Description of pistillate flowers and conservation status of two species of Mollinedia (Monimiaceae, Laurales) from the Brazilian Atlantic forest

Scientists have made a significant discovery by describing the pistillate (female) flowers of two rare and endangered species of Mollinedia (Monimiaceae), complementing their previous descriptions based solely on staminate (male) flowers. This advancement enhances taxonomic understanding of Mollinedia dolichotricha and Mollinedia ruschii, both endemic to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. The study also reassessed their conservation status—M. dolichotricha as 'Endangered' (EN) and M. ruschii as 'Critically Endangered' (CR)—due to new threats identified during field surveys. Highlighting the need for urgent conservation action, the research provides detailed descriptions, photographs, and recommendations to protect these vulnerable species amid ongoing habitat loss.

Alvarenga Zavatin, D., Guimarães Barbosa, L., Da Rosa, P., Freitas, J., & John De Lírio, E. (2025). Description of pistillate flowers and conservation status of two species of Mollinedia (Monimiaceae, Laurales) from the Brazilian Atlantic forest. Nordic Journal of Botany, 2025(10). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/njb.04778