Cryptanthus micrus Louzada, Wand. & Versieux[as Cryptanthus micrus Louzada, Wand. & Versieux]

Diagnose: —Species nova ad Cryptanthus leopoldohorstii et C. warasii similis sed habito minoribus et foliis brevioribus et angustioribus.

Observations: —Cryptanthus micrus is distinct due to its smaller size and tiny habit when compared to all other species in the genus. It is morphologically similar to xerophytic species belonging to subgenus Hoplocryptanthus Mez (1891: 202), which is characterized by the presence of leaves that are not constricted above the leaf sheath and by the presence of well developed prickles (Mez 1891). According to Ramírez-Morillo (1996), additional characters of this subgenus would include the leaf blades covered in trichomes, fragrant bisexual flowers and broad petals. Species belonging to this subgenus occur more commonly in rocky field vegetation at higher elevations (above 800 m) in exposed places on well-drained substrates (Ramírez-Morillo 1996). Two endemic species of the Diamantina Plateau, that belong to subgenus Hoplocryptanthus, namely C. leopoldohorstii Rauh (1988: 68) and C. warasii Pereira (1978: 252) seem to be the morphological closest relatives of C. micrus. While reviewing the genus, Ramírez-Morillo (1996) noticed the proximity of these two species together with C. caracensis Leme & Gross (1992: 12) and proposed to create a new section to include these, based on the presence of stiff succulent leaves with serrate or dentate margins that are densely covered with white or argent trichomes. However the new taxon can be distinguished from C. caracensis, C. leopoldohorstii, C. warasii, and from C. schwackeanus Mez (1891: 203) that occurs further south, by its shorter and narrower leaf blades and free sepals (vs. connate in different degrees). The indumentum that covers the leaves of C. micrus is sparser when compared to the dense layer of trichomes that covers both surfaces of C. warasii. Cryptanthus micrus has prickles that are laterally compressed and covered by white trichomes and its leaf margins are dentate. Cryptanthus caracensis, C. leopoldohorstii and C. schwackeanus all have serrate margins with shorter prickles. The leaves of C. micrus are somewhat succulent, the prickles are well separated and in cross section the blade is almost planar, while in C. caracensis and C. schwackeanus the prickles are more densely arranged and the blades are clearly canaliculated.

Edited from : Versieux et al. 2010b. (protologue) An illustrated checklist of Bromeliaceae from Parque Estadual do Rio Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with notes on phytogeography and one new species of Cryptanthus .