Taxonomic novelties in Triolena (Melastomataceae, Trioleneae): a new species from Colombia, new synonyms, and an updated key
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21829/abm133.2026.2639Keywords:
Andean-Amazonian foothills, endemic species, Neotropics, new species, taxonomyAbstract
Background and Aims: Triolena (Melastomataceae) consists of about 30 species of terrestrial or epiphytic herbs distributed from Mexico to Bolivia and the western Amazon. This study describes a new species from Colombia, proposes new synonyms, reinstates one taxon, and presents a taxonomic key for the genus.
Methods: The description of the new species was based on material from the herbarium COAH, and its threat status was assessed using IUCN Red List criteria. Five new synonyms and one reinstatement were determined by reviewing literature, Colombian collections, and type images in JSTOR Global Plants. The taxonomic key was developed by examining Colombian herbaria and adapting previous keys from Mesoamerica and Ecuador.
Key results: Triolena pinnatipartita sp. nov. is endemic to Orito (Putumayo, Colombia), grows in the understory on rocky substrates, and is assessed as Endangered (EN). It stands out due to its prostrate habit, anisophylly, and pinnatipartite larger leaves, a unique feature among its congeners. Triolena allardii, T. izabalensis, T. paleolata, T. purpurea, and T. vazquezii are assigned as synonyms. Furthermore, Diolena boliviensis is reinstated and transferred to Triolena. The taxonomic key consists of 33 couplets based mostly on vegetative characters.
Conclusions: The discovery of Triolena pinnatipartita reaffirms the importance of the Andean-Amazonian foothills as a core area for plant endemism. Its pinnatipartite leaves represent a morphological character never before recorded in Melastomataceae. This novelty, combined with the nomenclatural update of six taxa, updates the number of valid Triolena species to 27.
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