A NEW SPECIES AND A NEW VARIETY OF PENTACALIA SUBGENERO MICROCHAETE (ASTERACEAE-SENECIONEAE)FROM THE SIERRA NEVADA DE SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA

Abstract

A new species of Pentacalia from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is described and illustrated. The species belongs to the subgenus Microchaete and has its nearest affinity with P. subarachnoidea (Cuatr.) Cuatr., from which it is easily separated by the number of phyllaries of the involucre, the ovate and pseudopetiolate leaves, the reddish or golden hairs, the very acute bracts of the peduncles, and the calyculus formed by numerous small acute bracts. Likewise, a new variety of P. subarachnoidea is diagnosed from the same area, distinguished from the typical variety by the smaller number of phyllaries, ray flowers and florets. A key for the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta species are provided.