Tetrapterys rhodoptera Oliv.

  • Authority

    Maguire, Bassett. 1978. The botany of the Guayana Highland--part XI. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 32: 1-391.

  • Family

    Malpighiaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Tetrapterys rhodoptera Oliv.

  • Description

    Species Description - This species is essentially identical to Tetrapterys fimbripetala, qv, except for the fact that the lamina is very densely and persistently sericeous below, the hairs nearly or completely conceaHng the epidermis and partly hiding the glands. The leaves are also on the average somewhat larger, although falling within the range of measurements for T. fimbripetala. Tetrapterys rhodoptera is easily recognized and has a natural range, but whether it is best classified as a species or at some infraspecific rank is perhaps a matter for the attention of the next monographer of Tetrapterys.

  • Discussion

    7. Tetrapterys rhodoptera Oliver, Timehri 5: 190. 1886. Tetrapterys phylladenophora Maguire & Steyermark, Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 9: 481. 1957. Type. Phelps & Hitchcock 426, Uaipan-tepuí, Bolivar, Venezuela, elev 1400 m (holotype NY! isotype VEN!). Type. E. F. im Thurn 255, Roraima, British Guiana [Guyana], 15 Dec 1884 frt (holotype K, isotype US!). Fruiting specimens of Mascagnia benthamiana may key out to this species if the samaras are deeply enough dissected to mimic those of a Tetrapterys. Mascagnia benthamiana can be readily distinguished on these bases, plus others (see description): Petiole bearing 2 large glands at or slightly above the base; stipules epipetiolar; peduncle 0-4 mm long; pedicel 3-6 mm long; anterior sepal eglandular.

  • Distribution

    Distribution. Southeastern Venezuela and adjacent Guyana, east of the Río Caroní and south of Auyan-tepuí. GUYANA. Type, q v. VENEZUELA. Bolívar: EI Dorado-Santa Elena de Uairen, Km 135-167, Badillo & Holmquist 6208 (MY); playas arenosas, Río Ikabaru NE del pueblo, elev 450 m, Bernardi 6680 (NY); cerca de los raudales Mureyema, Caroní, elev 740 m, Cardona 1803 (US, VEN); Gran Sabana, road to Kavanayen, elev 1200-1250 m. Gentry et al 10505 (MICH); above Sako Hacha, on plateau S of peak of U

    Guyana South America| Venezuela South America|