Ombrophytum guayanensis, the first record of subfamily Lophophytoideae (Balanophoraceae) in the Guayana Shield

Abstract

The family Balanophoraceae continues to be poorly known and rarely collected, mostly due to its partially or completely subterranean habit and its general aspect resembling a fungus. A recent collection from French Guiana was identified as a species of Ombrophytum unknown to science (O. guayanensis), which is here described and illustrated. This species also represents the first record of the subfamily Lophophytoideae for the Guayana Shield.