Lecythis parvifructa S.A.Mori

  • Authority

    Prance, Ghillean T. & Mori, S. A. 1979. Lecythidaceae - Part I. The actinomorphic-flowered New World Lecythidaceae (Asteranthos, Gustavia, Grias, Allantoma & Cariniana). Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 21: 1-270. (Published by NYBG Press)

  • Family

    Lecythidaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Lecythis parvifructa S.A.Mori

  • Type

    Type. Brazil. Amazonas: Manaus-Itacoatiara Rd., CEPLAC, km 30, 29 Mar 1976 (fr), Ramos 380 (holotype, INPA; isotypes, K, NY, RB).

  • Description

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    Latin Diagnosis - A L. lurida fructibus parvis (3-3.5 x 4-5 cm nec 7-9 x 7-11 cm) et foliis obovatis differt.

    Description - Trees, to 35 m tall. Leaf blades widely obovate, 7.5-8.5 x 4-5 cm, glabrous except for puberulous abaxial midrib, chartaceous, with 812 pairs of lateral veins; apex rounded to truncate, abruptly acuminate, the acumen 3-5 mm long; base acute to obtuse; margins entire; petiole 9-12 mm long, canaliculate. Inflorescences unknown. Flowers not studied. Fruits indehiscent, globose to depressed globose, 3-3.5 x 4-5 cm, the calycine ring inserted near middle; operculum umbonate, the umbo geniculate, 5 mm long. Seeds 1-3 per fruit, hemispherical or wedgeshaped in cross section, 2.5-3 x 2.5-3 cm, the veins impressed, the central vein splitting into four veins.

  • Discussion

    I know this species only from its leaves and fruits. The fruits are indehiscent and fall to the ground with the seeds intact.

    Its closest relative is probably L. lurida from which it differs by its smaller fruits (3-3.5 x 45 vs. 7-9 x 7-11 cm) and obovate leaves. The leaves of L. lurida are usually widest at or below the middle.

  • Distribution

    A canopy tree of non-flooded forest known only from Central Amazonia. Flowers in Sep (Ramos 2/75) and matures fruit in Jul (Albuquerque et al. 1020).

    Brazil South America| Amazonas Brazil South America|