Vasquez & Ibisch 2007b (Article) Puya

Die Bromelien Boliviens (VI): Puya larae und Puya boopiensis

Author(s):—R. Vasquez & P.L. Ibisch

Publication:—Die Bromelie 2007(2): 82-93. (2005)

Abstract:—Two new species of Puya from the Yungas of La Paz. Bolivia, P larae R. Vásquez & Ibisch and P. boopiensis R. Vásquez, Ibisch & R. Lara, are described as new to science. They have been found in the Sud Yungas province of the department of La Paz, Bolivia. The Boopi river valley is characterised by an interesting flora with numerous endemic and special species such as the cacti Lepisinium miagawae (Barthlott & Rauh) Barthlott and Selenicereus inernis (Otto) Britton & Rose, or the endemic bromeliads Pitcairnia aurea Rusby ex L.B. Smith and Tillandsia rusbyi Baker. During a recent botanical expedition to this region. two Puya species were discovered, which now are suggested as new taxa. Puya larae, spec. nov. is similar to P. ultima L.B. Smith but, among others, differs by the yellowish green inflorescence. the shorter branches. the floral bracts which are as long as or shorter than the pedicel, and the shorter flowers. Puya boopiensis, spec. nov. differs from P. penduliflora L.B. Smith by the larger inflorescence, longer branches. floral bracts. which are shorter than the pedicels, longer pedicels, and mainly by the divergent flowers. It is also different from P. larae, spec. nov. by a finely powdered inflorescence, primary bracts. which are shorter than the sterile base of the branches. longer and non-tuberculate pedicels, longer sepals, a reddish inflorescence and reddish bracts.

Published names (2):

Puya boopiensis
Puya larae