A New Species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) with Bright Golden Cuticle from Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás (Central Brazil)

Researchers have discovered a new species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) in the Cerrado Protected Areas of Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, Brazil. This species, named Microlicia chrysoglandulosa, is distinguished by its unique bright golden cuticle covering spherical, short-stalked glandular trichomes found on internodes, leaf surfaces, margins, pedicels, hypanthium, and sepals—a feature not previously documented in the genus. The discovery was made through detailed morphological analysis, comparing it to similar species like M. martiana, M. psammophila, and M. tenuifolia. The study highlights the importance of microscopic examination in identifying novel plant taxa within biodiverse regions.

Romero, R., Alves Versiane, A. F., Fontelas, J. C., de Oliveira Diniz Neres, D., & Cavalari de Paula, O. (2017). A New Species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) with Bright Golden Cuticle from Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás (Central Brazil). Systematic Botany, 42(3), 562–568. https://doi.org/10.1600/036364417x696069