Aenigmanu, a new genus of Picramniaceae from Western Amazonia

Aenigmanu alvareziae, a previously unidentified tree species from Peru's Manu National Park, has been formally described as a new genus and species within the Picramniaceae family. Despite multiple collections since 1973, its unique vegetative features initially defied classification until molecular analysis using nuclear ITS and chloroplast rbcL markers revealed its true taxonomic placement. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods confirmed its distinct lineage, supported by detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and a distribution map. This discovery enriches our understanding of Western Amazonian biodiversity and provides a revised key to the genera of Picramniaceae.

Thomas, W. W., Hensold, N., Foster, R., Ree, R. H., & Soares Neto, R. L. (2021). Aenigmanu, a new genus of Picramniaceae from Western Amazonia. Taxon, 70(6), 1239–1247. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.12588