Navia filifera L.B.Sm., Steyerm. & H.Rob.
Literature references:
Comments:
- Endemic.
The isotype specimen at MO was apparently not seen when the description was prepared. It differs considerably from the holotype by having a distinctly digitate-compound inflorescence (the species was described as having a simple inflorescence though the holotype actually appears to be cryptically compound) and the leaf blades ca. 12 mm wide and nearly entire. These differences are possibly due to a mixed collection, or the species is greatly variable and hence would necessitate a broadening of the species circumscription. Closely related or possibly synonymous species are N. patria, N. polyglomerata, and N. crispa.
Leaf anatomy. Vascular bundles adaxially maximally and abaxially minimally covered by chlorenchyma; water storage cells forming strongly distinct abaxial canals; adaxial cells paucistratose; adaxial subepidermal cells 1-3-stratose, resiniferous, outermost with cell walls nearest leaf surfaces thickened; substomatal pores not occluded, rounded; abaxial hairs uniseriate, long, from bulbous base.
The leaf cross-section and the uniseriate hairs suggest closest relationship of the new species to Navia crispa. N. viridis, N. lanigera, and N. myriantha, all of which fall under Subkey II because of their more pointed, non-cucullate sepals.
Known only from the type. —See Steyermark, Holst et al. 1989
