Ibisch et al. 2002 (Article) Fosterella

Novelties In Bolivian Fosterella (Bromeliaceae)

Author(s):—P.L. Ibisch, R. Vásquez, E. Gross, T. Krömer & M. Rex

Publication:—Selbyana 23(2): 204-219. (2002)

Abstract:—Four new Fosterella species from Bolivia are described and illustrated: F. fuentesii, F. nowickii, F. rexiae (Andes), and F. yuvinkae (eastern lowlands, Chiquitano mountains). Fosterella petiolata, F. weberbaueri (re-established), and F. windischii are recorded as new species for Bolivia. Fosterella graminea and F. heterophylla are recorded for the first time since the type collection. Additional information on morphological variation and distribution of other species is provided. The number of described Bolivian Fosterella species rises to 27. Thus, Fosterella now ranks third in Bolivia (after Tillandsia and Puya) in total number of species and percentage of endemic species of Bromeliaceae within Bolivia.

Keywords:—Bromeliaceae, Fosterella , taxonomy, biogeography, Bolivia

Published names (4):

Fosterella fuentesii*
Fosterella nowickii*
Fosterella rexiae
Fosterella yuvinkae
* synonyms or not accepted names are marked

Taxonomy:—Fosterella weberbaueri We here propose to reinstate F. weberbaueri as a valid species. A collection from Bolivia expands the range southward from Peru. Although F. schidosperma and F. weberbaueri are astonishingly similar, as pointed out by R. R ead (unpubl.) there is one important difference between two groups of Fosterella . One group has petals that are recoiled as watch-springs and stay so even after anthesis (e.g., F. schidosperma ); the other group is characterized by straight or more or less recoiled petals that become straight again after anthesis (e.g., F. weberbauer). Preliminary molecular data support the distinctiveness of these two groups and hence the systematic relevance of this petal character (Rex 2001, Rex et al. 2001). Thus, conclude that F. schidosperma and F. weberbaueri are distinct species. (p.10).