Gouda 2026g (Article) Navia, Guyana

A new species from Guyana related to Navia splendens L.B. Sm. and an identification key to the species of the genus Navia (Bromeliaceae)

Author(s):—E.J. Gouda

Corresponding email:—ejgouda@gmail.com

Publication:—Phytotaxa 780(2): 166-174. (2026) — DOI

Abstract:—A new species Navia reddenii from Guyana that keys out to Navia splendens L.B. Sm. because of its superior ovary and free sepals, but in coloration it more resembles N. igneosicola L.B.Sm., Steyerm. & H.Rob. because of the bright leaf coloration and indument type. This new species grows as an epiphyte (vs. litophyte in N. splendens and N. igneosicola), with very colorful inner leaves at anthesis like in N. igneosicola, that are green apically then yellow then red then yellow again (vs. the inner leaves turning to yellow or orange at the base often with red margins in N. splendens), and white petals (vs. yellow in N. splendens and yellow-orange with pinkish apex in N. igneosicola). There are several differences in the flower characteristics, like a superior ovary (vs. inferior in N. igneosicola), it has white petals (vs. orange to red in both other species). The new species is described illustrated here and compared with the morphologically most closely related and alike species. Additionally, an updated identification key to the species of the genus Navia is presented here.

Keywords:—Navioideae, Guiana Shield, Taxonomy, Lost World

Published names (1):

Navia reddenii