Una Nueva Especie de Matelea (Apocynaceae) del Estado de Yucatán, México

Abstract

Matelea falcata Juárez-Jaimes, G. M. Hernández-Barón & W. D. Stevens (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) is described and illustrated. This new taxon grows in secondary vegetation derived from semi-evergreen forest, around the Loltún caves in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. It resembles M. gentlei (Lundell & Standl.) Woodson; it is recognized by its pinwheel-like flowers due to the conspicuous falcate apices of the corolla lobes, which are fleshy at the base. Images of the new species, a key for identifying species of Matelea Aubl. in the Yucatán Peninsula, and a distribution map are included.