Neves 2015 (Conference Paper) Vriesea

Species boundaries in Vriesea incurvata complex: a morphometric and taxonomic study reveal a new taxon

Author(s):—B. Neves & A. Costa in Benko-Iseppon, A.M.; Alves, M. & Louzada, R. (2015) An overview and abstracts of the First World Congress on Bromeliaceae Evolution. Rodriguésia 66(2): A1-A66.

Publication:— (2015).

Abstract:—Bromeliaceae stands out in Brazil for its species richness and high rates of endemism. The genus Vriesea constitutes a polyphyletic group that encompasses a lot of species of difficult delimitation, including Vriesea incurvata, the object of this study, which shows great morphological variation through its distribution in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Another six taxa are morphologically closely related to the species: Vriesea atrococcinea, Vriesea joyae (with two varieties), Vriesea sucrei, and Vriesea taritubensis (with two varieties),that comprise the species complex studied. Our aims were to evaluate morphological variation applying a morphometric study of natural populations; to investigate the taxonomic relationships among these taxa, establishing their limits and validity; and to perform a taxonomic treatment, providing descriptions, key for identification, illustrations and data on geographical distribution. For the morphometric analysis, 241 individuals from 15 populations related to V. incurvata were sampled, in which 23 variables were measured. The taxonomic study was performed by the analysis of herbarium specimens, collections, field observations and results of the morphometric analysis. Five species were recognized: Vriesea incurvata, Vriesea sucrei, Vriesea taritubensis, Vriesea comb. & stat. nov., and Vriesea sp. Four synonymies were proposed: Vriesea rostrum-aquilae, Vriesea atrococcinea, Vriesea joyae var. joyae and Vriesea joyae var. parvula. A lectotypewas designated for the synonym Vriesea duvaliana sensu Alexander. This review resulted in species being better circumscribed by considering a better sample of the taxa, illustrations and provided more detailed data of their geographical distribution.

Keywords:—Inflated Inflorescence; Multivariate Analysis; Morphology.