Phytotaxa 186 (3): 166–173 ISSN 1179-3155 (print edition)

www.mapress.com/phytotaxa/
Article PHYTOTAXA
Copyright © 2014 Magnolia Press ISSN 1179-3163 (online edition)

http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.186.3.5

A critically endangered new species of Comanthera from Bahia, Brazil

(Paepalanthoideae, Eriocaulaceae)
LIVIA ECHTERNACHT1
Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Instituto de Biologia. Rua Ceará s/n Bloco 2D sala 32, Campus Umuarama, CEP 38400-902,
1

Uberlândia, MG, Brazil. livia.echter@inbio.ufu.br

Abstract

The present work describes and illustrates the new narrowly endemic species Comanthera pignalii (Eriocaulaceae: Paepal-
anthoideae). This species is restricted to the white-sand environments in the Campos Rupestres at the border of the Serra
Geral, in the Espinhaço Mountain Range in Bahia, Brazil. The morphological variation, habitat and geographic distribution
of the species are discussed. It is critically endangered according to the IUCN criteria B2ab (i, ii, iii, iv), as evaluated by
CNCFlora, the Plant Red List Authority in Brazil. This is the first newly published plant species already officially proposed
to the Brazilian Red List.

Resumo

O presente trabalho descreve e ilustra a nova espécie micro-endêmica Comanthera pignalii (Eriocaulaceae : Paepalanthoi-
deae). Essa espécie é restrita às areias brancas dos Campos Rupestres na borda da Serra Geral, na Cadeia do Espinhaço na
Bahia, Brasil. A variação morfológica, habitat e distribuição geográfica dessa espécie nova são comentados. Ela está criti-
camente ameaçada de extinção de acordo com os critérios B2ab (i, ii, iii, iv) da IUCN, conforme avaliado pelo CNCFlora
- a autoriada da Lista Vermelha das Plantas no Brasil. Esta é a primeira espécie de planta publicada já oficialmente proposta
para a lista vermelha brasileira.

Introduction

The genus Comanthera Smith (1937: 38) comprises two sections previously placed in Syngonanthus Ruhland (1903:
242), elevated to Comanthera subg. Comanthera and C. subg. Thysanocephalus (Koernicke 1863: 429) L.R. Parra &
Giul. in Parra et al. (2010: 1143). The genus is restricted to South America and includes 35 species, mostly concentrated
in mountainous areas of eastern Brazil, mainly in the Campos Rupestres (‘rocky savannas’) of the Espinhaço Mountain
Range, in Minas Gerais and Bahia states (Echternacht et al. 2014). Most species are narrow endemics and many are
harvested in the wild for trading as ornamentals (commonly known as “Everlasting-plants” or “Sempre-vivas”). This,
in combination with habitat loss, threatens several species with extinction (Biodiversitas 2000, MMA 2008, Martinelli
& Moraes 2013).
Comanthera emerges as monophyletic in phylogenetic analyses (Andrade et al. 2010, Giulietti et al. 2012, Trovó
et al. 2013, Echternacht et al. 2014) and can be easily distinguished from the remaining genera of Eriocaulaceae
by its pistillate flowers with sepals shorter than petals, petals united in the middle and free at base and top, narrow-
spathulate, and rugose seed surfaces (Parra et al. 2010, Barreto et al. 2013, Echternacht et al. 2014). In addition,
Comanthera presents isostemonous flowers, the staminate flowers with filaments free from the corolla and two-
thecate tetrasporangiate anthers, and the pistillate flowers with a gynoecium with stigmatic and nectariferous branches
separating at the same level, the nectariferous portion papillate. Comanthera subg. Comanthera differs from C. subg.
Thysanocephalus by its radiate, campanulate or hemispherical capitula (vs. cyathiform), involucral bracts surpassing
or equaling the flower level (vs. shorter than the flower level), pistillate flowers with pedicels elongating during
fruit development (vs. not elongating) and seeds without micropapillae (vs. with micropapillae) (Barreto et al. 2013,
Echternacht et al. in press). In addition, the subgenera differ in their habitats, as C. subg. Comanthera occurs mainly

166 Accepted by Jeffery Saarela: 17 Oct. 2014; published: 27 Nov. 2014

in well-drained, sandy soils, whereas C. subg. Thysanocephalus grows on more humid, organic soils. The taxonomy of
both subgenera is up to date (Parra 2000, Parra et al. 2010, Echternacht 2012, Echternacht et al. in press) and discovery
of new species is not rare, especially on isolated mountains and poorly studied sites, due to the restricted occurrence
of most taxa (e.g. Giulietti 1996, Parra & Giulietti 2011, Echternacht & Sano 2012). Herein I describe a new, very
distinctive species of Comanthera subg. Comanthera.
Narrowly endemic species are generally more susceptible to extinction than widespread taxa, because their
existence relies on the maintenance of usually singular environments in particularly small areas. The description of
new species is frequently accompanied by an assessment of conservation status according to the IUCN criteria (IUCN
2001, 2014) (e.g. Echternacht et al. 2011, Bunger et al. 2013, Alves et al. 2014). However, the information used
to assign IUCN criteria is often not clearly stated or may be misinterpreted by authors, enhancing subjectivity of
conservation statuses and rendering them hardly comparable among taxa. In addition, in Brazil the application of
the IUCN criteria and inference of conservation status does not automatically place a taxon in the official red list,
which is fundamental to ground public politics and favor conservation strategies. The CNCFlora (Centro Nacional de
Conservação da Flora) is the institutional authority that evaluates the conservation status of plant species in Brazil,
together with expert taxonomists, using the IUCN criteria. After evaluation by the CNCFlora, the threatened species
list is submitted for approval by the Ministry of the Environment (Ministério do Meio Ambiente), to be officially
included in the Brazilian Red List. Considering that, in Brazil, one new species of plant is described every two days
(Sobral & Stehmann 2009), and that human activities are in expansion on the basis of an economic model incompatible
with biodiversity, it is of utter importance to adopt a standardized method to assess the conservation status of newly
described species. The present work provides the first description of a new taxon that is accompanied by the official
evaluation of its conservation status by the CNCFlora.

Taxonomy

Comanthera pignalii Echtern., sp. nov. (Figs. 1–3)

Type:—BRAZIL. Bahia: Jacaraci, Areia Branca, ao lado da cidade, 14°50’09”S 42°25’31”W, 905 m elev., 20 April 2014, L. Echternacht,
T. V. Bastos, M. S. Freitas & A. P. L. Werlang 2427 (holotype HUFU!, isotypes BHCB!, NY!, P!, SPF!).
Ab alteris speciebus, lanosis foliis spathisque, spathae lacerato apice, capitulis cum involucri cremeis adpressisque aequantibus flores
bracteis, pistillatis floribus cum pilosis petalis, praecipue differt.

Perennial herbs, 15–25 cm tall. Stem aerial, 1–2 cm long, erect, unbranched. Leaves rosulate, erect to recurved, terete
to semi-terete, lanceolate, 1–2 cm × 0.8–1.2 mm; both surfaces and the margins lanose, with recurved, malpighiaceous,
white trichomes; abaxial surface with a thickened central vein; apex round to obtuse. Spathes 1–2 cm long, lanose as
the leaves, apex lacerate, membranaceous. Scapes 2–30 per individual, 15–30 cm long at the flowering stage, erect,
usually longer and decumbent after anthesis; densely pilose to lanose, with reclinate, malpighiaceous, white trichomes.
Capitula 4–6 mm high × 5–12 mm in diameter, campanulate to radiate; involucral bracts in 7–9 series, appressed,
equal to the flowers level, bracts cream, margins hyaline, straw-colored at the very base; external series circular to
obovate, apex round, 0.8–1.5 × 0.6–1.3 mm, pubescent to glabrescent on the abaxial surface, glabrous adaxially,
bracts progressively longer and less pilose towards the inner series, internal series oblong to oblanceolate, apex round,
3.5–4.5 × 0.5–0.8 mm, glabrous on both surfaces. Flowers 3-merous, 50–150 per capitulum; the staminate flowers
maturing before the adjacent pistillate flowers, usually twice the number of pistillate than staminate flowers in mature
capitula. Floral bracts absent. Staminate flowers 3.8–5.0 mm long, including the pedicel; pedicel 2.0–2.8 mm long;
sepals slightly smaller than or equaling the petals; sepals fused at the very base, concave, elliptic, 1.3–1.8 mm long,
glabrous, membranaceous, hyaline, apex round to obtuse; petals fused at the base, concave, elliptic, 1.5–2.2 mm long,
glabrous, membranaceous, hyaline, apex round to obtuse; stamens free, ca. 2–3 mm long, exserted; pistillodes ca. 0.7
mm long, connate in the base, papillose at the apex. Pistillate flowers 3.2–5.2 mm long, including the pedicel; pedicel
ca. 0.5 mm long at anthesis, elongating to ca. 2.0 mm during fruit maturation; sepals free, concave, elliptic, 1.0–1.5
mm long, glabrous, membranaceous, hyaline, apex round to obtuse; petals fused at the middle, free at base and top,
narrow-spathulate, 2.5–3.0 mm long, hairy on both surfaces at the middle portion, marcescent and glabrescent at
fruiting, ascending trichomes ca. 0.3 mm long, membranaceous, hyaline, apex round; gynoecium 2.5–3.5 mm long,
stigmatic branches 1.5–2.5 mm long, nectariferous branches ca. 1 mm long, papillose at apex. Seeds ca. 0.5 mm long,
elliptic, rugose.

COMANTHERA (PAEPALANTHOIDEAE) Phytotaxa 186 (3) © 2014 Magnolia Press • 167

 Distribution and habitat:—Comanthera pignalii is known from a single population in Jacaraci municipality, in
the locality of Areia Branca, at the border of the Serra Geral, which is an intermediate mountain range between the
septentrional and meridional massifs of the Espinhaço range, in Bahia and Minas Gerais states, respectively. This
region is located in a transition zone between the Cerrado and the Caatinga biomes, characterized as humid to sub-
humid (C2wB’3a’; Thornthwaite & Mather 1955, SEI 1999). Jacaraci is poorly explored scientifically and the few
botanical studies carried out there have revealed a new Bromeliaceae species (Leme 2010) in addition to the new
Eriocaulaceae species described here. There are other probably new Eriocaulaceae, currently under investigation, not
only from Jacaraci municipality but also from surrounding mountains. Botanists should feel encouraged to explore this
region, as other new taxa are expected.

FIGURE 1. Comanthera pignalii. A. Habit. B. Scape and spathe, showing the lanose indument. C. Capitulum with
flowers in early anthesis. D. External involucral bract. E. Internal involucral bract. F. Staminate flower. G. Staminate
flower without pedicel and sepals. H. Pistillate flower. I. Gynoecium. Scale bar: A, 3 cm; B, D–I, 1 mm; C, 3 mm.
(Drawn from the holotype by L. Echternacht)

168 • Phytotaxa 186 (3) © 2014 Magnolia Press ECHTERNACHT

FIGURE 2. Comanthera pignalii. A. Rosette of leaves, spathes and base of scapes, showing their whitish appearence due
to the white lanose indument. B. Abaxial view ot the capitulum, with evenly cream involucral bracts. C. Young capitulum.
D. Capitulum with the first staminate flowers at anthesis. E. Capitulum with developed fruits and dispersing seeds, which
are visible amongst the mascescent pistillate flowers. F. Habit and habitat. G. Areia Branca, the white-sand site where C.
pignalii occurs, near the town of Jacaraci, and the Serra Geral at the background. (Photos: L. Echternacht)

Comanthera pignalii occurs in a white-sand environment, over sandy, well-drained soils derived from sandstone
formations, amongst a shrubby to herbaceous vegetation. The phytophysiognomy evokes the Restinga, a coastal
ecosystem composed by dunes. The white-sand open area is surrounded by dense Caatinga vegetation, shrubby to
arborescent, forming a deciduous forest. Only one population was found, limited to this strictly sandy and open area,
composed of ca. 100 individuals, in groups of three to four plants, usually separated by 5 to 50 m, occupying a very
narrow area.

COMANTHERA (PAEPALANTHOIDEAE) Phytotaxa 186 (3) © 2014 Magnolia Press • 169

FIGURE 3. Map showing the occurrence point of Comanthera pignalii, provided by CNCFlora following the standards
described in Martinelli & Moraes (2013).

170 • Phytotaxa 186 (3) © 2014 Magnolia Press ECHTERNACHT

 Etymology:—It is a great pleasure to dedicate this distinct species to Marc Pignal, the French botanist and excellent
researcher, in honor of his important contribution to botany, especially in Brazil. M. Pignal has worked intensely on
the conservation of the P herbarium and integration of European herbaria. He also works with historical Brazilian
collections, especially regarding August de Saint-Hilaire, favoring their inclusion in the Brazilian Virtual Herbarium.
Without his curiosity, this new species would remain unknown to science, as he was the first to collect it. He is a true
naturalist that inspires us all with his enthusiasm and great devotion to botany.
Phenology:—The population was found with flowers and fruits in April and May. The coexistence of old, mature
and young inflorescences in the same individual suggest a continuous bloom, although further observations throughout
the year are required to confirm this.
Conservation status:—This species is known from a single population and locality, which is not protected by any
Conservation Unit. The area is under great human pressure as there are mining activities of sand extraction nearby (less
than 200 m away). In addition, its proximity to the town of Jacaraci imposes threats: the Areia Branca site is used for
recreation and urban growth could suppress the native vegetation in the near future. The individuals of Comanthera
pignalii grow over the sand and are fragilely fixed to the soil. These tiny white plants are hardly visible, and people
frequently walk through them. The propitious habitat for the species occurs only at this sandy spot, as there are no
similar environments in the region (see Fig. 2G), which means that possibly there is no other living population. In
the white-sand area, the population is restricted to the borders, where the plants find open, sunny conditions, but are
protected by the surrounding shrubby vegetation. The area of occupancy is four km2 and tends to decrease, as well as
the extent of occurrence, the quality of the habitat and the size of the population. According to criteria B21ab (i, ii, iii,
iv) (IUCN 2014), this species is considered critically endangered (CR). This evaluation was provided by CNCFlora
following the methodology described in Martinelli & Moraes (2013).
Discussion:—Comanthera pignalii is easily recognized by a whitish general look, due to a dense cover of white
trichomes, leaves and spathes lanose, spathes lacerate at the apex, cream capitula, with appressed involucral bracts
equaling to the flowers, and pilose petals of the pistillate flowers. The uniqueness of this species makes it difficult to
determine its closest relatives, but the ones that show its most conspicuous features, i.e. a whitish cover of trichomes
and woolly leaves, are C. brasiliana (Giulietti 1996: 63) L.R. Parra & Giulietti in Parra et al. (2010: 1138) and C.
floccosa (Moldenke 1980: 478) L.R. Parra & Giulietti in Parra et al. (2010: 1144). Another distinct feature of C.
pignalii is its evenly cream involucral bracts, a character shared only with C. floccosa and C. kegeliana (Koernicke
1863: 438) Moldenke (1966: 218).
Comanthera brasiliana shares with C. pignalii lanose leaves and spathes and pilose involucral bracts, but can be
easily distinguished by the form of the capitula, which has involucral bracts pale-brown at the base and middle and
cream at the apex (vs. completely cream), that are lax and recurved (vs. appressed). In addition, C. brasiliana has much
longer (5–8 vs. 1–2 cm long), flat to canaliculated leaves (vs. terete to semi-terete), an acute spathe apex (vs. lacerate)
and glabrous petals of the pistillate flowers (vs. pilose). The species are allopatric, as C. brasiliana is narrowly endemic
to Rio Vermelho municipality in Minas Gerais, around 250 km south of C. pignalii, although they do occupy similar
habitats.
Comanthera floccosa shares with C. pignalii a similar size, lanose leaves, a lacerate spathe apex, and capitula with
appressed involucral bracts. It differs in a number of features, as it is morphologically isolated from all other species
of C. subg. Comanthera. It can be easily told apart from C. pignalii by its cespitose rhizome (vs. erect and unbranched
aerial stem), which is very woolly, with long hairs completely covering and surpassing the leaves, leaves reduced to a
lanceolate form barely reaching 6 mm long (vs. 10–20 mm), greenish scapes that are often glabrescent (vs. greyish and
always pilose), glabrous involucral bracts (vs. pilose), glabrous petals of the pistillate flowers (vs. pilose) and unique
staminate flowers, with petals fused in the middle and free at base and top, and pistillodes with yellowish appendages
at the base, projecting between the petals (vs. petals fused at base and pistillodes without appendices). Both species are
allopatric, as C. floccosa is narrowly endemic to Gentio do Ouro municipality and surroundings, in the northwestern
Espinhaço Range in Bahia, around 350 km north of C. pignalii.
In spite of the shared cream capitula, Comanthera kegeliana is quite different from C. pignalii, easily distinguished
by its smaller size, usually not surpassing 15 cm, rosettes of greenish, pubescent leaves (vs. whitish and lanose) and
spathes with acuminate apices (vs. lacerate). This species is the only one of the subgenus occurring in the Amazonian
savannas, and is therefore allopatric with C. pignalii.
Additional specimens examined (paratypes):—BRAZIL. Bahia: Jacaraci, Areia Branca, 14°50’2.52”S
42°25’18”W, 929 m elev., 5 May 2011, M. Pignal, R. Reis Jr. & M. R. da Silva Jr. 3983 (HUESBVC!).

COMANTHERA (PAEPALANTHOIDEAE) Phytotaxa 186 (3) © 2014 Magnolia Press • 171

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to express gratitude to Marc Pignal, who first documented this new species, together with his
fieldwork team, Avaldo de Oliveira Soares Filho, Raymundo F. Reis Jr. and Milton Rodrigues da Silva; M. Pignal
and Jacques Florence contributed to the latin diagnosis. Many thanks to Tiago Vilaça Bastos, Mariane da Silva
Freitas and Arthur Werlang for fieldwork support and enjoyment; to the Instituto de Biologia (UFU) for providing our
transportation to the field; and to the curator of HUESBVC, Avaldo de Oliveira Soares Filho, for the specimen loan.
Many thanks to the CNCFlora team for their openness and engagement, leading to the current new proposition of a
standard and official method for assessing the conservation status of a newly described species; the conservation status
was evaluated by Raquel Negrão, reviewed by Tainan Messina and validated by the author. Financial support was
provided by the Instituto de Biologia (UFU) and by PROPP-UFU (06/2013).

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