Meriania drakei (Cogn.) Wurdack

Fernandez-Hilario, Robin, Goldenberg, Renato & Michelangeli, Fabián A., 2023, A synopsis of Meriania (Melastomataceae: Merianieae) in Peru, Phytotaxa 602 (1), pp. 1-101 : 31-33

8. Meriania drakei (Cogn.) Wurdack , Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 16: 3 (1967).

Basionym: Axinaea drakei Cogn. in A.DC. & C.DC., Monogr. Phan. 7: 447 (1891).

Type: ECUADOR: Quebrada near Loja, 09 Nov 1881 (fl.), Poortman 149 (lectotype, first step designated by Wurdack 1980, second step designated by Fernandez-Hilario et al. 2021: P! [barcode P00228665 ]; isolectotypes: BR!-fragment [barcode BR0000005628759 ], F!-fragment [accession no. 935562 ], P! [barcode P0228664 ]) . ( Figures 24–25 ).

Comments:— Meriania drakei can be easily recognized by its externally puberulent petals ( Fig. 24F ), and it is also the only Peruvian species with a swollen adaxial projection on the apex of the petiole ( Fig. 24D ). Although Mendoza-Cifuentes (2021) mentions that this character is not constant in the Colombian populations, it is constant in the petioles of the Peruvian specimens examined. Other species such as M. bicentenaria , M. franciscana , M. megaphylla and M. zunacensis have an adaxial projection (scutum) on the insertion of the petiole with the leaf blade, but in M. bicentenaria and M. franciscana sometimes those can be obscured by trichomes. However, M. drakei is easily distinguishable from all of them by the indumentum on the petals (externally puberulent vs. glabrous). A detailed comparison of M. drakei with related species can be found in Fernandez-Hilario et al. (2021).

Distribution and phenology:— Meriania drakei occurs from southern Colombia to northern Peru (Department of Amazonas in montane forests at 2010–2280 m) ( Fig. 9 ). It has been collected in flower in November and December, and in fruit in February.

Specimens examined:— PERU. Amazonas: Prov. Bagua, Dist. Imaza, Reserva Comunal Chayu Nain, rumbo hacia el campamento Yumi Awai , 2010 m, 05°26’54”S, 78°18’50”W, 08–10 Nov 2022 (fl.), R. Fernandez-Hilario et al. 2386 ( MOLF!) . Prov. Utcubamba, Dist. Cajaruro, Buffer Zone of the Cordillera del Colán National Sanctuary , 2280 m, 05°38’32.22”S, 78°15’13.32”W, 19-22 Dec 2019 (fl.), R. Fernandez-Hilario et al. 1775 ( HOXA!, MOLF!, NY!, UPCB!, USM!) . Prov. Bongará, Dist. Yambrasbamba, Lechuza pathway of the Abra Patricia Biological Station , 2120 m, 05°41’18.89”S, 77°48’23.68”W, 21 Feb 2020 (fr.), R. Fernandez-Hilario et al. 1937 ( HOXA!, MOLF!, UPCB!) .

Figures

FIGURE 9. Distribution map of M. acida, M. callosa, M. dazae, M. drakei, M. franciscana, M. juanjil and M. peltata.

FIGURE 24. Meriania drakei. A. Terminal fertile branch with inflorescence. B. Leaf blade, abaxial view. C. Detail of the abaxial leaf surface.D. Detail of the adaxial projection on the petiole. E. Stamen in lateral view. F. Flower bud with detail of the petal surface. G. Petal. H. Hypanthium, calyx and ovary, lateral view.A–H from R. Fernandez-Hilario et al. 1775.

FIGURE 25. Meriania drakei. A. Terminal sterile branch. B. Flower at anthesis, apical view. C. Flower, petals and stamens removed. D. Infructescence. A and C from R. Fernandez-Hilario et al. 1775; B from R. Fernandez-Hilario et al. 2386; D from R. Fernandez-Hilario et al. 1937. Photos by Robin Fernandez.