Desmoncus mitis subsp. leptospadix Henderson, Phytotaxa 35: 33 (2011)

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Distribution

Map uses TDWG level 3 distributions (https://github.com/tdwg/wgsrpd)
Brazil North present (Henderson, A. 2011: A revision of Desmoncus (Arecaceae). – Phytotaxa 35: 1-88)A
Colombia present (Henderson, A. 2011: A revision of Desmoncus (Arecaceae). – Phytotaxa 35: 1-88)A
Peru present (Henderson, A. 2011: A revision of Desmoncus (Arecaceae). – Phytotaxa 35: 1-88)A
From 0°52'-11°46'S and 59°00'-77°40'W in the western Amazon region in Colombia (Amazonas), Peru (Amazonas, Cuzco, Huánuco, Loreto, Ucayali), and Brazil (Acre, Amazonas) at 166(100-400) m elevation in lowland rainforest . (Henderson, A. 2011: A revision of Desmoncus (Arecaceae). – Phytotaxa 35: 1-88)A

Discussion

  • Taxonomic notes:-Henderson (1995) referred to this taxon as Desmoncus mitis var. Leptospadix (Martius) Henderson, based on D. leptospadix Martius. The type of this is sterile and an epitype is therefore designated.
    Subspecific variation:-Most specimens from Maynas, Loreto, Peru have multiple (2-3) inflorescences at a node. Two specimens (Prance 12310, 12490), both from the same locality in western Acre, Brazil have larger fruits than usual; others from the same area have normal fruits. Most specimens from western Acre have smaller leaves than usual. A few specimens from the western part of the range have spiny peduncular bracts (e.g., Schunke 15629) or spiny sheaths (e.g., Huashikat 2309). Three specimens from Loreto, Peru (Tessmann 5236, Vásquez 8325, 8329) have poorly-developed cirri. One unusual specimen (Simpson 698) from Loreto, possibly a mixed collection, has leaves like those of subsp. mitis and infructescences like those of D. polyacanthos. Another specimen from Loreto (Kvist 1156) appears intermediate between subsp. leptospadix and D. polyacanthos and may be a hybrid. A specimen from Huánuco (Listabarth 1110589) may also be a hybrid. The easternmost specimen (Rabelo 79), from the Rio Urubu near Manaus, is outside the main range of subsp. leptospadix and has completely smooth peduncular bracts and slender rachillae with some adnation. It may belong here; it is not included in the above description but is mapped. (Henderson, A. 2011: A revision of Desmoncus (Arecaceae). – Phytotaxa 35: 1-88)A

Description

  • Leaf sheaths non-spiny, rarely sparsely spiny; rachises 35.0(17.2-76.0) cm long; pinnae ovate, 6(3-11) per side of rachis; cirri usually well-developed. (Henderson, A. 2011: A revision of Desmoncus (Arecaceae). – Phytotaxa 35: 1-88)A

Bibliography

    A. Henderson, A. 2011: A revision of Desmoncus (Arecaceae). – Phytotaxa 35: 1-88