A new species of Doliocarpus (Dilleniaceae) from Brazil: the Atlantic Forest continues to reveal new findings on water vines

Abstract

A new species of Doliocarpus (Dilleniaceae) endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest is described. Doliocarpus amplexicarpus has been confused with D. schottianus , the most similar species occurring in the same phytogeographical domain, but the latter is found in the Serra do Mar Coastal Forests ecoregion, while the former occurs in the Bahia Coastal Forests ecoregion. Both species are remarkable for their smooth, whitish stems, compared to the predominantly rough, reddish stems of other taxa. This new species is characterized by large leaves (up to 35 cm long), flowers with angulate and tomentulose pedicels, and fruits with appressed persistent sepals. A morphological description, taxonomic comments, an illustration, field photographs, and preliminary assessment of its conservation status (LC, least concern) are presented. An updated identification key to the species of Doliocarpus occurring in the Bahia Coastal Forests is also provided.