Ruehssia tehuanarum (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Marsdenieae), a new species for Mexico

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21829/abm133.2026.2676

Keywords:

Cerro Guiengola, state of Oaxaca, Ruehssia astephanoides, Ruehssia oaxacana

Abstract

Background and Aims: The genus Ruehssia comprises approximately 150 species and is endemic to the Americas. So far, 41 taxa of Ruehssia have been recorded for Mexico. During a review of the genus in the state of Oaxaca, two specimens previously identified as R. mexicana were found; however, the distinctive morphology of the flowers and inflorescences of the collected plants suggests that they represent a different taxon. The aim of this study is to propose a new species for Oaxaca, Mexico.
Methods: The botanical specimens were analyzed and compared with bibliographic data and herbarium material. This new species was compared with R. astephanoides, R. coulteri, R. mexicana, and R. oaxacana. Two plates and a comparative table were prepared. Its conservation status was proposed in accordance with IUCN criteria.
Key results: Ruehssia tehuanarum is proposed as a new species, similar to R. mexicana in its vegetative morphology and tomentose fruits. It differs in that its inflorescences are compact, umbel-like cymes with white corollas; the gynostegial corona has trapezoidal or square lobules below the anthers. The new species grows in the tropical deciduous forest of the Cerro Guiengola. Due to its restricted distribution and single known population the conservation status of Critically Endanger is suggested.
Conclusions: With the proposal of Ruehssia tehuanarum, the number of species of the genus recorded for Mexico reach 42, with a total of 25 endemic (61%). With this addition, Oaxaca and Chiapas rank first in terms of members of Ruehssia, with 19 each.

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References

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2026-10-30

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Alvarado-Cárdenas, L. O., Díaz-Mota, S., & Pío-León, J. F. (2026). Ruehssia tehuanarum (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Marsdenieae), a new species for Mexico. Acta Botanica Mexicana, (133). https://doi.org/10.21829/abm133.2026.2676
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No. 133 (2026)

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New taxa

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