Three new species of Eugenia (Myrtaceae) from the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Three new species of Eugenia from the Atlantic rainforest of southeastern Brazil are here described, illustrated and compared with morphologically similar species. Additionally, a distribution map is provided and preliminary conservation statuses are proposed. Eugenia cabofriana can be recognized by its tomentose young shoots and leaves, fasciculiform inflorescences, tomentose pedicels and ovary, and glabrous calyx. Eugenia longimitra is remarkably distinctive due to its auxotelic and racemiform inflorescences, and flower buds with a rostrate apiculum, which at anthesis opens often through a calyptra or sometimes by irregular longitudinal tearing in two halves. Eugenia pachypoda can be recognized mainly by its leaves with adaxially biconvex midvein, petioles absent or up to 2 mm long, leaf bases obtuse or cordiform, pedicels corky and detaching in thin, longitudinal plates, and flower buds with the calyx visibly less pilose than the ovary.