Meriania megaphylla Rob.Fern., R.Goldenb. & Michelang.

Fernandez-Hilario, Robin, Goldenberg, Renato & Michelangeli, Fabián A., 2023, A synopsis of Meriania (Melastomataceae: Merianieae) in Peru, Phytotaxa 602 (1), pp. 1-101 : 39-40

13. Meriania megaphylla Rob.Fern., R.Goldenb. & Michelang. , Willdenowia 52(1): 61 (2022).

Type:— PERU. La Libertad: Prov. Pataz, Dist. Ongón , valle del río Mixiollo , 2000–2100 m, 04 Aug 1914 (fl.), A. Weberbauer 7048 (holotype: MOL! [barcode 00003237 ]; isotypes: MOL!-fragment [barcode 00003236 ], F!-fragment [accession no. 628681 ]) . ( Figure 32 ).

Comments:— The distinctive characters of M. megaphylla include its quadrangular and 4-winged internodes, nodes with interpetiolar flaps, large leaf blades (21–29.4 × 14.8–22 cm) ( Fig. 32B ), adaxial projections (scutum) on the transition zone from the petiole to the midvein ( Fig. 32D ), spreading, reddish-purple corollas, isomorphic stamens, and stamen connectives with two appendages ( Fig. 32F ), one triangular descending dorso-basal appendage, and the other blunt ascending dorsal appendage. Among Peruvian species, M. megaphylla most closely resembles M. zunacensis but differs by the adaxial leaf surfaces (bullate vs. flat), petal length (20.5–22.5 mm vs. 40–50 mm), and the dorsal appendages of the stamen connectives (blunt ascending vs. absent). A detailed comparison of M. megaphylla with other related species can be found in Fernandez-Hilario et al. (2022).

Distribution and phenology:— Known only from the type specimen, Meriania megaphylla is endemic to northern Peru (Department of La Libertad) and grows in montane forests at 2000–2100 m ( Fig. 16 ). It has been collected in flower in August.

Figures

FIGURE 16. Distribution map of M. bongarana, M. escalerensis, M. megaphylla, M. ninakurorum, M. prunifolia, M. speciosa and M. urceolata.

FIGURE 32. Meriania megaphylla. A. Terminal fertile branch with inflorescence. B. Leaf blade, abaxial view. C. Detail of the adaxial leaf surface. D. Detail of the base of the leaf blade. E. Flower at anthesis, apical view. F. Stamen, lateral view. G. Petal. H. Flower with petals and stamens removed. A–H from A. Weberbauer 7048.