growth forms. The

minute puberulence near the apex of the pedicels, the glandular

papillosity in the grooves of the stem, and the sparsely ciliate base

of the leaves can be found in varying degrees. In some cases, the

leaves are more obviously ciliate at the base, while in others they

are glabrate.

The description of forma Jahnii may be emended as follows: A

typo (A. venezuelana) differt habitu caespitoso, caulibus brevissimis

confertis plerumque glabris, foliis confertis rigidis brevioribus ovatis

vel lanceolatis glabris vel basim versus minute ciliatis, sepalis

plerumque glabris. Type in U.S. Nat. Herb., collected on Paramo de

la Sal, state of Merida, alt. 3400 m., September 2, 1921, Alfredo

Jahn 625.

Other specimens examined are: MERIDA: Alto del Paramo de

Mucuchies, alt. 3250-3900 m., Linden 1486; Alto de Mucuchies, La

Tapa, cabeceras del Mifafi, entre Barro Negro y Torondoy, alt. 4500-

4600 m., April, 1930, Gehriger 106; in dense clumps, on other side

of paramo between El Aguila (top) and Apartaderos, along headwaters

of Rio Chama, paramo along upper headwaters of Rio Tormero, below

El Aguila and above Chachopo, alt. 3650-3965 m., March 13, 1944,

Steyermark 55669; dense clumps, dry rocky gneissic-granitic slopes,

between Timotes and Paramito, alt. 2285-3500 m., March 24, 1944,

Steyermark 55738, mats, flowers, white, Laguna Mucubaji, above Los

Apartaderos, alt. 3525- 2655 m., July 21, 1944, Steyermark 57518.

In general, this form is distinguished by its dense, compact, more

cespitose habit, with more crowded and shorter stems, shorter and

more crowded leaves, and shorter internodes. Usually its leaves are

more glabrate than in typical A. venezuelana, the latter varying from

sparsely to densely ciliate leaves, glabrate to densely ciliate and

puberulent sepals, and glabrate to puberulent stems. The forma

Jahnii represents an extreme variation of the species, growing in ex-

posed situations, and marked by its habit of forming dense clumps.

Drymaria firmula Steyermark, sp. nov.

Herba, caulibus purpureis, rigido-adscendentibus glabris; inter-

228 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

nodiis quam foliis longioribus; laminis firmiter membranaceis, supra

atroviridibus, infra valde nervatis, glabris, late ovatis, apice sub-

acutis apiculatis, basi subcordatis vel cordatis, 3-8.5 mm. longis,

3-7 mm. latis; petiolis 1-1.5 mm. longis, glabris; stipulis conspicuis

setaceis albis; floribus 3-6 in cymulas sat densas terminales dispo-

sitis; pedicellis erectis vel adscendentibus, 2-4 mm. longis, minute

glandulosis; bracteis ovatis acutis glabris, 2.25-2.5 mm. longis;

sepalis oblongo-lanceolatis acutis apiculatis conspicue 3-nerviis

scariosis, 4.5 mm. longis, 1.5-2 mm. latis, glabris; petalis albis un-

guiculatis, ultra medium profunde bipartitis, 5 mm. longis, infra

medium 0.75 mm. latis, lobis anguste ligulatis, 3-3.5 mm. longis, 0.8

mm. latis; staminibus 5; filamentis 3 mm. longis; antheris oblongis,

0.7 mm. longis, 0.3 mm. latis; ovario ovoideo, 1.9-2 mm. longo; stylo

supra medium 3-partito; ovulis 6-7.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on Paramo de Los

Colorados, between El Molino and San Isidro Alto, state of Merida,

alt. 2745-2955 m., May 14, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 56536, ‘‘stems

stiff-ascending, purple; leaves firm-membranaceous, dark green above;

petals white’’.

This species is characterized by the short-petiolate, firmly mem-

branaceous, glabrous, broadly ovate subcordate leaves, which are

strongly nerved beneath, the stiff-ascending, glabrous, purple stems,

the conspicuously setaceous white stipules, the glabrous strongly

3enerved, acute sepals, and cymosely disposed flowers on short,

erect, minutely glandular pedicels. It apparently is related to D.

nitida Ball of Peru and D. cordata (L.) Willd., but differs from them

in the combination of characters above given.

Stellaria ovata Willd., forma paradoxa Steyermark, forma nova.

Herba prostrata vel procumbens, caulibus plerumque pilosis, pilis

multicellulis 1 mm. longis instructis; internodiis plerumque quam

foliis longioribus; laminis firmiter membranaceis, late ovatis subiter

acutis apiculatis, basi truncatis vel rotundatis ciliatis utrinque valde

pilosis, 7-12 mm. longis, 5-10 mm. latis; petiolisnl-2 mm. longis,

pilosis; floribus solitariis, axillaribus vel terminalibus; pedicellis

5-20 mm. longis, valde pilosis; sepalis 5, ovatis, obtusiusculis,

3-3.5 mm. longis, 1.5-2 mm. latis, extus parce pilosis; petalis 5, un-

guiculatis, bilobatis, sepala excedentibus, 5 mm. longis, in mediam

2 mm. latis, lobis ovato-oblongis obtusis 1.5 mm. longis 0.75-0.8 mm.

latis; staminibus 10; filamentis 3.5 mm. longis; antheris suborbicu-

laribus, 0.5 mm. longis; stylis 3-4, 1.82 mm. longis; ovario ovoideo,

2.5 mm. alto; ovulis pluribus.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in moist cloud forest,

on southwest-facing slopes at Los Aposentos, above Las Sabanetas,

above Humocaro Bajo, state of Lara, alt. 2500-2530 m., February 3,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 55217, ‘‘sprawling on ground’’.

From typical S. ovata this differs in having all the vegetative parts

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 229

of the plant abundantly pilose with several-celled hairs up to 1 mm.

in length. The leaves, stems, and pedicels are especially pilose,

while the sepals are sparsely so without.

Stellaria venezuelana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Herba perennis, caulibus diffuso-patentibus vel erectis, ramosis,

plerumque glabris; internodiis elongatis, inferioribus quam folia

longioribus vel ea aequantibus, superioribus quam folia brevioribus

vel longioribus; laminis membranaceis magnis, late ovatis vel corda-

tis apice longe acuminatis, basi cordatis vel subcordatis, supra

praeter pauces pilos per costam glabris, infra parce pilosis secundum

costam ceterum glabris, 15-45 mm. longis, 10-30 mm. latis, longe

petiolatis; petiolis prominenter longe ciliatis praesertim basim ver-

sus, plerumque 12-37 mm. longis; floribus pluribus minimis in di-

chasiis valde compositis longissime pedunculatis; pedunculis

gracillimis, 3.5-9 cm. longis, glabratis vel glandulari-puberulis,

praesertim superne; bracteis late lanceolatis vel elliptico-ovatis,

acuminatis, 3-5 mm. longis, 1.5-2.5 mm. latis; pedicellis tenuissimis,

5-10 mm. longis, dense glandulari-puberulis; sepalis 4, liberis, mem-

branaceis, late ovatis, obtusiusculis scariosis l-nerviis glabris, 1.5-

2.5 mm. longis, 1 mm. latis; petalis 4, albis ligulato-oblongis ob-

tusis, bilobatis, quam sepalis longioribus, 2-3.5 mm. longis, 1-1.5

mm. latis, lobis 1 mm. longis, 0.5 mm. latis; staminibus 5-6 quam

petala brevioribus vel ea aequantibus; filamentis glabris; antheris

suborbicularibus, 0.3 mm. longis; stylis 2, filiformibus, ad apicem

recurvatis, 1 mm. longis; ovario 1-2 mm. longo; ovulis 4; semine

maturo 1, fusco, lenticulari-reniformi, papillato-verrucoso, 1.5 mm.

longo, 1.5 mm. lato.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in forest along

Stream at base of Cerro de Diablo (western extension of southern

peak of.Cerro Turumiquire), state of Sucre, alt. 2000-2100 m., May

11, 1945, Julian A. Steyermark 62739; also collected on Cerro

Turumiquire, north-facing slopes above La Trinidad in cloud forest

zone, southwest of Cocollar, state of Sucre, alt. 2100-2200 m., May

5, 1945, Steyermark 62557, ‘‘stems erect, sprangling and branching;

leaves membranaceous, pale green below, dull green above; petals

white’’; and, in wet thickets, between El Cobre and Cordero, state of

Tachira, alt. 1520-1820 m., July 8, 1944, Steyermark 57121, ‘‘sprawl-

ing on floor of dwarfed forest in shade; leaves thin; petals small,

white’; also ad vias regionis subalpine prope coloniam Tovar,

Fendler 46, Moritz 1903.

This distinctive species, characterized by its 2 styles, 4 sepals,

4 petals, 5-6 stamens, minute flowers arranged in a branched di-

chasial cyme, and long-petiolate large, cordate-ovate leaves, was at

first believed to be conspecific with S. micrantha Spruce (in Rohr-

bach, Linnaea 37: 280. 1871-73). That species, the type of which

must be based upon the first-mentioned collection cited in the list of

exsiccatae examined, namely, ‘‘in Andibus Ecuadorensibus (Spruce

230 ; FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

6023! )’’, is described as having a 5-parted calyx, petals divided

nearly to the base, and 10 stamens. Moreover, the blades of the

leaves are either long-ciliate towards the apex or glabrate, whereas

in S. venezuelana the blades are not ciliate. Other differences are

found in the relative length of the sepals and petals, which are longer

in the Ecuadorian S. micrantha, and in the pedicels, which are

glandular-puberulent in S. venezuelana, whereas in S. micrantha they

are described as being ‘‘pilosis’’. The Fendler and Moritz collec-

tions, from Colonia Tovar, Venezuela, cited by Spruce, are probably

conspecific with the other three Venezuelan collections above cited,

and to have included them, along with the Ecuador plant collected by

Spruce, was an erroneous assumption.

While the usual condition within the genus is a flower with 5

sepals, 5 petals, 10 stamens, and 3, 4, or 5 styles, apparently the

new species, together with S. micrantha, show greater affinity to

Section Pseudalsine Boiss. {as treated by Pax & Hoffmann in Die

Nat. Pflanzenf. 2, 16c: 322. 1934) delimited by the Persian S.

alsinoides and characterized by 4-merous flowers, 2 styles, and

ovary with 4-6 ovules, and to Section Oligosperma Boiss., character-

ized by S-merous flowers, 2 styles, and ovary with 4-6 ovules, and

represented by three species of Asia.

RANUNCULACEAE

Ranunculus limoselloides Turcz., var. Mandonianus (Wedd.) Steyer-

mark, comb. nov.

Ranunculus Mandonianus Wedd. Chl. And. 2: 299. 1857.

Knuth, in his Initia Florae venezuelensis, lists R. limoselloides

Turcz. for Venezuela (p. 329) with the note ‘‘Locus natalis ignotus’’.

Pittier et al, on the other hand, in the Catalogo de la Flora Venezo-

lana, do not mention this species. After a careful study of Turczani-

now's original description (Bull. Soc. Imp. Nat. Moscou 27: 275-276.

1854), it is evident that the plant described (based on Linden 1441

from Venezuela) is identical with Steyermark 57473 from the state of

Merida (aquatic; leaves floating; in still pools in valley above

Laguna Mucubaji, above Los Apartaderos, alt. 3625-3655 m., July 21,

1944). It is well known that Linden made collections in the paramos

and higher parts of the mountains in the state of Merida on his

journey from Caracas to Colombia, and it is very probable that he

collected this Ranunculus near or in the same locality in which the

Steyermark collection was obtained. The significant parts of Turcz-

aninow’s description which are matched by the Steyermark collection

are ‘“‘foliis longissime petiolatis (natantibus ?) ovalibus vel sub-

ovato-oblongis integerrimis subtrinerviis, venoso-reticulatis;........

petala obovata (alba),....staminibus circiter 8'! In the Steyermark

collection 10 stamens are present, but, as will be seen in the follow-

ing paragraphs, the number of stamens is apparently variable in this

particular complex. The same entity is found in an adjacent region

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 231

of Colombia (Cuatrecasas 1556 from Planos del Toldadero, Dept. of

Boyaca), where the stamens are also 10 in number.

Proceeding southward in the Andes, there is encountered in Bo-

livia, under the name R. Mandonianus Wedd., a Ranunculus Which

superficially resembles greatly the one from Venezuela and Colombia.

In the original description of R. Mandonianus, based upon Mandon’s

collection from the Cordillera de Sorata, Bolivia, it was stated that

the ‘‘staminibus sub-5’’, However, an examination of what is appar-

ently an isotype specimen, preserved in the Herbarium of the Chicago

Natural History Museum (sent originally as a duplicate from the

Botanical Conservatory of Geneva, Switzerland), shows 15 stamens.

Moreover, both this specimen, as well as a photograph of the sup

ia type (same collection as referred to above), exhibit much

arger flowers than those found in the Venezuelan collection. In the

Venezuelan (and Colombian) plants the stamens are actually less

numerous (10-8) than in the Mandon collection cited, but are more

than is given (‘‘staminibus sub-5’’) in the original description. One

wonders whether a typographical error of ‘'5’’ instead of ‘‘15’’ may

not have been made by Weddell in his original description. Be that

as it may, the Venezuelan (and Colombian) collections have petals

with a much broader but shorter blade, shorter ovate instead of broad-

ly oblong sepals, shorter filaments, and smaller achenes than are

found in the Mandon collection from Bolivia. Nothing is mentioned in

Weddell’s description to indicate the size of the flower, but both the

photograph of the supposed type specimen and a specimen of the type

collection exhibit the larger flowers. Complications arise with an ex-

amination of Peruvian material referred to R. Mandonianus. In Mac-

bride & Featherstone 2474 the stamens are 5-6 in number and the

petals have the narrow shape of those of the Bolivian plant, but in

Macbride 3355 the stamens are about 10 and the petals resemble the

obovate-rounded type of typical R. limoselloides of Venezuela and

Colombia.

Such modifications and variations indicate that the Venezuelan and

Colombian plants are closely related and not distinct specifically

from the Bolivian entity, the latter, therefore, more logically treated

as a variety. The plant Turczaninow described precedes by at least

three years that which Weddell published*, and, therefore, has

priority.

*An apparent discrepancy would seem to exist between the date of

Weddell’s publication and that of Mandon’s collection, for the date

appearing in the second volume of Weddell’s work is given as 1857,

whereas the Mandon collection examined is dated ‘*1859-Jan., 1860’’.

Evidently, the publication of the last part of this second volume

(p. 299 is near the end of the volume) was deferred until 1861 (as

is suggested by a reference to this work in the Catalogue of the

Library of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, vol.1, p. 737).

Pe Ys FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Although Benoist (Bull. Soc. Bot. Fr. 87: 125. 1940) described R.

Mandonianus forma minor from Ecuador, based upon a plant charac-

terized by the following description ‘‘A speciminibus typicis differt

statura et foliis minoribus. Le limbe des feuilles est long de 5-12

mm. et large de 2-4,5 mm’’, it appears to represent only a small-

leaved and short-stemmed form of R. limoselloides. Although

Benoist states in the data accompanying his collection label, ‘‘fleurs

blanches tres petites’’ (Ibid.), he does not indicate how small the

flowers are in comparison with those of R. Mandonianus, but rather

gives the smaller stature of the plant and leaves as the only dis-

tinguishing characters used. Since the Venezuelan plants do not

correspond in small leaf size to that described by Benoist, and

further differ in the characters mentioned, they cannot be considered

identical. Therefore, it becomes necessary to make the combination,

Ranunculus limoselloides, forma minor (Benoist) Steyermark, comb.

nov.

R. Mandonianus f. minor Benoist, Bull. Soc. Bot. Fr. 87: 124.1940.

In view of the more detailed gross morphological data now at hand

for R. limoselloides, a description is here emended:

Sepala late ovata obtusa glabra 3-5 mm. longa, 2-3 mm. lata;

petalis obovato-spatulatis rotundatis unguiculatis, basi squamula

instructis, 3-4 mm. longis, 1.5-2.5 mm. latis, quam sepalis breviori-

bus; staminibus 8-10, nonnihil inaequalibus; filamentis 0.8-1.6 mm.

longis, 0.3 mm. latis; antheris oblongis, 0.8-1 mm. longis; achaeniis

(maturis) 1.6-1.8 mm. longis, laevibus (Fig. 42, g-h-i).

As for R. limoselloides var. Mandonianus an emended description

for that entity, based upon an examination of isotypic material and

a photograph of the type specimen, follows:

Sepala late oblonga, rotundata, 7 mm. longa, 5 mm. lata; petalis

oblongo-spatulatis, rotundatis, 5.5 mm. longis, 1.5 mm, latis, quam

sepalis brevioribus; staminibus 15; filamentis 4.5 mm. longis; anthe-

ris suborbicularibus, 0.8 mm. longis, 0.8 mm. latis; achaeniis

(maturis ) 2-2.2 mm. longis, laevibus.

Ranunculus nubigenus H.B.K., forma subintegrus Steyermark, f. nov.

A typo differt foliis latioribus suborbicularibus, basi cordatis vel

rotundatis, obscure crenatis vel integris, 0.5-2 cm. longis, 0.5-1.5

cm. latis, glabris vel paullo pubescentibus; petiolis glabris vel ad-

presso-pubescentibus, 1.5-5.5 cm. longis; pedunculis glabris vel

adpre sso-pubescentibus, ad 5 cm. longis; sepalis obovoideo-oblongis,

apice paullo emarginatis, 3.5-3.8 mm. longis, 2-2.5 mm. latis; petalis

obovatis rotundatis unguiculatis 3-5 mm. longis, ad 2 mm. latis;

Staminibus 5-8, filamentis 1-1.5 mm. longis; antheris oblongis, 0.9

mm. longis; achaeniis ovoideis, 1.8 mm. longis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on rocky slopes

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 233

along stream above Laguna Mucuba ji towards Laguna Negra, above

Los Apartaderos, state of Merida, alt. 3625-3655 m., July 21, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 57481.

Also referred to this form are the following Colombian collections:

moist gully, bushy lower mountain slope, San Cristobal, Bogota,

Dept. of Cundinamarca, alt. 2700-2800 m., September 30, 1917, F. Ww.

Pennell 2326; hierba reptante, acuatico semisumergida, verde clara,

pétalos amarillos, cabeceras del rio Otun, bajando del Nevado de

Santa Isabel, paramos de la Laguna del Mosquito, Cordillera Central,

Dept. Caldas, alt. 3820 m., November 26, 1946, Cuatrecasas 23250.

Typical R. nubigenus H.B.K. was described (ex DC. Syst. 1: 253.

1818) as having leaves ‘‘suborbiculatis 7-dentatis’’, scapes ‘‘apice

pubescente’’ and later (Nov. Gen. 5: 42. 1821) as having stems

“*superne puberuli’’ and petioles ‘‘pubescente’’, while in the latter

publication the leaves are described as ‘‘5-7-crenata’’. Various

collections from Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela have the ap-

pressed pubescence, especially on the petioles, base of the stems,

sheaths, and upper part of the peduncles, characteristic of typical

R. nubigenus. The leaves may vary in shape from suborbicular to

ovate, and from shallowly to prominently 5-9-crenate. :

In forma subintegrus the blades of the leaves are often much larger

andonly obscurely crenulate to subentire. The appressed pubescence

in this form, while sometimes present, is frequently lacking so that

the plant is almost glabrous.

MAGNOLIACEAE

Magnolia ptaritepuiana Steyermark, sp. nov.

Arbor 10-13 m. alta; cortice albicanti vel pallido-cinereo; foliis

coriaceis vel chartaceo-coriaceis, subtus dense cinereo-tomentosis,

13-19 cm. longis, 9-15 cm. latis, late ovalis vel suborbicularibus,

basi obtusis, apice rotundatis, nervis lateralibus 8-10-jugis adscen-

dentibus; petiolis 1.2-1.7 cm. longis, in diametro 2-3.5 m., glabris vel

interdum novellis apice et parte superiori costae villosis; stipulis

undique glabris, marginibus ciliatis, 9 cm. longis, 7 mm. latis, sub-

coriaceis; floribus odoratis; sepalis 3, oblanceolato-oblongis, cunea-

tis, apice obtusis vel rotundatis, 4-4.5 cm. longis, 2 cm. latis; petalis

6, albidis, arcuato-adscendentibus, oblanceolatis, cuneatis, apice

subacutis vel obtusis, 4.2 cm. longis, 1.5-2 cm. latis; gynaeceo e

carpidiis glabris, stylis apice recurvatis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on densely forested

steep south-facing slopes overlying sandstone, between “Cave

Rock” and base of high sandstone bluffs, Ptari-tepui, state of Boli-

var. alt. 2100-2285 m., October 30, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59547

(2 sheets), ‘‘tree 30-40 feet tall with whitish or pale gray bark; leaves:

coriaceous-chartaceous, deep green above, gray-scurfy below, paler

green below; petals white, arched-ascending; flowers fragrant’’.

234 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Magnolia roraimae Steyermark, sp. nov.

Arbor 13 m. alta; foliis coriaceis vel chartaceo-coriaceis supra

nitidis eleganter tenuiter reticulato-venosis, subtus pallido-flavido-

viridibus molliter flavido-villosis, 15-20 cm. longis, 12-17 cm. latis,

late suborbicularibus vel suborbiculari-obovatis, basi obtusis, apice

rotundatis, nervis lateralibus 9-1l-jugis adscendentibus prope margi-

nem 1-2 cm. arcuato-conjungentibus; petiolis 2.7-3 cm. longis, 5-6

mm. latis, undique dense villosis; stipulis intus glabris, extus dense

pannoso-villosis, 7.3 cm. longis, 12 mm. latis, subcoriaceis; alabas-

tro ovoideo 4 cm. longo, in diametro 2.7 cm.; floribus odoratis;

sepalis 3, late oblongo-obovatis, cuneatis, infra medium angustatis,

apice rotundatis, 5 cm. longis, 2 cm. latis; petalis 6, luteo-albidis,

cucullatis, subcoriaceis, oblongo-obovatis, cuneatis, apice rotunda-

tis, 4-4.7 cm. longis, 2 cm. latis; gynaeceo e carpidiis glabris,

stylis apice recurvatis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on southwest-facing

forested slopes between Rondon Camp and base of sandstone bluffs,

Mount Roraima, state of Bolivar, alt. 2155 m., September 30, 1944,

Julian A. Steyermark 59000 (3 sheets), ‘‘tree 40 feet tall; leaves

coriaceous-chartaceous, deep green and shining above, buff green

below; petals creamy white, infolded, subcoriaceous, fragrant; pistils

creamy white; rare; one tree seen’’.

Local name: ‘‘iura-ta-na-ca-ta’’ (Spanish: cabeza de aurauata).

The pubescent buds of this species are reminiscent of the culti-

vated X M. Soulangeana, and of certain North American species.

This species and the preceding one, because of the free stipules,

are placed in the genus Magnolia, rather than Talauma. Specimens of

Talauma from South America all show an elongate scar on the upper

surface of the petiole to which the stipule has been adnate. Both

Magnolia roraimae and M. ptaripetuiana differ from all South American

species of Talauma in the broadly obovate to suborbicular-obovate

leaves rounded above, which are densely villous on the lower sur-

face, and in similar characters from all the known species of Mag-

nolia from Central America. In pubescence these two new species

somewhat approach M. grandiflora L., but that has much smaller

leaves and larger flowers.

Magnolia roraimae differs from M. ptarite puiana in several respects:

the outer surface of the stipules is densely velvety-pubescent, the

petioles are densely villous and stouter, the sepals and petals are

larger, the upper part of the branches are densely villous, the pu-

bescence of the lower surface of the leaves consists of much longer

hairs, and the areolar network of the upper leaf surface is more promi-

nent and the upper ends of the lateral nerves more conspicuously

ananastomos ing.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 235

WINTERACEAE

Drimys brasiliensis Miers, var. ptaritepuiensis Steyermark, var. nov.

A var. roraimensis differt inflorescentia 3-5-floris, pedunculis

brevioribus 8-23 mm. longis; staminibus 31-35; filamentis 1.5-1.75

mm. longis; carpellis 8-9, stigmate sessili subterminalique.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on densely forested

steep south-facing slopes overlying sandstone, between ‘‘Cave

Rock”? and base of high sandstone bluffs, Ptari-tepui, state of Boli-

var, alt. 2100-2285 m., October 30, 1944, Nalion A. Steyermark 59537,

‘“small tree 20-30 feet tall; trunk slender; leaves subcoriaceous-

chartaceous, deep green above, silvery blue-white below; petals

white; peduncles salmon-rose; flower very fragrant’’.

This variety differs from var. roraimensis A. C. Smith principally

in the usually 3-flowered inflorescence with shorter peduncles, those

in var. roraimensis averaging longer. The connective at the tip of

the anther is apiculate and densely glandular as in var. roraimensis.

MONIMIACEAE

Mollinedia ptariensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Frutex, ramis subteretibus, novellis puberulis, adultis glabrescen-

tibus; foliis oppositis petiolatis ovatis vel elliptico-ovatis, basi

obtusis vel subacutis, apice acutis vel subacuminatis, integris vel

subintegris, coriaceis, 10-14 cm. longis, 5-6.5 cm. latis, supra gla-

bris nervis subimpressis inconspicuis, subtus minute adpresso-

pubescentibus, nervis circiter 5 jugis prominentibus suboppositis vel

alternatis; petiolis 12-15 mm. longis, novellis dense adpresso-

puberulis, adultis parce puberulis vel glabratis; floribus masculis:

3-5 mm. longis, in diametro 5 mm.; receptaculo crasso, intus glabro;

pedicellis 4-5 mm. longis dense adpresso-pubescentibus; perigonii

phyllis 4, extus dense adpresso-pubescentibus, 2 exterioribus late

suborbiculari-ovatis, apice obtusis vel rotundatis, 4.5 mm. longis,

3.5-4 mm. latis quam 2 interioribus latioribus, 2 interioribus late

oblongis, apice obtusis, 3 mm. longis, 2.5-3 mm. latis, appendice

crassa inaequaliter denticulata instructis; staminibus 13-14; antheris

suborbicularibus, 1-1.5 mm. longis, 1.25-1.5 mm. latis; filamentis

glabris, 1 mm. longis; floribus foemineis solitariis: 6 mm. diam., ex-

trinsecus adpresso-pubescentibus; receptaculo crasso cupuliformi,

intus dense hispidulo, paullo aspero; pedicellis 10 mm. longis, dense

adpresso-pubescentibus; perigonii phyllis 2 exterioribus suborbicu-

laribus, apice rotundatis, 2 mm. longis, 2.8-3 mm. latis quam 2

interioribus latioribus, 2 interioribus 1.5 mm. longis, 2 mm. latis;

ovariis 20, dense adpresso-hispidulis, 2-2.5 mm. longis; stylo glabro,

0.5-1 mm. longo.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on steep wooded

slopes just below dry ridge and shrubby growth of southeast-facing

236 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

slopes, Ptari-tepui, state of Bolfvar, alt. 1585-1600 m., November.

10-11, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 60014 (2 sheets, staminate and

pistillate), ‘‘shrub 10 feet tall; leaves coriaceous, dull green above,

pale green below; perianth dull yellow”’.

In the staminate flowers the 2 inner divisions of the perianth are

thickened within, and have more or less three irregularly toothed and

denticulate-thickened callosities running lengthwise along the inner

margins and irregularly denticulate at the apex. The appendages of

the inner divisions of the staminate flowers are thinner than the rest

of the perianth but not conspicuously elongated.

This species is apparently a member of Sect. Appendiculatae Perk.

and is related to M. Lowtheriana Perk. of Brazil. From that species

it may be distinguished by the 20 densely hispidulous carpels, the

rounded tips of the pistillate perianth divisions, larger pistillate

flowers, 13-14 stamens, more coriaceous broader subentire leaf

blades which are minutely appressed-pubescent on the lower surface,

and longer petioles.

Mollinedia roraimensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Frutex, ramis subteretibus, novellis fulvo-tomentosis; foliis oppo-

Sitis petiolatis ovatis vel elliptico-ovatis, basi subacutis, apice

abrupte acuminatis, remote denticulatis, coriaceis, 15-18 cm. longis,

6-9 cm. latis, supra glabris, subtus subtomentosis, nervis 5-6 jugis;

petiolis 12-15 mm. longis, plus minusve subtomentellis; floribus

non viSis.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected on southwest-facing

forested slopes of Mount Roraima, between Rondon Camp and base of

sandstone bluffs, state of Bolivar, alt. 2040-2255 m., September 30,

1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59004, ‘‘shrub 8 feet tall; leaves cori-

aceous, dark green above, pale green and velvety below; stems

purple-brown pubescent’’,

Although this plant was found in only sterile condition, it apparent-

ly represents an undescribed species that may be distinguished from

the closely related and above described M. ptariensis by the denticu-

late leaves, which are more densely pubescent on the lower surface

with longer trichomes.

Siparuna Pittieri Steyermark, sp. nov.

Frutex dioecus, 3 m. altus; ramis tomentulosis, pilis stellatis

luteo-fulvis; foliis elliptico-obovatis, 15-32 cm. longis, 7-13 cm.

latis, apice subito acutis vel acuminatis, basi rotundatis vel obtusis,

minute et remote denticulatis, utrinque stellato-tomentosis; petiolis

1.5-6 cm. longis, dense fulvo-tomentosis; inflorescentia tomentulosa,

gtacili, foeminea 1.5-2 cm. longa; receptaculo foemineo globoso-

urceolato fulvo-tomentoso in diametro 3.5; stylis 4 exsertis, inferne

in columnam coalitis.

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 237

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in Parque Nacional,

between Rancho Grande and Maracay, state of Aragua, alt. 240-455

m., December 9, 1943, Julian A. Steyermark 54967.

Apparently there belong here two other collections from the same

or nearby area: Killip 37120 from the same locality, and Pittier 8804

(in guaremales, Urama, between Puerto Cabello and San Felipe, state

of Carabobo, 1920.

The Pittier 8804 collection was cited by Knuth in his Initia Florae

Venezuelensis (Beihefte Report. Sp. Nov. 43: 335. 1927) as the type

of a new species, S. Pittieri R. Knuth ‘‘in schedis herb. Pittier’’.

Unfortunately, that name as such can be treated only as a nomen

nudum. Since the plant of the Parque Nacional collected by Killip

and the writer constitute an undescribed species, previously errone-

ously referred to S. gesnerioides (H.B.K.) A. DC., it is fitting that

Dr. Pittier’s name be preserved by a validly published description,

instead of lapsing into obscurity as a nomen nudum. Although I have

not seen the Pittier 8804 collection, it is most probable that it is com

specific with the plant here described. This new species from the

Parque Nacional superficially resembles S. gesnerioides, but differs

in having 4 styles in the pistillate flower and shorter and less abun-

dant tomentum of stems and petioles.

CRUCIFERAE

Cardamine ovata Benth., forma Lehmanii (Hieronymus) Steyermark,

comb. nov.

Cardamine ovata subsp. Lehmannii (Hieronymus) O. E. Schulz, in

Engl. Jahrb. 27: 412. 1903; C. Alberti O. E. Schulz, Notiz. 10: 341.

1928.

This entity, with leaflets averaging smaller than those of typical

C. ovata, appears to be only an ecological form prevalent on the

paramos and higher elevations scattered throughout the range of the

species. It varies in glabrity of stems and leaves.

- Steyermark 55754 from the state of Merida (between Los Corales

and Las Cuadras) is practically glabrate, while Lehmann 4759 from

Colombia (Paramo de Guanacas), and Steyermark 55450 from Vene-

zuela (between Buenos Aires and Paramo de las Rosas, state of

Lara) are more pubescent.

Some specimens, such as Steyermark 62743, from the state of Sucre

in eastern Venezuela (forest along stream at base of Cerro de Diablo

western extension of southern peak of Cerro Turumiquire }) are inter-

mediate in leaf size between typical C. ovata and f. Lehmannii.

An examination of isotypic material of C. Alberti O. E. Schulz at

once identifies it with C. ovata f. Lehmannii. The obtuse crenately

toothed, rather small leaflets whichare sparsely pilose, together with

238 FIFLDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

the scattered pubescence of the sepals, pedicels, and stems can be

matched by some of the collections cited above.

CAPPARIDACEAE

Capparis guaguaensis Steyermark, sp. nov.

Arbor 19-25-metralis; ramulis subteretibus glabris, cortice cinereo-

brunneo; foliis alternis simplicibus integerrimis, firme membranaceis,

longe petiolatis, petiolis glabris 2-11.5 cm. longis; laminis late

ovatis vel elliptico-ovatis, 9-26 cm. longis, 5-13 cm. latis, apice

acutis vel breviter acuminatis, supra glabris atroviridibus, nervis

lateralibus 8-9-jugis prominulis pallidis, subtus glabris argenteo-

viridibus, costa elevata, nervis venisque prominentibus; floribus non

visis; pedicellis fructiferis glabris 2-2.2 cm. longis, 2-3 mm. crassis;

bacco pallide flavido pendulo ovoideo molli, 5-6 cm. longo, 3-4 cm.

lato, pericarpio laevi, in sicco ca. 2 mm. crasso; pulpa esculenta

dulci cinereo-alba; seminibus circa 6, nigrescentibus nitidis, 15-20

mm. longis, 10-12 mm. latis, testa firmiter crustacea.

Type in herb, Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected along Rio Guagua,

tributary to Rio Manzanares, above valley of Cumanacoa, above

Cuchivano, state of Sucre, alt. 230-300 m., May 18, 1945, Julian A.

Steyermark 62800 (2 sheets), ‘tree 60-80 feet tall; leaves firmly

membranaceous, deep dark green above, silvery green below; fruit

edible, pendent, ovoid, 5-6 cm. long, 3-4 cm. broad, pale yellow,

soft; pulp edible, sweetish, gray white; seeds blackish, shining’’.

Local name: ‘‘toco’’.

The name “‘toco” in Venezuela is usually applied to Crataeva

Tapia L. (C. gynandra L.), but in parts of the Venezuelan Oriente,

such as northeast of Bergantin in the state of Anzoategui, the name

is applied, at least in part, to another tree, Capparis Baducca L., of

the same family. A collection of C. Baducea (Steyermark 61088) from

Cerro La Danta, in this region, was so named by the inhabitants.

Near the type locality along the Rio Guagua another collection of C.

Baducca (Steyermark 62788) was made.

This new species is striking in that the fruit somewhat resembles

that of a Crataeva, but the leaves are simple throughout and resemble

those of Capparis Baducca, At first, it might be wondered whether

the fruit and the leaves might not have been collected from separate

trees,and therefore comprise a mixture, but such is not the case. The

leaves of this collection are much broader and of a thinner texture

than those of C. Baducca, and the fruit is ovoid and large similar to

that of a Crataeva. However, it differs from other fruiting specimens

of Crataeva Tapia sensu latu in its much larger, smooth seeds, much

shorter gynophore, and much thinner and softer mature pericarp of 2-3

mm. thickness, whereas that of Crataeva is much firmer, more rigid,

and has a thickness of 5-7 mm. The pulp of the new species is

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA -I 239

sweetish and edible, a fact which has not been recorded for either

Crataeva Tapia sensu latu or for Capparis Baducca.

Steriphoma paradoxum f. venezuelanum (Briquet) Steyermark, comb.nov.

Steriphoma venezuelanum Briq. in Ann. Conserv. et Jard. Bot.

Geneve XV: 394. 1914.

Although Briquet compares his species with S. elliptica Spreng.,

actually it is related to S. paradoxum, of which it can be considered

only a form separated from the species by the elliptic or oblong-

elliptic leaf blades, which are relatively broader in proportion to

their length (2-2 1/2 times broader than long) than in typical S.

paradoxum, in which the leaf blades are much more elongated, lance-

olate, or oblong-lanceolate and usually 4-5 times longer than broad.

The blades of S. paradoxum f. venezuelanum are slightly more obtuse

at the base and more abruptly acuminate with somewhat shorter tips

than those of typical S. paradoxum. The petioles are also somewhat

shorter in f. venezuelanum.

Apparently there are only two valid species of this genus thus far

known in Venezuela, S. ellipticum Spreng. and S. paradoxum (Jacq.)

Endl. In the Catalogo de la Flora Venezolana 1: 321. 1945, Pittier

et al list four species of this genus as occurring within Venezuela.

A comparison of the description of Steriphoma cleomoides based on

Stephania cleomoides Willd. from the region of Caracas, and study of

herbarium material from that area, show that it is not different from

Steriphoma paradoxum, based on Capparis paradoxa Jacq. from the

same region. As the latter validly published name is the oldest one

congeneric with Steriphoma, it must be used over any others subse-

quently placed in that genus.

The synonymy is as follows:

Steriphoma paradoxum (Jacq.) Endl. in Flora xv: 396. 1832. Cap-

paris paradoxa Jacq. Pl. Har. Hort. Schoenbr. 1: 58 pl. 111. 1797.

Stephania cleomoides Willd. Sp. Pl. m1: 239. 1799.

Steriphoma cleomoides Spreng. Syst. 1V: 139. 1827.

SARRACENIACEAE

Heliamphora heterodoxa Steyermark, sp. nov.

Folia radicalia, plerumque 12-25 cm. (ad 40 cm.) longa; amphoris

in medio expansis, intus dense strigosis pilis albis reflexis, appen-

dice apicali cucullata suborbiculari, 0.6-2.5 cm. longa; scapo 3-7 dm.

alto plerumque 2-4-(ad 7-) floris, omnino glabro; bracteis sessilibus

amplexicaulibus, late ovatis obtusis vel cuspidato-acuminatis, infi-

mis 3.5-7 cm. longis, 1.6-4.2 cm. latis, superioribus minoribus re-_

ductis, supremis 0.9-2 cm. longis, plerumque glabris vel partim

puberulis; floribus nutantibus; perianthii segmentis anguste vel late

ovatis vel oblongo-ellipticis acutis vel subobtusis in anthesi 20-50

mm. longis, 10-20 mm. latis, in fructu ad 80 mm. longis et 37 mm.

240 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

latis glabris; antheris anguste oblongis, 5.5-8 mm. longis; ovario

pubescenti pallido viridi; capsulis ovoideis, 1.5-2 cm. longis; semini-

bus alatis, late ovatis vel suborbicularibus pallido brunneis, 3-3.5

mm. longis, ala ca. 1 mm. lata.

Type in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus., collected in Bonnetia roraimae

forest on southwest-facing shoulder, Ptari-tepui, state of Bolivar,

alt. 2000-2200 m., November 2, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark 59766 (2

sheets), ‘‘matted on mossy exposed top of big shoulder; flowers faint-

ly fragrant, arising near base of plant; 2 outer sepals rose-pink at

base, otherwise greenish-white; a midline of pink or rose on outer

sepals; 2 inner sepals white within; rachis wine red as is scape; leaf

pale green with suffusion of wine purple-red, either one color massed

or in splotches; leaf tip with incurved purple-red appendage’’.

Additional collections are: in swamp on open level portion of

plateau on southeast-facing slopes, Ptari-tepui, alt. 1600 m., Novem-

ber 1, 1944, Steyermark 59651; vicinity of ‘ ‘Misia Kathy Camp’’, on

mesa between Ptari-tepui and Sororopdn-tepui, alt. 1615 m., November

15-17, 1944, Steyermark 60242; and along moist base of east-facing

high sandstone bluffs, Ptari-tepul, alt. 2410-2450 m., November 7,

1944, Steyermark 59934.

It may be noted that considerable variation occurs within this

species. For example, Steyermark 60242 has the pedicels slightly

puberulous on one side and glabrous on the other, whereas in the

other collections cited the pedicels are glabrous throughout. More-

over, the size of the sepals varies in length and width, depending in

part on their age or development. The bracts subtending the pedicels

may be obtuse, but usually have a short or elongated cuspidate apex.

The appendages of the lids also vary in size, as do the pitchers

themselves. The Steyermark 59934 collection is a good example of

how robust this species may become under certain favorable growing

conditions induced by a combination of abundant moisture and shade.

In every way it is larger and more luxuriant than the other collections

cited, It was found on moist bluffs where seepage occurred, growing

in mats of Sphagnum oxyphyllum moss. It has larger more elongated

pitchers with longer hairs within, longer peduncles with larger and

more numerous flowers, and larger sepals. Despite these differences

it cannot be considered more than a vigorous individual likely to be

found in any group of plants where moisture affects more vigorous

growth and enlarged parts. In details of morphological characters

this luxuriant specimen, in all respects, is identical with that of

typical H. heterodoxa.

In the living condition H. heterodoxa is a very striking and colorful

plant. The pitchers are usually pale green with a suffusion of wine-

purple-red color, either the one color massed or occurring in splotch-

es, or the lower part of the pitchers may be purple-red with the upper

portion pale green. The inner surface may be pale green within, but

also may have a dark brown-purple coloring within in the cup portion

BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA - I 241

at the base, while the margin and keel of the pitchers on the outside

are red. The lid appendage is red or purple-red. The flowering

stalks arise at the base of the plant, the scapes and flowering pedi-

cels being dark red or wine red. The outer sepals vary from pale

green or greenish-white with rose-pink at the base to a rosy color in

age; there may be a midline of pink or rose color on the outer sepals.

The inner sepals are usually white within, or may be whitish-pink on

both sides. They are usually paler green in age. The pubescent

ovary is generally pale green in color.

It is interesting to record another new species in this genus to the

five previously known. From a genus originally considered as mono-

typic, six species are at present known, three (H. Macdonaldae, H.

Tatei, and H. Tyleri) known only from Mount Duida, and each of the

others (H. nutans, H. minor, and H. heterodoxa) known only respec-

tively from Mount Roraima, Mount Auyan-tepur, and Mount Ptari-tepui.

Undoubtedly, several more will eventually be discovered when all of

the tepuis have been carefully explored. Heliamphora heterodoxa is

most closely related to H. nutans Benth. of Mount Roraima and to

H. minor Gleason of Mount Auyan-tepui. It differs from them in hav-

ing longer anthers (5.5-8 mm. instead of 3-4 mm. long) and in the

extent of pubescence of the upper pubescent zone on the inside of

the upper pubescent zone on the inside of the pitcher, the zone of

pubescence in H. heterodoxa occupying the upper half of the pitcher,

whereas in H. minor and H. nutans this zone covers the upper one-

third.

A key to the species at present known is here given:

Pitchers expanded in the middle and constricted above and below

the middle; pedicels slender, drooping

Anthers 5.5-8 mm. long; upper pubescent zone on inside cover-

ing about the upper half of the pitcher .......... H. heterodoxa.

Anthers 3-4 mm. long; upper pubescent zone on inside covering

the upper one-third of the pitcher

Pedicels pubescent; sepals 2-3.2 cm. long; pitchers scarce-

ly expanded in middle; wings of pitchers more or less

equally broad from base to apex; lid appendage abruptly

narrowed at base, suborbicular; pitcher 10-12 cm. long.

H. minor.

Pedicels glabrous; sepals 3.5-5 cm. long; pitchers conspicu-

ously expanded at middle into a flared bell-like form;

wings of pitchers abruptly narrowed below the middle and

again appearing above the middle; lip appendage incon-

spicuous and passing directly into the upper part of the

pitcher, or conspicuous and suborbicular to orbicular with

abrupt constriction at base or not all at constricted;

pitcher 13-30 cm. long, .....c.cccceccscecsscscssecscecs H. nutans.

Pitchers barely or not at all expanded in the middle, with an elon-

gated tubular form; pedicels stout, erect

242 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28

Pitchers glabrous within, except for a few scattered hairs at

the very margin; sepals obtuse ........ sosesseeeHe Macdonaldae.

Pitchers pubescent within; sepals’ acuminate

Lidcuspidate at the summit; pedicels very sparsely pubescent

He T atei.

Lid rounded at the summit; pedicels densely pubescent

H. Tyleri.

Having had an opportunity of observing in the field four of these

Six entities, and having witnessed the great variability within H.

heterodoxa of Ptari-tepui, especially in regard to the size of the

pitcher and the shape and size of the appendage on the lid, it may be

stated that observations on the other species of Heliamphora have

revealed a great amount of variation in shape and size (length and

breadth) of the lid and appendage of the pitcher, and in shape and

size (length and breadth) of the sepals. For example, in H. Mac-

donaldae of Mount Duida, there is variation in sepal width, the

sepals in the type (Tate 1022) being about 40 mm. wide, but Gleason

notes (Bull. Torr. Bot. Club 58: 367. 1931) that in Tate 1023 ‘‘The

perianth segments.....are much narrower, ranging from 14 to 23 mm.”’

Although they are described by Gleason as being ‘‘obtuse’’, they

actually vary from obtuse to subacute.

Furthermore, when more material is available for study, it is quite

possible that H. Tyleri may have to be reduced to a variety of H.

Tatei, and H. minor to a variety of H. nutans. The differences of

pubescence of pedicel and smaller size of sepals separating H.

minor from H. nutans have been found to be variable and inconstant

characters. Similarly in H. Tatei the tip of the lid is slightly cuspi-

date, while in H. Tyleri it is rounded. Moreover, the characters of

pubescence in H. Tateiand H. Tyleri are relative and the same varia-

tions in shape of lids and pubescence of pedicels is found in these

two species from Mount Duida as are found in the material of H.

heterodoxa from Ptari-tepui.

In his work on carnivorous plants (p. 11), F. E. Lloyd states, for

H. minor of Mount Auyan-tepui, that ‘‘the bell is densely hairy only

along the marginal zone, with a few scattered hairs on the general

surface’’. But while this is true for older pitchers, it does not hold

true for young to middle mature ones which are densely hairy with)

fine short hairs throughout the upper one-third of the bell. The hairs

either appear to fall off or weather off eventually, thus causing a

deception of observation on this character.

With more extensive collecting of this genus over a wide area,

more variations will probably be found eventually within given

species than are at present known to occur. It is quite probable,

therefore, that some of the species may have to be reduced to varie-

ties or forms.