Two new dioecious species of symplocos (Symplocaceae) from Southern Brazil

Abstract

Two new dioecious species of Symplocos Jacquin from southern Brazil are described and illustrated. Both species belong to section Barberina (Vellozo) A. DC. of subgenus Symplocos. Symplocos bidana Aranha is characterized by its cymose or racemose inflorescences (9.5-)11-34 mm long, corol- la with five or six lobes 3.7-4.9 mm long, and fruits (10-) 13-20 × 5-10 mm with the calyx lobes covering the fruiting disc. Symplocos incrassata Aranha is characterized by its reduced cymes, bracts caducous in fruit, and fruits 12-18 × (5-)6-8 mm. In addition, both species have thick endocarps (0.8-1.2 mm), a notable character among the Brazilian species of section Barberina.