Ibisch & Vasquez 2003 (Article) Pitcairnia

Die Bromelien Boliviens (1): Pitcairnia mohainrnadii sp. nov. und Pitcairnia kroemeri

Author(s):—P.L. Ibisch & R. Vásquez Ch.

Publication:—Die Bromelie 2003(1): 4-8. (2003)

Abstract:—Pitcairnia ‚mohammadii P.L. Ibisch & R. Väsquez, sp. nov., is described. lt is similar to P. kroemeri H. Luther, another species with large and yellow flowers. The new species especially differs for having much longer triangular-lanceolate floral bracts that sometimes even exceed the sepals. The pedicel is stout, short and lepidote (to 5—8 mm long, not 10—25 mm). The sepals are lepidote and not glabrous (some scales are even found on the petals). The petals are somewhat more intensively colored. Both species, for the first time, are documented photographically. The geographical distribution of both species supports the establishment of the new species based on morphological differences. P. mohammadii occurs at an isolated mountain chain the Chiquitano region, on the Brazilian shield, in southeastern Bolivia, while P. kroemeri has been found in a subandean area of northern Bolivia (between Quiquibey and Yucumo, Dpto. Beni: about 750 km southeastwards). The leaves of the new species are more coriaceous. With regard to other leave characters the species are quite similar; P kroemeri, in cultivation. developed wider leaves (to 20 mm) than described by Luther and are rather glabrous. lt should be probable that both taxa are sister species. P mohammadii sp. nov. is known exclusively from the Serranía de Santiago mountains in the Roboré municipality, Santa Cruz. where several other endemics occur. Another special endemic i s Pitcairnia platystemon, a hardly known species that is characterized by having persistent Puya-like leaves and developing stolones. The leaves were unknown when the plant was described and now are illustrated for the first time.

Published names (1):

Pitcairnia mohammadii