Meriania callosa Rob.Fern., R.Goldenb.& Michelang., Willdenowia

Fernandez-Hilario, Robin, Goldenberg, Renato & Michelangeli, Fabián A., 2023, A synopsis of Meriania (Melastomataceae: Merianieae) in Peru, Phytotaxa 602 (1), pp. 1-101 : 23

5. Meriania callosa Rob.Fern., R.Goldenb.& Michelang., Willdenowia 52(1): 49 (2022). Type :— PERU. Amazonas: Prov. Bongará, Dist. Yambrasbamba, ruta desde CP Santa Rosa hacia bosque El Toro, 1950 m, 05°40’07.98”S, 77°55’30.04”W, 11 Nov 2020 (fl.), R. Fernandez-Hilario, W. Chuquitucto & A. Wong 2055 (holotype: MOLF! [barcode 000007]; isotypes: HOXA! [accession no. 077833], KUELAP! [accession no. 971], MOLF! [barcode 000008], NY! [barcode 04239399], UPCB! [accession no. 99412]). ( Figures 17–18).

Comments:— This species is distinguishable by the combination of nodes with interpetiolar flaps (0.5–3 mm long) ( Fig. 17D), glabrous hypanthia and calyces, calyces with callose dorsal projections ( Fig. 17H)), spreading, fuchsia corollas, isomorphic stamens, stamen connectives with two appendages ( Fig. 17E), one triangular descending dorso-basal appendage, and other dorsal appendage as a mere hump (rarely inconspicuous). Among Peruvian species, M. callosa most closely resembles M. zunacensis but differs by the projections on the insertion of the petioles with the leaf blades [absent vs. present (scutum)], petiole length (10–22 mm vs. 25–50 mm), and the dorsal projections on calyces (callose vs. absent). A detailed comparison of M. callosa with other related species can be found in Fernandez-Hilario et al. (2022).

Distribution and phenology:— Meriania callosa is endemic to northern Peru (Department of Amazonas) and grows in montane forests at 1880–1970 m ( Fig. 9). It has been collected in flower in April and November, and fruit in August and November.

Specimens examined:— PERU. Amazonas: Prov. Bongará, Dist. Yambrasbamba, ruta desde CP Santa Rosa hacia bosque El Toro, 1970 m, 05°40’09.22”S, 77°55’30.05”W, 11 Nov 2020 (fl. bud, fr.), R . Fernandez-Hilario et al. 2056 ( HOXA!, MOLF!, NY!, UPCB!); Prov. Rodríguez de Mendoza, Dist. Mariscal Benavides , CP Izcuchaca, 1880 m, 06°19’40”S; 77°31’05”W, 30 Aug 1998 (fr.), R . Vásquez & J . Campos 25339 ( NY!), same locality, 11 Apr 2001 (fl.), H . van der Werff et al. 16941 ( NY!, USM!) .