A Remarkable New Species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) Including an Identification Key to Species of the Genus from the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, Goiás, Brazil

Researchers have identified and described Microlicia stenodonoides, a remarkable new species of shrub within the Melastomataceae family, distinguished by its dwarf arboreal habit, large flowers (up to 4 cm in diameter), and unique morphological traits. This discovery, documented from Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in Brazil's Cerrado biome, challenges traditional taxonomic boundaries, as its characteristics resemble those of Stenodon but align more closely with Microlicia due to key features such as non-thickened cortex stems and dimorphic stamens. The study also provides an identification key for Microlicia species in the park, offering critical insights into biodiversity, ecology, and conservation status. Additionally, it details the species' flowering and fruiting periods, contributing to broader understanding of its ecological role within this UNESCO-listed protected area.

de Oliveira Diniz-Neres, D., & José da Silva, M. (2017). A Remarkable New Species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) Including an Identification Key to Species of the Genus from the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, Goiás, Brazil. Systematic Botany, 42(3), 554–561. https://doi.org/10.1600/036364417x696014