Two new Pleroma species and an updated key: Melastomateae from the Serra da Canastra National Park, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

Here we describe and illustrate Pleroma canastrense sp. nov and Pleroma viscosa sp. nov. two new species of the Melastomateae tribe from Serra da Canastra National Park, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We also provide an updated identification key for the members of the tribe that occur in this Protected Area. Pleroma canastrense sp. nov. has coriaceous leaves, broadly ovate to orbicular leaf blade, entire and adpressed-strigose margin, 11–17 basal acrodromous veins, and flowers with white petals. Pleroma viscosa sp. nov. has the younger branches, both side of the leaf blade, bracteoles, hypanthium, and sepals, densely covered by viscous trichomes, as well as prominent secondary veins on the abaxial surface of the blade. Both species have stamens with a short pedoconnective and an inconspicuous ventral appendage. In addition to the descriptions of new species, we present comments, geographic distribution data, conservation status and images of plants in the field. We recommend that P. canastrense and P. viscosa should be included as of ‘Least Concern’ (LC) in the IUCN Red List.