Meriania megaphylla A synopsis of Meriania (Melastomataceae: Merianieae) in Peru Fernandez-Hilario, Robin Goldenberg, Renato Michelangeli, Fabián A. Phytotaxa 2023 2023-07-12 602 1 1 101 9CDC8 Rob. Fern., R. Goldenb. & Michelang., Willdenowia Rob. Fern., R. Goldenb. & Michelang., Willdenowia [189,871,1688,1715] Magnoliopsida Melastomataceae Meriania Plantae Myrtales 38 39 Tracheophyta species megaphylla   Type:—  PERU. La Libertad: Prov. Pataz, Dist. Ongón, valle del río Mixiollo,  2000–2100 m,  04 Aug 1914(fl.),  A. Weberbauer7048( holotype: MOL! [barcode 00003237];  isotypes: MOL!-fragment [barcode 00003236], F!-fragment [accession no. 628681]). ( Figure 32).   Comments:—The distinctive characters of  M. megaphyllainclude 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. megaphyllamost closely resembles  M. zunacensisbut differs by the adaxial leaf surfaces (bullate vs. flat), petal length ( 20.5–22.5 mmvs. 40–50 mm), and the dorsal appendages of the stamen connectives (blunt ascending vs. absent). A detailed comparison of  M. megaphyllawith other related species can be found in Fernandez-Hilario et al.(2022).   Distribution and phenology:—Known only from the typespecimen,  Meriania megaphyllais 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. 4154337449 1914-08-04 MOL A. Weberbauer Peru 2050 Dist. Ongon Prov. Pataz 38 39 1 La Libertad holotype 4154337688 MOL, F 38 39 1 isotype