A range extension for Fernaldia speciosissima (Apocynaceae, subfamily Apocynoideae)

摘要

Lundell (1976) treated Fernaldia pandurata (A. DC.) Woodson var. glabra Ant, Molina as a species distinct from F. pandnrata by recognizing the taxon at the species level as F. glabra (Ant. Molina) C. L. Lundell. Lundell regarded F. glabra .as distinct on the basis of its glabrous habit, longer pedicels (18-21 mm vs. 8-12 mm), and longer anthers (9 mm vs. 6 mm). Lundell did not base these observations on the type of var. glabra, but rather on two unique specimens collected from Guatemala (E. Contreras 5925 & 7008). The type of var. glabra differs from F. pandurata in only its glabrous habit (the peduncles are moderately pubescent) and not in pedicel or anther dimension. Observations of more than a hundred specimens of F. pandurata collected throughout Mexico and Central America reveal that the only specimens that lack pubescence are the type specimen of var. glabra and the two specimens Lundell (1976) cited for F. glabra (E. Contreras 5925 & 7008). Williams (1999) noted that the type of var. glabra differs little from F. pandurata and treated the variety as a synonym of F. pandurata; this decision was further supported by Morales (2002). Williams recognized however, that the specimens E. Contreras 5925 & 7008 were aberrant and suggested that they might represent an undescribed species. Williams refrained from describing a new species suggesting that "in time, through more vigorous collecting, additional populations of the aberrant individuals may be found."