Five New Species of Aiouea (Lauraceae) from Central and South America

Abstract

Five new species of Aiouea Aubl. (Lauraceae) are described and illustrated: A. acuminata van der Werff & Penagos, A. acutifolia Penagos & van der Werff, A. intermedia Penagos & van der Werff, A. pelykiflora Penagos & van der Werff, and A. pubescens Penagos & van der Werff. Aiouea acuminata resembles Nectandra hypoleuca Hammel, which differs in having six 2-locular and three 4-locular stamens and in its distribution. Aiouea acutifolia differs from the related A. laevis (Mart.) Kosterm. in having nine fertile stamens (vs. six in A. laevis) and in its broader leaves (4.5–11 vs. 3.5–6 cm). Flowers of A. intermedia are unique in having nine 2-locular stamens, with some stamens retaining one or two upper vestigial sterile locules, and coriaceous leaves with domatia as tufts of hairs in the axils of secondary veins. Aiouea pelykiflora has flowers with tepals incurved, giving flowers a campanulate shape. Aiouea pubescens has flowers with six fertile stamens and domatia as tufts of hairs in the axils of midrib and secondary veins. The different concepts of Aiouea, Aiouea sensu Renner and Aiouea sensu Rohde et al., are discussed.