A new species of Salvia section Uliginosae (Lamiaceae), from Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

A new species from Oaxaca is described and illustrated. Salvia tetramerioides belongs to section Uliginosae as it shares with the species of this section the presence of a 5-veined, 3-mucronate posterior calyx lobe and a laterally flattened style. However, the morphology of the inflorescence of the new species differs from all the previously described taxa in the section; although the vegetative morphology resembles that of Salvia laevis. The new species is distinguished by the dense inflorescence, the peduncle longer than the rachis and broadly ovate, persistent bracts, with decussate phyllotaxy and two flowers per node. A key is provided to distinguish it from the species of the section found in Oaxaca.