Meriania zunacensis D.Fernández & Dellinger

Fernandez-Hilario, Robin, Goldenberg, Renato & Michelangeli, Fabián A., 2023, A synopsis of Meriania (Melastomataceae: Merianieae) in Peru, Phytotaxa 602 (1), pp. 1-101 : 92

36. Meriania zunacensis D.Fernández & Dellinger , Phytotaxa 458(1): 7 (2020).

Type:— ECUADOR. Tungurahua: Cantón Baños , Parroquia Río Negro, Sector El Topo , Estación Cientifica Río Zuñac , Fundación EcoMinga , 1568 m, 01°22.593’S, 78°09.213’W, 26 May 2018 (fl., fr.), L. Jost, F. Recalde & S. Recalde 10600 (holotype: QCNE! [barcodes 243978 – 1/2, 243977 – 2/2]; isotype: QCNE! [barcode 243976 ]) . ( Figures 72–73 ).

Comments:— Among Peruvian species of Meriania , it is distinguishable by combination of quadrangular and ribbed internodes, nodes with interpetiolar flaps ( Fig. 72D ), an adaxial projection (scutum) on the transition zone from the petiole to the midvein ( Fig. 73A ), leaf blades with flat adaxial surfaces, spreading, reddish-purple corollas, isomorphic stamens, and pyriform mature ovaries ( Fig. 73D ). Among Peruvian species, M. zunacensis most closely resembles M. callosa and M. megaphylla (see comments under these species for differences).A detailed comparison of M. zunacensis with other related species can be found in Fernández-Fernández et al. (2020) and Fernandez-Hilario et al. (2022).

Distribution and phenology:— Meriania zunacensis occurs in Ecuador and northern Peru (Department of Amazonas in montane forests at 1500–2280 m) ( Fig. 35 ). It has been collected in flower in February, June and July, and in fruit in February and July.

Specimens examined:— PERU. Amazonas: Prov.Amazonas, Dist. Vista Alegre, entre Vista Alegre y La Ventana a Naciento del Río Negro, 1500–1640 m, 06°08’S, 77°18’W, 02 Jul 1998 (fl., fr.), I. Sánchez et al. 9610 ( CPUN!, F!); Prov. Bagua, La Peca , 1850–1900 m, 14 Jun 1978 (fl. bud), A. Gentry et al. 23012 ( USM!, US!); Prov. Bongará, Dist. Yambrasbamba, inmediaciones de la Estación Biológica Abra Patricia , trochas cercanas a la estación, 2280 m, 05°41’43.40”S, 77°48’47.91”W, 19–20 Feb 2020 (fl., fr.), R. Fernandez-Hilario et al. 1920 ( HOXA!, KUELAP!, MOLF!, NY!, UPCB!), trocha Lechuza en la Estación Biológica Abra Patricia , 2123 m, 05°41’18.89”S, 77°48’23.68”W, 21 Feb 2020 (fl.), R. Fernandez-Hilario et al. 1938 ( HOXA!, MOLF!, UPCB!) .

Figures

FIGURE 35. Distribution map of M. microflora, M. rigida, M. sessilifolia and M. zunacensis.

FIGURE 72. Meriania zunacensis. A. Terminal fertile branch with infructescence. B. Leaf blade, abaxial view. C. Detail of the abaxial leaf surface. D. Detail of the interpetiolar flap. E. Stamen in lateral view. F. Longitudinal section of the flower with petals and stamens removed. G. Flower bud with detail (left) of the dorsal projection on the calyx. A–G from R. Fernandez-Hilaro et al. 1920.

FIGURE 73. Meriania zunacensis. A. Node with interpetiolar flap and adaxial projection on the petiole apex. B. Terminal fertile branch with inflorescence. C. Flower at anthesis, apical view. D. Immature fruits. A–D from R. Fernandez-Hilario et al. 1920. Photos by Robin Fernandez. Reproduced with permission from Willdenowia.