Two new species of Microlicia D.Don (Melastomataceae, Microlicieae) from Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás State, Brazil

Scientists have identified two new species of Microlicia, a plant genus within the Melastomataceae family, endemic to Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in Brazil. These species, named Microlicia gracilis and Microlicia xylopodifera, are distinct from other regional Microlicia species due to unique morphological traits such as long internodes, concolorous leaves, and specialized floral structures like a robust xylopodium or glandular trichomes at the flower bud apex. The discovery contributes to the understanding of biodiversity in this UNESCO-listed protected area, with potential implications for conservation efforts.

Fontelas, J. C., & Romero, R. (2020). Two new species of Microlicia D.Don (Melastomataceae, Microlicieae) from Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás State, Brazil. PhytoKeys, 164, 115–126. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.164.57569