New species of the Brazilian endemic genus

Cambessedesia (Melastomataceae)

Karina Fidanza1 and Frank Almeda2

Abstract. Field and herbarium studies for a taxonomic revision of Cambessedesia have led to the discovery of
two new species, Cambessedesia angelana and C. uncinata. Each of these new species has a restricted distribu-
tion in campo rupestre, rocky field habitats above 1200m, of Minas Gerais and Bahia states respectively. These
new species are described, illustrated, and compared with their presumed closest relatives.
Keywords: Melastomataceae, Cambessedesia, campo rupestre, Brazil

The genus Cambessedesia DC. consists of and Martins, 2001; Fritsch et al., 2004). The
27 species that are largely restricted to campo phylogenetic study by Fritsch et al. (2004)
rupestre (rocky fields above 1200 m) habitats confidently excluded Cambessedesia from the
in the cerrado biome (seasonal savannas above core Microlicieae, however its intergeneric
900 m) of Brazil where they range from the relationships and tribal placement remain
states of Bahia and Goiás south to Minas Gerais unresolved until a broader sampling of
(Martins, 1984, 1993). neotropical Melastomataceae is undertaken.
Cambessedesia is characterized by opposite A taxonomic study of Cambessedesia
leaves that are frequently accompanied by emphasizing morphological and anatomical
additional small, axillary leaves arranged characters is nearing completion by the
in brachyblasts. Phyllotaxy is occasionally first author. In the course of preparing a
fasciculate or verticillate only in C. weddellii comprehensive, updated treatment of the genus,
Naudin. The flowers are 5-(6-)-merous with two new species have come to light. These are
bicolored petals that are red-orange with a described and illustrated herein with comments
yellow base or a monochromatic yellow or on their closest probable relatives.
white-yellowish base; stamens 10(-12), (5 in
C. semidecandra St. Hil. ex A. B. Martins); 1. Cambessedesia angelana K. Fidanza &
anther connectives are unappendaged ventrally Almeda, sp. nov. TYPE: BRAZIL. Minas
but dorsally thickened and often with a small Gerais, Jequitinhonha, MG-105, 47 km
calcar at the base. The capsules contain oval- S de Pedra Azul, Lagoinhas, 16˚20'20"S,
depressed seeds that are densely or sparsely 41˚05'21"W, 1149 m, 10 September 2003, (fl.),
tuberculate and, almost always, with the anti- A. Rapini 1082 (Holotype: HUEFS). Fig. 1.
raphe more developed than the raphe. Ramuli subquadrangulati sicut foliorum
Traditional and recent classifications of the laminae subtus dense pilis dendriticus induti.
Melastomataceae have placed Cambessedesia Folia plerumque ad nodis fasciculati; petioli 1
in the tribe Microlicieae (Triana, 1871; cm longi; lamina 0.4–3.8 × 0.3–1.8 cm ovata vel
Cogniaux, 1891; Renner, 1993), but more ovato-lanceolata apice acuta basi rotundata,
recent studies based on both morphological supra glabra, 5-nervata; flores 5-meri,
and DNA sequence data have challenged the pedicellis 0.2–0.3 mm longis, bracteolis 2.5–3.0
conventional placement of this genus (Almeda × 2.0–2.5 mm cordatis. Hypanthium (ad torum)
The authors are grateful to Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Ensino Superior (CAPES) for a scholarship award
to Karina Fidanza, to Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo for financial support (FAPESP-Process
07/54321-1), and to the curators and staff of HUEFS and P for access to their herbarium collections. We also thank the
Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Departamento de Biologia Vegetal) for support during the course of this study. Our
special thanks go to Rogério Lupo for the elegant illustrations.
1 Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, P. O. Box 6109,
CEP:13083–970, Brazil; karina.fidanza@yahoo.com. Author for correspondence.
2 Department of Botany, California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco,
California 94118, U.S.A.; Email: falmeda@calacademy.org

Harvard Papers in Botany, Vol. 16, No. 1, 2011, pp. 57– 63.
© President and Fellows of Harvard College, 2011.
58 Harvard Papers in Botany Vol. 16, No. 1

Figure 1. Cambessedesia angelana K. Fidanza & Almeda. A, habit showing inflorescence; B, petal with
glandular trichome at the apex; C, stamens showing subisomorfic size; D, simple dichasium; E, bracteole
(abaxial surface); F, bracteole (adaxial surface); G, Young flower bud; H, hypanthium; I, detail of dendritic
trichomes, glandular trichomes and emergences on the hypanthium; J, ovary and style with glandular trichomes
along lower third of the style; K, leaf (adaxial surface); L, leaf (abaxial surface); M, detail of dendritic trichomes
(all drawn from A. Rapini 1082).
2011 Fidanza and Almeda, New species of Cambessedesia 59
0.4–0.5 × 0.2–0.3 cm longum, 10-costatum
modice glanduloso-setosum et modice pilis
dendriticus indutum. Petala 4.0–4.3 × 2.0–3.4
mm ovata apice acuminato et setula terminato
glanduloso-ciliolata. Stamina in dimensionibus
subisomorphica; filamenta 6–7 vel 4.5–5.0 mm
longa sparse glandulosa; antherae 5.0–5.5
vel 3–4 mm oblongae. Ovarium 3-loculare
glanduloso-puberulum.
Erect subshrub ca. 1 m tall with a xylopodium.
Stem and branches subquadrangular and
densely covered by dendritic trichomes;
internodes 1.0–4.4 cm long. Leaves opposite,
frequently with additional reduced axillary
leaves arranged in brachyblasts and appearing
fasciculate; petiole 1 cm long; blade 0.4–3.8 ×
0.3–1.8 cm, subcoriaceous, concolored, ovate
to ovate-lanceolate, apex acute, base rounded,
slightly dendritic-serrate margin, adaxial
surface bullate, glabrous, abaxial surface
reticulate, densely covered with dendritic
trichomes mainly along the leaf venation,
5-nerved. Inflorescence a terminal, compound,
multi-flowered, corymbiform dichasium with
ultimate units sometimes reduced to solitary
flowers; inflorescence rachis ca. 4 cm long.
Bracteoles 2.5–3.0 × 2.0–2.5 mm, cordate, apex
acute, base cordiform, margin entire, glabrous
on adaxial surface, abaxial surface with sparse
emergences, uninerved. Flowers 5-merous;
pedicel 0.2–0.3 mm long. Hypanthium (at
anthesis) 0.4–0.5 × 0.2–0.3 cm, urceolate,
conspicuously 10-costate, moderately covered
with glandular and dendritic trichomes. Calyx
lobes 1.0–1.3 × 1.0–1.5 mm, triangular,
apex acuminate, margin entire or with sparse
emergences, both surfaces glabrous. Petals
4.0–4.3 × 2.0–3.4 mm, ovate, bicolored,
predominantly orange-red with a yellow
base, slightly acuminate ending in a glandular
trichome, base rounded, margin entire. Stamens
10, subisomorphic. Filaments of both cycles
with sparse glandular trichomes at the bases;
anthers linear-oblong, slightly curved with a
ventrally inclined apical pore. Antepetalous
stamens with filaments 6–7 mm long, anthers
5.0–5.5 mm long. Antesepalous stamens with
filaments 4.5–5.0 mm long, anthers 3–4 mm
long. Ovary 2.8–3.0 mm long, oblong, covered
with glandular trichomes, 3-locular; style 12.2–
12.4 mm long, with glandular trichomes on the
lower third. Capsule 4.5–5.0 mm long, oblong.
Seeds 0.2–0.3 mm long, depressed oval, with a
densely papillate testa.
Distribution and ecology: a likely endemic
to the Jequitinhonha and Pedra Azul regions of
eastern Minas Gerais state where it grows in
campo rupestre.
Eponymy: the epithet of this species honors
Dra. Angela Borges Martins who, for almost
30 years, has dedicated herself to the study of
the Brazilian Melastomataceae and the training
of undergraduate and graduate students at the
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP).
Phenology: the type and only known flower-
ing specimen was collected in September.
Additional specimen examined: BRAZIL.
Minas Gerais, 1816–1821, Saint-Hilaire Catal.
B1 1219 (P).
Cambessedesia angelana is the only species
in the genus with leaves that form fasciculate
brachyblasts, hypanthia that are covered with
dendritic trichomes, and prominent longitudinal
ridges or emergences beset with spreading,
glandular trichomes. This species is similar
to Cambessedesia eichleri Cogn., but it is
distinguished by coriaceous and uniformly
colored leaves (vs. membranaceous and dark-
green adaxial surface and green-grayish abaxial
surface in C. eichleri), hypanthia covered with
dendritic trichomes intermixed with glandular
trichomes (vs. exclusively glandular or totally
glabrous in C. eichleri), and stamens and ovary
apex with glandular trichomes (vs. totally
glabrous in C. eichleri).
Among other congeners, Cambessedesia
angelana is also morphologically similar to
C. corymbosa Mart. ex Schrank ex DC. Both
species are characterized by coriaceous leaves
with an adaxial bullate surface and glabrous
corymbiform inflorescences. However, in C.
angelana the abaxial leaf surface is practically
smooth and densely covered with dendritic
trichomes, whereas in C. corymbosa the abaxial
leaf surface is foveolate and densely covered
with glandular trichomes. Cambessedesia
corymbosa also differs in lacking axillary
brachyblasts.
2. Cambessedesia uncinata K. Fidanza &
Almeda, sp. nov. TYPE: BRAZIL. Bahia, Piatã,
Três Morros, 13˚20'54"S, 41˚53'29"W, 1600 m,
14 January 2006, (fl., fr.), A. A. Conceição 1647
(Holotype: HUEFS; Isotypes: CAS, UEC).
Figs. 2–3.
Ramuli quadrangulati vel subteretes et
glabrati. Folia ad nodis non fasciculati; petioli
usque ad 2 mm longi; lamina 0.3–0.6 × 1–1.2 cm
60 Harvard Papers in Botany Vol. 16, No. 1

Figure 2. Cambessedesia uncinata K. Fidanza & Almeda. A, habit with inflorescence; B, leaf (adaxial surface);
C, base of the leaf blade; D, bracteole; E, details of uncinate emergences on the hypanthium; F, hypanthium
and pubescent style; G, dichasium; H, ovary; I, subisomorphic stamens; J, details of gland-tipped trichomes
on petal margin; K, petal. (all drawn from A. K. A. Santos 904).
2011 Fidanza and Almeda, New species of Cambessedesia 61

Figure 3. Cambessedesia uncinata K. Fidanza & Almeda. A, flower buds (lateral) and hypanthium just prior to
anthesis (center); B, flower at anthesis showing androecium and bicolored petals.
62 Harvard Papers in Botany Vol. 16, No. 1
ovata vel elliptico-ovata apice hebeti-acuto basi
obtusa vel rotundata, supra et subtus glabra
basim versus secus venas glanduloso-setulosa,
3-nervata. Flores (4-)5-meri, pedicellis 1
mm longis, bracteolis 2.8–3.0 × 2.0–2.5 mm
cordatis. Hypanthium (per anthesin) 6.5–6.7
× 3.4–3.6 mm longum 10-costatum modice
glanduloso-setosum. Petala 6.8–7.0 × 4.7–5.0
mm ovata apice acuto. Stamina in dimensionibus
subisomorphica; filamenta 9.2–9.4 vel 7.4–7.6
mm longa sparse glandulosa; antherae 8.8–9.0
vel 5.8–6.0 mm oblongo-subulatae. Ovarium
3-loculare, apice modice pilis eglandulosis et
glandulosis coronato.
Erect subshrub ca. 1.3 m tall, apparently
lacking a xylopodium. Stem and branches
quadrangular to subcylindric, glabrous through-
out; internodes ca. 2 cm long. Leaves opposite,
brachyblasts absent, petiole up to 2 mm long;
leaf blade 0.3–0.6 × 1.0–1.2 cm, subcoriaceous,
uniform in color, ovate to elliptic-ovate,
apex bluntly acute, base obtuse to ± rounded,
margin slightly serrate, both surfaces glabrous
or with glandular trichomes concentrated
toward the base, 3-nerved, the pair of basal
acrodromous veins imperfect. Inflorescence
simple, terminal dichasia, sometimes reduced
to one or two flowers; inflorescence rachis
4.3 cm long. Bracteoles 2.8–3.0 × 2.0–2.5
mm, cordate, apex acuminate, base cordate,
margin entire, both surfaces glabrous, with 2
pairs of imperfect, basal, acrodromous veins.
Flowers (4-)5-merous; pedicel ca. 1 mm long.
Hypanthium (at anthesis) 6.5–6.7 × 3.4–3.6 mm,
cylindric, longitudinally 10-costate, moderately
covered by uncinate glandular emergences.
Calyx lobes 1.2–1.4 × 1.0–1.2 mm, cordate, apex
acute, ending in a glandular trichome, margin
glandular-ciliate, adaxial surface glabrous,
abaxial surface with sparse emergences. Petals
6.8–7 × 4.7–5.0 mm, ovate, bicolored, apex
red-orangish, the base yellow, apex bluntly
acute, base attenuate , margin entire, glandular-
ciliate along the upper third. Stamens 10,
subisomorphic. Filaments of both cycles with
glandular trichomes, anthers oblong-subulate,
slightly curved, thecae smooth. Antepetalous
stamens with filaments 9.2–9.4 mm long;
anthers 8.8–9.0 mm long with a ventrally
inclined apical pore. Antesepalous stamens with
filaments 7.4–7.6 mm; anthers 5.8–6.0 mm with
a ventrally inclined apical pore. Ovary 3.8–4.0
mm long, oblong, with glandular trichomes
(in part) along the upper half, 3-locular; style
1.7–1.9 mm long, with a sparse scattering of
trichomes on the upper third. Capsule 6.0–6.5
mm long, globose. Seeds 0.3–0.4 mm long,
depressed-ovate, sparsely papillate.
Distribution and ecology: presently known
only from Bahia state where it occurs in the
Chapada Diamantina (in the Abaíra/Catolés
and Piatã areas), growing in damp, sandy soils
among rock outcrops of campo rupestre.
Etymology: the specific epithet refers to the
conspicuous uncinate, gland-tipped trichomes
that adorn the vertical costate emergences on
the hypanthium.
Phenology: flowering and fruiting from
October to January.
Additional specimens examined: BRAZIL.
Bahia. Abaíra, Catolés, Serra do Barbado, trilha
para o Pico do Barbado, próximo ao muro de
pedras, 13˚17'S, 41˚54'W, 14 October 2006, A.
K. A. Santos et al. 904 (HUEFS, UEC).
Cambessedesia uncinata can be recognized
by its cespitose habit, leaf blades with slightly
serrate margins, heart-shaped bracteoles with
an acuminate gland-tipped apex, hypanthium
densely covered with uncinate gland-tipped
trichomes intermixed with glandular trichomes,
and an ovary with glandular trichomes.
Cambessedesia uncinata is morphologically
similar to C. angelana in having the hypanthium
covered with uncinate projections and glandular
trichomes. However, C. angelana has dendritic
trichomes on its hypanthium. These two species
differ notably in habit (not cespitose in C.
angelana vs. cespitose in C. uncinata), and
leaf shape (leaves of C. angelana are oval to
oval-lanceolate, glabrous adaxially but covered
with dendritic hairs on the abaxial surface vs.
leaves of C. uncinata are oval to elliptic-oval,
glabrous on both surfaces or with glandular
trichomes concentrated toward the blade base).
The indument of upper cauline internodes
is densely covered with dendritic trichomes
in C. angelana vs. glabrous throughout in
C. uncinata, and brachyblasts are produced in
C. uncinata but not in C. angelana. In addition,
these two species are allopatric. Cambessedesia
uncinata is endemic to Bahia, whereas
C. angelana is endemic to Minas Gerais.
2011 Fidanza and Almeda, New species of Cambessedesia 63

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