A revision of the genus Syagrus (Arecaceae) Noblick, Larry R. Phytotaxa 2017 2017-02-01 294 1 448 450 7B68J Noblick & Lorenzi (2010 b: 33) Noblick & Lorenzi 33 2010 [197,864,151,176] Liliopsida Arecaceae Syagrus Plantae Arecales 120 Tracheophyta species itacambirana   Figures 42–43plates, Figure 38map. Small solitary or clustering palm less than 50 cmtall. Stemvery short or subterranean, appearing acaulescent. Leaves5–9; sheathca. 10–15 cmlong; pseudopetiole 9–19 cmlong with fibrous and smooth margins; petiole7–15 × 0.7–1.0 cm, 0.3–0.4 cmthick; rachis 24–46 cmlong; leaflets25–38 along each side of the rachis, distributed irregularly in clusters of 2–5, inserted in different planes, lanceolate, slightly twisted, dark-green and glabrous on both sides, with acute, asymmetrical apex; no ramenta scales or tomentum present where the leaflets are inserted on the rachis, none along the abaxial midvein; basal leaflets 10–14 × 0.5–0.7 cm, middle leaflets 10–19 × ca. 0.5–1.8 cm, apical leaflets 3–6 × 0.1–0.3 cm. Inflorescenceerect, unilaterally branched; prophyllca. 8 × 1.5 cm; peduncular bract 20–30 cmlong, the expanded portion 12–22 × 2.7–6 cm, 1 mmthickness; peduncle 6–14 cm× 5– 10 mm, 3–7 mmthick, elliptical in cross-section, glabrous; inflorescence axis 7–18 cmlong; rachis 2–10 cmlong with 3–8 rachillae 3.5–11 cmlong; staminate flowers8–9.5 × 4–4.5 mm, sepals 1–1.5 × 1–1.5 mm, glabrous, petals 7.5 × 3.5 mmwith acute tips, nerves indistinct to slightly raised, stamens 2.4–3.5 mmlong, anthers 1.7–2.5 mmlong, filaments ca. 1.4–1.5 mmlong; basal pistillate flowerselongate pyramidal, 9–10 × 6–7 mm, glabrous, sepals 8–9 × 4–5 mm, petals 9.5 × 5 mm, glabrous, slightly valvate at the tips, pistil 7 × 3.5–4.0 mm, glabrous, stigmas 2.5–3.0 mm long, staminodal ring ca. 3 mmhigh, 6-dentate. Fruitglobose, 1.8–2.5 × 2.1–2.7 cm, green when mature, with mesocarp ca. 3 mmthick, succulent and fibrous (pulpy), yellowish; endocarpca. ca. 1.5–1.7 × 1.1–1.4 cm, 2.5 mmthick, with suture lines visible at the base but obscured at the apex; seednearly globose, ca. 7 mmwith no internal cavity, endosperm homogeneous. Germination remote-tubular.  Common name:—palmeira-de-vassoura.   Etymology:—The specific epithet,  itacambirana, refers to the municipio close to where this species was originally collected, Itacambira, Minas Gerais.   Distribution and habitat:—This palm is endemic to the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the Cadeia do Espinhaço, generally in rocky, sandy soils of high elevation cerrado or campo rupestre. One of the few known surviving populations was discovered in a  Eucalyptusplantation along the road between Juramento and Itacambira, where it is growing as an understory palm.  Conservation:—This species is resilient, growing within the disturbed soils of  Eucalyptusplantations in northeastern Minas Gerais. It appears to be rather restricted in its distribution. However, not enough collections have been made to truly access its conservation status accurately, but since it survives along roadsides and within  Eucalyptusplantations this species appears not to be under any threat. There are a few other reserves in the area within which this species could possibly be found. It is classified as least concern, LC.  Phenology:—Immature fruit can be found in June. In cultivation mature fruit was present in September.  Uses:—The tasty and nutritious fruits, which are easily accessible, are eaten by small rodents. The plant has a potential for cultivation in gardens.  Notes:—This species is a small acaulescent palm with branched inflorescences, tightly clustered coriaceous, dark green, concolorous leaflets, which are slightly twisted. The fruit is globose.  Representative specimens:—Known only from the typecollection.