Eremitis berbertii and E. fluminensis (Poaceae, Bambusoideae): New Species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Updates on Leaf Microcharacters in the Genus
Abstract
Eremitis Döll is a herbaceous bamboo genus (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Olyreae) belonging to subtribe Parianinae that currently includes seven species. During fieldwork conducted throughout the geographic distribution of the genus, two new species with blue iridescent leaves, E. berbertii F. M. Ferreira & R. P. Oliveira and E. fluminensis F. M. Ferreira & R. P. Oliveira, from the Brazilian Atlantic forest, were collected and are here described and illustrated. Eremitis berbertii is endemic to the Private Reserve of Natural Heritage (Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural [RPPN]) Serra do Teimoso, in Bahia State, and E. fluminensis is restricted to the south of Rio de Janeiro State. In this study, micromorphological features of the leaf epidermis of the new species were compared with other species of the genus that display blue iridescence in their leaf blades. Variegated leaves are recorded for the first time in herbaceous bamboos. Comments on habitat, distribution, and conservation status of the new taxa are provided, as well as a revised identification key to all species of the genus described so far.
