Aguirre-Santoro et al. 2015b (Article) Steyerbromelia

Three New Additions to the Guayana Shield-endemic Steyerbromelia (Bromeliaceae) for Colombia with Comments on the Problematic Generic Delimitation within the Subfamily Navioideae

Author(s):—J. Aguirre-Santoro, J. Betancur & B.K. Holst

Publication:—Systematic Botany 40(3): 737–745. (2015) — DOI

Abstract:—Two new species and a new combination for Steyerbromelia (Bromeliaceae: Navioideae) are presented. These novelties represent the first records of Steyerbromelia for Colombia. The new species, Steyerbromelia naquenensis and Steyerbromelia nukakii, were placed in Steyerbromelia based on the combination of their 3- or 4-divided inflorescences, presence of smooth posterior sepals, and ovate, shortappendaged ovules. Both species resemble each other and S. thomasii, which also occurs in the basin of the Upper Rio Negro. Steyerbromelia garcia-barrigae is transferred from Navia, despite the lack of petal appendages, because its morphological characteristics fit better the limits of Steyerbromelia. An updated description of this species is presented. We now consider Steyerbromelia to be a genus of nine species. Additionally, notes on the geographic distribution, vernacular names, conservation status, and taxonomic comments of the three species are provided, as well as a key to all of the species. Finally, a discussion on the difficulties to place these three species within a genus is presented to highlight the problems of generic delimitation of the subfamily Navioideae.

Keywords:—Chiribiquete, Navia, Neotropical plants, petal appendages, Upper Rio Negro.

Published names (3):

Steyerbromelia garciabarrigae
Steyerbromelia naquenensis
Steyerbromelia nukakii