Tradescantia cymbispatha C.B.Clarke in De Candolle & De Candolle, Monogr. Phan. 3: 296. 1881.

Pellegrini, Marco O. O., 2018, Wandering throughout South America: Taxonomic revision of Tradescantia subg. Austrotradescantia (D. R. Hunt) M. Pell. (Commelinaceae), PhytoKeys 101, pp. 1-97 : 18-20

5. Tradescantia cymbispatha C.B.Clarke in De Candolle & De Candolle, Monogr. Phan. 3: 296. 1881. Figs 16 , 17

Cymbispatha geniculata Pichon, Notul. Syst. (Paris) 12: 224. 1946.

Tradescantia cymbispatha var. cymbispatha C.B.Clarke, in De Candolle & De Candolle Monogr. Phan. 3: 296. 1881.

Tradescantia geniculata Vell., Fl. Flumin.: 140. 1829, nom. illeg. non T. geniculata Jacq., Select. Stirp. Amer. Hist.: 94, t. 64. 1763. Lectotype (designated by Pellegrini et al. 2016). [illustration] Original parchment plate of "Flora Tradescantia fluminensis " in the Manuscript Section of the Biblioteca Nacional of Rio de Janeiro [cat. no.: mss1198652_157] and later published in Vellozo, Fl. Flumin. Icones 3: t. 153. 1831. Epitype (designated by Pellegrini et al. 2015). BRAZIL. Rio de Janeiro: Petrópolis, bairro Castelânea, fl., 8 Aug 2010, M.O.O. Pellegrini 17 (RB!; isoepitype: RFA!).

Tradescantia mundula var. scabrida Seub., in Martius Fl. Bras. 3(1): 249. 1855. Lectotype (designated by Pellegrini et al. 2015). BRAZIL. s.loc., fl., s.dat., F. Sellow 3852 (B barcode B 10 0247278!).

Description.

Herbs ca. 5-30 cm tall, with an indefinite base, terrestrial, rupicolous or epiphytes. Stems prostrate with ascending apex, delicate to slightly succulent, little to densely branched; internodes 0.8-6.4 cm long at base, distally shorter, medium to dark green or reddish-purple to vinaceous, strigose, hairs hyaline. Leaves distichously-alternate, sessile; ptyxis involute; sheaths 0.4-0.7 cm long, green to green with vinaceous striations or vinaceous, strigose, margin setose, hairs light brown; blades elliptic to broadly elliptic or broadly ovate, 1.2-4.6 × 0.6-2.2 cm, flat, succulent, strigose on both sides, adaxially dark to medium bluish-green, turning olive-green to medium brown when dry, abaxially light to medium green or vinaceous, turning tan to light brown when dry, base cordate to obtuse, margin green to vinaceous, ciliolate, slightly revolute, apex acute; midvein conspicuous, adaxially impressed, secondary veins inconspicuous, adaxially inconspicuous, abaxially inconspicuous, becoming more evident on both sides when dry. Synflorescences terminal or axillar in the distal portion of the stems, composed of a solitary main florescence, 1 per leaf axis. Inflorescences (main florescences) consisting of a pedunculate double-cincinni fused back to back; peduncles 0.6-4.3 cm long, medium to dark green or reddish-purple to vinaceous, strigose; cincinni bracts similar to each other, broadly elliptic to broadly ovate, 1-3.5 × 0.6-1.6 cm, leaf-like, strigose on both sides, adaxially dark to medium bluish-green, abaxially light to medium green or vinaceous, base cordate, saccate, margin ciliolate, slightly revolute, apex acute; double cincinni 6-10-flowered. Flowers 0.9-1.5 cm diam., pedicels 0.9-1.6 cm long, vinaceous, velutine, sometimes with some odd glandular hairs, hairs hyaline; floral buds broadly ovoid; sepals 6-6.5 × 2-2.6 mm, without keels, vinaceous, rarely green, velutine, hairs hyaline; petals 0.5-0.7 × 0.3-0.5 cm, flat, white, sometimes pink to lilac; filaments 4.1-4.6 mm long, anthers 0.8-1 × 1-1.3 mm; ovary 0.9-1.2 × 0.6-1 cm, style 2.6-3.2 cm long; pistil the same length as the stamens. Capsules 2.9-3.8 × 1.8-2.2 mm. Seeds 1.4-1.8 × 1.1-1.5 mm, testa grey to greyish-brown, not cleft towards the embryotega, costate; hilum ½ the length of the seed.

Specimens seen.

ARGENTINA. Buenos Aires: Campana, Reserva Natural Estricta Otamendi, fl., 1 Nov 2004, S. Torre Robles et al. 2048 (LP); General Pueyrredón, Reserva Integral Laguna De Los Padres, fl., 29 Oct 2004, S. Torres Robles et al. 2202 (LP); Punta Indio, Reserva De La Biosfera Parque Costero Del Sur, fl., 12 Oct 2002, S. Torres Robles 861 (LP). Corrientes: Concepción, Carambola, fl., 17 Dec 1974, A.E. Burkart 3782 (CORD, US); Mercedes, Paso Picada, orilla Laguna Iberá, frente a Carlos Pellegrini, fl., 22 Sep 1973, A. Schinini 7487 (CORD, CTES, SI); San Cosme, Ensenada Grande, ruta 12, fl., fr., 6 Oct 1971, A. Krapovickas et al. 20030 (CORD, CTES). Misiones: Apostóles, Escola Agrotécnica, fl., fr., Oct 1977, A.L. Cabrera et al. 28542 (CORD, CTES, SI); Cainguás, Salto Tabay, fl., 16 Oct 1947, S.A. Pierotti 6606 (CTES); fl., 12 Oct 1975, E.M. Zardini et al. 789a (LP, MO); Profundidad, fl., 19 Sep 1974, A. Krapovickas et al. 25689 (CTES); Guraní, Arroyo El Paraíso y ruta 2, fl., 23 Sep 1993, M. Rodriguez et al. 705 (CTES, K, MNES); fl., 23 Sep 1993, M. Rodriguez et al. 823 (CTES, MNES); 3 km S de Francán, fl., 27 Sep 2007, A. Schinini et al. 36874 (CTES, HUEFS); San Vicente, Cuartel Rio Victoria, campo anexo INTA, fl., 24 Aug 1995, M.E. Torri et al. 89 (CTES); Predio Guarani, picada hacia el Arroyo Paraiso, cruzando el Arroyo Itapyru, fl., 19 Sep 1995, S.G. Tressens et al. 5384 (CTES, FUEL); fl., 15 Oct 1997, S.G. Tressens et al. 5940 (CORD, CTES); parcela CIFOR, fl., 31 Aug 1999, S.G. Tressens et al. 6332 (CTES); Isla Martín García, fl., 23 Aug 1996, J. Hurrell & M. Belgrano 3131 (LP); Iguazú, Puerto Iguazú, fl., 4 Oct 1910, F.M. Rodriguez 483 (CORD, LP); fl., 2 Oct 1947, S.A. Pierotti 6569 (CTES, K, LIL); Parque Nacional Iguazú, Sendero Macuco, fl., 14 Oct 1993, S.G. Tressens et al. 4507 (CTES); Sendero Jacaratia, fl., 9 Aug 1995, R. Vanni et al. 3411 (CTES); Libertador General San Martín, Salto Encantado, 10 km NE de Aristóbulo del Valle, fl., 31 Jul 1987, R. Vanni et al. 920 (CORD, CTES). Santa Fe: Rosario, fl., 1 Sep 1987, Franceschi & Fernández 1216 (CTES). BRAZIL. Without province: s.loc., st., s.dat., Glaziou 36 (P); fl., s.dat., F. Sellow s.n. (B barcode B100247277). Paraná: Araucária, Campina dos Martins, fl., 17 Sep 1997, Y. Alquini s.n. (UPCB no. 30925); Coronel Vivida, fl., 27 Aug 1975, R. Kummrow & W. Golte 1926 (K, MBM); Curitiba, Centro Politécnico, fl., 28 Sep 1985, L.A. Acra s.n. (UPCB no. 14612); Parque Barigui, fl., fr., 19 Nov 1973, R. Kummrow 116 (K, MBM); Foz do Iguaçú, Iguaçú National Park, fl., 22 Aug 1985, G. Hatschbach & A.C. Cervi 49563 (MBM, US); Lapa, rodovia BR-476, km 210, Passa Dois/Pedra Alta, fl., fr., 23 Nov 2013, M.E. Engels D.T. Reynald (MBM, RB); Mangueirinha, fl., 30 Sep 1992, N.R. Marquesini s.n. (UPCB no. 21864); Morretes, Véu de Noiva, fl., 21 Aug 1985, J. Cordeiro & J.M. Silva 116 (CESJ, MBM); Palmeira, estrada Curitiba-Ponta Grossa, no trevo para Palmeira, BR-277, fl., fr., 2 Feb 1995, J.R. Stehmann & J. Semir 2143 (UEC); Fazenda Santa Rita, fl., fr., 18 Nov 1980, L.T. Dombrowski & G. Scherer 12217 (K, MBM); Piraquara, Rio de Meio, cachoeira, fl., fr., Sep 1977, P.F.B. Hertel 233 (FUEL); Rio Branco do Sul, near Curriola, fl., 14 Oct 1971, L.T. Dombrowski & Y.S. Kuniyoshi 3693 (MBM, US); Telêmaco Borba, Fazenda Monte Alegre, à beira do Ribeirão Varanal, st., 20 Apr 2005, T.I.N. Azevedo & S.I. Azevedo 117 (FUEL); fl., fr., 31 Oct 2006, T.I.N. Azevedo & S.I. Azevedo 494 (FUEL); Bota Fora Dois, fl., 19 Sep 2008, M. Kaehler 226 (UPCB); Poço Preto, foz do Rio das Antas, fl., 17 Sep 2008, M. Vallejos 3 (UPCB). Rio de Janeiro: s.loc., fl., Jun 1838, J. Miers 4039 (P); Petrópolis, Moinho Preto, próximo da Mosela, fl., 16 Aug 1989, L.C. Giordano et al. 771 (RB). Rio Grande do Sul: Bento Gonçalves, estrada para Guaporé, fl., 24 Aug 1998, R.A. Wasum et al. 12749 (HUCS, MBM, US); Bom Jesus, Fazenda do Cilho, fl., 18 Aug 2002, R.A. Wasum 1543 (HUCS, L, MBM, US); Serra do Rocinha, fl., 28 Feb 1946, B. Rambo 32428 (PACA); Caçapava do Sul, Pedra do Segredo, fr., 29 Dec 2004, T.B. Breier et al. 1250 (UEC); Canela, Vila Suzana, fl., Oct 1974, J. Thomé s.n. (HAS no. 874); fl., 1 Oct 1998, S. Diesel 1614 (US); Capão da Canoa, estrada Riozinho-Maquiné, ca. 22 km E de Riozinho, fl., 22 Nov 2005, M. Machado 594 (HUEFS); Capão do Leão, Horto Botânico Irmão Teodoro Luiz, fl., 9 Nov 1986, J.A. Jarenkow 501 (FLOR); Caxias do Sul, Vila Oliva, fl., fr., 3 Dec 1949, B. Rambo 44710 (K, LIL, PACA); Conceição, fl., 24 Oct 1987, R.A. Wasum 3373 (HUCS, US); Criúva, Ilhéus, fl., 30 Oct 1988 R.A. Wasum 4851 (HUCS, INPA, US); Derrubadas, Parque Estadual do Turvo, Tenente Portela, fl., Jan 1977, J. Mattos & N. Mattos 16433 (HAS); Esteio, fl., 8 Sep 1943, B. Rambo 1497 (PACA); Ilha do Laje, fl., Apr 1975, L. Aguiar & Z. Rosa s.n. (HAS no. 1429); Flores de Cunha, Otávio Rocha, fl., 10 Oct 1989, R.A. Wasum 6192 (HUCS, US); Galópolis, travessa Barata Góes, fl., 30 Sep 1984, G. Grazziotin 308 (US); Erechim, Chácara Linos Klein, fl., 23 Sep 1994, A. Butzke 7452 (US); Farroupilha, fl., 15 Nov 1956, O.R. Camargo 954 (PACA); Parque dos Pinheiros, fl., Sep 1978, L. Martau s.n. (HAS no. 8759); Gramado, Pousada Cabanas do Tio Müller, fl., fr., 11 Nov 2006, R. Marquete & E.V.S. Medeiros 4000 (RB); Montenegro, Kappesberg, fl., 1 Sep 1946, A. Sehnem s.n. (PACA no. 48435); fl., 11 Sep 1949, B. Rambo 43432 (PACA); Pareci Novo, st., 1944, E. Henz s.n. (PACA no. 27649); Nova Hamburgo, Ferrabraz, fl., 14 Oct 1936, B. Rambo 2785 (PACA); fl., fr., 2 Sep 1949, B. Rambo 43230 (PACA); Nova Petrópolis, Morro Reuter, fl., 23 Oct 1966, A. Sehnem 8924 (PACA); Passo Fundo, fl., 30 Oct 1971, J.C. Lindeman et al. s.n. (EFC, CTES no. 203179, ICN no. 8840); Porto Alegre, Itapu, no Morro da Grota, fl., Oct 1984, J. Mattos et al. 26110 (HAS); Morro Santana, fl., Aug 1987, N. Silveira 4840 (HAS); Rio Grande, Estação Ecológica do Taim, fl., 18 Sep 1986, J.L. Waechter 2206 (FLOR); Rolante, Arroio Chuvisqueiro, Cascata do Chuvisqueiro, fl., 5 Oct 1988, S. Diesel 69811 (US); Santo Ângelo, Granja Piratini, lagoa 7, fl., 4 Aug 1973, K. Hagelund 7053 (CORD, ICN); fl., 23 Sep 1976, K. Hagelund 10487 (CORD, ICN); Santa Maria, várzea do Rio Santa Maria, 45 km E de Don Pedrito, fl., 15 Oct 1971, J.C. Lindeman et al. s.n. (EFC, CTES no. 202945, ICN no. 8587); fl., 6 Oct 2011, G.A Dettke & J. Durigon 966 (ICN); Santiago, rodovia para Santa Maria, 26 km de Santiago, fl., Oct 1984, J. Mattos et al. 26126 (HAS); São Roque, estrada São Roque-Farroupilhas, fl., fr., 6 Oct 1985, I. Guerra 1166 (HUCS, INPA, US); Vacaria, perto do Rio Pelotas, fl., Sep 1977, J. Mattos & N. Mattos 17314 (HAS); Veranópolis, Estação Experimental Fitotécnica, fl., Oct 1983, J. Mattos 25172 (HAS); Vale do Rio das Antas, fl., Oct 1988, J. Mattos 31471 (HAS). Santa Catarina: Alfredo Wagner, Rua Anitápolis, fl., fr., 14 Aug 2009, M. Verdi et al. 2573 (FURB); Blumenau, Morro do Sapo, Parque Nacional da Serra do Itajaí, fl., 5 Oct 2013, A.L. Gasper et al. 3110 (FURB); Bom Retiro, Capão do Campo, fl., 25 Oct 1957, R. Reitz & R.M. Klein 5469 (HBR, L, NY, US); Campo dos Padres, fr., 22 Jan 1957, B. Rambo 60119 (PACA); Caçador, Ponte Alta do Norte, fl., fr., 24 Oct 1962, R. Reitz & R.M. Klein 13371 (HBR); Campo Novo, acesso alternativo ao Campo dos Padres, fl., fr., 12 Nov 2011, A.L. Gasper et al. 2939 (FURB); Faxinal dos Guedes, Parque Três Pinheiros, fl., 30 Sep 2015, A.A. Oliveira 2562 (FURB); Itapiranga, Tunas, fl., 31 Aug 1964, R.M. Klein 5708 (HBR); Lages, Passo do Socorro, fl., 31 Oct 1963, R.M. Klein 4353 (HBR); Major Vieira, Rio da Serra, fl., 27 Oct 2010, A. Korte & A. Kniess 4797 (FURB, HURB, RB); Papanduva, Serra do Espigão, fl., 24 Oct 1962, R. Reitz & R.M. Klein 13430 (HBR); Rio Rufino, fl., G.A. Dettke 483 (ICN); Rodeio, próximo a divisa Rodeio-Benedito Novo, fl., 18 Aug 2012, L.A. Funez 792 (FURB, HUCS); Bairro Ipiranga, fl., 10 Oct 2013, L.A. Funez 2277 (FURB); fl., 10 Oct 2013, L.A. Funez 2278 (FURB); São Joaquim, barra do Rio São Mateus, fl., fr., Jan 1957, J. Mattos 4801 (HAS); fl., Jan 1957, J. Mattos 4324 (HAS); Urubici, Serra do Corvo Branco, fl., Oct 1981, J. Mattos 22747 (HAS); fl., 9 Nov 2010, G.A. Dettke 472 (ICN); Véu da Noiva, Avencal, fl., fr., M.O.O. Pellegrini et al. 443 (RB). São Paulo: Itapecerica da Serra, fl., fr., Jun 1965, J. Mattos 11855 (SP); São José do Barreiro, Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina, fl., fr., 21 Oct 1984, R.A. Wasum 480 (HUCS, US); fl., 6 Oct 2011, F.M. Pinheiro et al. 102 (RB). PARAGUAY. Without province: s.loc., fl., Oct 1982, C.E.O. Kuntze s.n. (US barcode US00045775!); La Plata, fl., 1853, E. Palmer s.n. (US barcode US00045776). Caaguazú: Tajao, fl., 28 Aug 2002, F. González Parini 1185 (FCQ). Central Department: Areguá, Cerro Kõi, fl., Oct 1971, A. Schinini 4044 (CORD, CTES); Asunción, Trinidad, Jardin Botanico and Zoo, fl., Sep 1991, B. Pérez 1185 (US); Estero del Ypoa, S of Nueva Italia, fl., 21 Aug 1992, E.M. Zardini & P. Aquino 33098 (LP, MO, US); Tavarory, Rio Paraguay, Arroio Abai, fl., 3 Aug 1990, E.M. Zardini & C. Velasquéz 22425 (LP, MO, US); fl., 9 Sep 1990, E.M. Zardini 23288 (LP, MO, US). Cordillera: Tobatí, Cerros de Tobatí, fl., fr., 1900, E. Hassler 6093 (K, P); fl., 21 Jul 1987, A. Krapovickas 41887 (CORD, CTES); Cerro Ybitú Silla, 1 km S de Tobatí, fl., 23 Jul 1988, E.M. Zardini 6004 (FCQ, K, LP, MO, UPCB); Meseta Ybitú Silla, fl., 25 Aug 1988, E.M. Zardini 6708 (K, LP, MO); fl., 22 Sep 1988, E.M. Zardini 7383 (FCQ, K, MO); fl., 22 Sep 1988, E.M. Zardini 7422 (FCQ, K, LP, MO); San Bernardino, fl., Jun 1915, E. Hassler 236 (CORD); fl., s.dat., E. Hassler 384 (K); fl., s.dat., E. Hassler 496 (K); fl., fr., s.dat., E. Hassler 997 (K, P); Lago Ypacaraí, fl., s.dat., E. Hassler 3095 (K). Itapúa: Trinidad, 3.7 km de Trinidad camino a Jesus, fl., 7 Oct 1993, A. Krapovickas & C.L. Cristóbal 44503 (CORD, CTES). Paraguarí: Acahay, Cerro, fl., 6 May 1987, R. Degen 155 (CORD, CTES, FCQ); Macizo Acahay, fl., 21 Jul 1988, E.M. Zardini 5829 (K, LP, MO); fl., fr., 26 Jul 1988, E.M. Zardini 6082 (K, LP, MO); st., 21 Aug 1988, E.M. Zardini 6587 (K, LP, MO); fl., fr., 3 Sep 1988, E.M. Zardini & T. Florentin 6931 (K, LP, MO, PY); fl., fr., 21 Aug 1988, E.M. Zardini 6626 (K, LP, MO); fl., fr., 5 Sep 1988, E.M. Zardini & T. Florentin 7067 (K, LP, MO, PY); st., 26 Feb 1992, E.M. Zardini & P. Aquino 30682 (LP, MO, US); Atyrá, Cerro Zanja Jhú, 1 km E of road from Route 1 to Atyrá, 3 km before Atyrá, fl., fr., 30 Jul 1988, E.M. Zardini 6208 (K, LP, MO, PY); Cerro Palacios, fl., 30 Oct 1987, I. Basualdo et al. 1479 (FCQ); fl., 30 Oct 1987, E.M. Zardini & I. Basualdo 3745 (K, LP, MO); Paraguarí, San Thomas, fl., fr., 1885, E. Hassler 997 (K, P); Quiíndy, Parque Nacional Lago Ypoá, Valle Apuá, fl., 9 Nov 2000, F. Mereles et al. 8236 (FCQ); Ybycui National Park, Arroyo Minas, fl., 1 Oct 1985, A.H. Gentry 51885 (MO, US); fl., 15 Sep 1988, E.M. Zardini 7308 (K, LP, MO, PY); fl., 3 Jun 1989, A. Aguayo 230 (US); fl., 20 Aug 1991, E.M. Zardini & T. Telleria 28380 (LP, MO, US); Parque Nacional Iwykuí, fl., fr., 12 Oct 1979, E. Bordas 1099 (CORD, CTES). San José: Primavera, cerca del Río Capiracuai, fl., 25 Jun 1957, A. Woolston 829 (K, P, U). URUGUAY. Without province: Central Uruguay, fl., 1888, T. Morong 15 (US).

Distribution and habitat.

Argentina, Brazil (states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul), Paraguay and Uruguay; in the Atlantic Forest, Chaco and Pampa domains (Fig. 17 ). It can be found growing understorey in shaded and moist forests as terrestrial, rupicolous and sometimes as an epiphyte.

Phenology.

It was found in bloom throughout the year but peaking during the rainy season and being less commonly in bloom during the dry season. Fruit has been sporadically observed during the flowering period.

Etymology.

The epithet makes clear the great nomenclatural confusion created by Clarke’s misinterpretation of Vellozo’s plate. It means "boat-shaped bract", a character present only in the Bolivian T. praetermissa M.Pell. and other members of T. subg. Campelia , on which Clarke partially based his description ( Pellegrini et al. 2016; Pellegrini 2017).

Conservation status.

Tradescantia cymbispatha possesses a wide EOO (ca. 1,201,901.629 km2), being also cultivated throughout its distribution range as an ornamental plant. Thus, following the IUCN recommendations ( IUCN 2001), it should be considered Least Concern (LC).

Nomenclatural notes.

Tradescantia cymbispatha was originally described as T. geniculata Vell. on Florae fluminensis ( Vellozo 1829, 1831). However, since this name was a posterior homonym of T. geniculata Jacq., it was almost completely overlooked by most botanists until Clarke (1881) inadvertently proposed T. cymbispatha C.B.Clarke as a replacement name. These matters were only recently clarified by Pellegrini et al. (2015, 2016).

Comments.

Tradescantia cymbispatha is morphologically similar to T. chrysophylla , T. fluminensis and T. mundula due to their indefinite base, prostrate stems with ascending apex (Fig. 16A, B ), involute ptyxis, saccate cincinni bracts (Fig. 16B ), white petals (Fig. 16F ), pistil as long as the stamens (Fig. 16B, E, F ), seeds with uncleft testa towards the embryotega and hilum ½ the length of the seed (Fig. 16G ). It can be easily differentiated from T. fluminensis and T. mundula by its sessile leaves with inconspicuous secondary veins (vs. subpetiolate with impressed secondary veins, in T. fluminensis and T. mundula ), blades evenly covered by indumentum (vs. glabrous or unevenly covered by indumentum) and sepals without dorsal keels (vs. sepals dorsally keeled). Tradescantia cymbispatha is morphologically more closely related to T. chrysophylla due to their sessile and succulent leaves with inconspicuous secondary veins, blades abaxially vinaceous and sepals without dorsal keels. Both species can be differentiated based on pubescence of the vegetative and reproductive organs (leaves strigose, pedicels and sepals velutine, hairs hyaline in T. cymbispatha vs. leaves velutine to hispid, pedicels and sepals glandular-pubescent or with a mixture of glandular and eglandular hairs, hairs light brown to golden), symmetry of the cincinni bracts (equal in T. cymbispatha vs. unequal in T. chrysophylla ) and petal colour (white but sometimes pink or lilac in T. cymbispatha vs. always white in T. chrysophylla ). In the field, T. cymbispatha is a very distinctive species, being easily differentiated from the remaining species of the T. fluminensis group by its adaxially dark to medium bluish-green and abaxially vinaceous leaves, which possess a peculiar velvety glow due to its dense strigose hyaline hairs. The stems are prostrate, forming dense mats that may cover large areas and producing a bluish herbaceous understorey formation. Furthermore, T. cymbispatha possesses some very interesting characters that become evident when specimens are dried. Firstly, the intense bluish-green pigmentation of the adaxial side becomes olive-green to medium brown, while the vinaceous pigmentation (i.e. anthocyanin) evaporates, leaving the abaxial side tan to light brown. Also, despite possessing inconspicuous secondary veins due to its succulent leaves, dried leaves of T. cymbispatha acquire a striate aspect, due to the large and linearly arranged epidermal domes possessed by this species.

Figures

Figure 16. Tradescantia cymbispatha C. B. Clarke. A habit, showing the velvety aspect of the leaves due to the strigose indumentum B detail of the stem, showing the predominant vinaceous colour of the stem and leaves C detail of the stems, leaf-sheaths and abaxial side of the blades, showing the strigose and hyaline indumentum D adaxial side of the leaf-blade, showing the inconspicuous secondary veins and the strigose and hyaline indumentum E detail of flower at post-anthesis, showing the pedicel's and sepals' velutine indumentum F front view of a flower G dorsal and ventral views of the seed, showing the costate testa not cleft towards the embryotega and the hilum ca. 1 / 2 the length of the seed. Photos by M. O. O. Pellegrini.

Figure 17. Distribution of Tradescantia cymbispatha C. B. Clarke. Orange- Cerrado; Red- Caatinga; Yellow- Chaco and Pantanal; Olive-green- Pampa; Dark green- Atlantic Forest.