New occurrence and expanded geographic distribution of Byttneria irwinii (Malvaceae, Byttnerioideae) in Central Brazil

Abstract

Abstract Byttneria irwinii (Malvaceae, Byttnerioideae) is a species primarily restricted to Cerrado vegetations in Central Brazil, yet it remains poorly represented in herbarium collections. The first descriptions, derived solely from specimens originating from Nova Xavantina in the Eastern region of Mato Grosso state, Central-West Brazil, are supplemented by limited subsequent collections, predominantly from the same area. Our recent discovery of a specimen in an undocumented region for the species, at the south from the type locality, within Parque Nacional das Emas, Southwestern Goiás state, expands the known distribution of this species toward the southern reaches. This study presents an updated illustration depicting B. irwinii in its natural habitat, with a revised distribution map reflecting this expanded range. Furthermore, we conduct a preliminary conservation assessment, comparing standard geographic range metrics before and after including these newly collected specimens. Our findings underscore the imperative of ongoing field expeditions to validate and augment our comprehension of species with narrow distribution.

Keywords

• Cerrado
• geographic distribution
• Goiás
• Malvales
• Parque Nacional das Emas
• protected area.