Eugenia matudae Lundell, Phytologia

Uc Gala, Victor C., Valdemarin, Karinne Sampaio, Lucas, Eve, Negrão, Raquel & Mazine, Fiorella F., 2023, Eugenia (Myrtaceae) from Mexico: checklist, distribution, and conservation assessments, Phytotaxa 583 (2), pp. 99-140 : 116

43. * Eugenia matudae Lundell, Phytologia 1: 218 (1937)

EOO: 8 km ². AOO: 8 km ². Evaluation of IUCN: Vulnerable.

Eugenia matudae with a very restricted distribution, with only two records for the state of Chiapas, in southeastern Mexico. The estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) fall into the Critically Endangered category under the criterion B. The species occurs in the biome called Humid Tropical Forest from 30 to 800 m elev. There are only one or two known locations. The occurrence habitat is in a good state of conservation due to the proximity with the protected area “Reserva de la Biosfera El Triunfo”, in Chiapas, an important area for the conservation of Mexico’s biological wealth (Rzedowski 1994, Rzedowski 1978, Ochoa-Gaona 1996, Miranda 1952, Breedlove 1981, Matuda 1950, Perez-Ferrara et al. 2012, Martínez-Meléndez et al. 2008, INE-SEMARNAP 1999b). However, considering that Eugenia matudae occurs outside of the protected area and any stochastic or anthropic activities could drive the taxon to CR or EX in a very short time, this species is here classified as Vulnerable (VU), under the criterion D2. It is worth mentioning that efforts to make new collections must be made, since its last known record dates from 72 years ago.

Specimen examined:— MEXICO. Chiapas: Matuda 17555 ( MICH).