Moronobea intermedia Engl.

  • Authority

    Maguire, Bassett & Wurdack, John J. 1964. The botany of the Guayana Highland--Part V. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 10: 1-278.

  • Family

    Clusiaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Moronobea intermedia Engl.

  • Description

    Distribution and Ecology - Distribution. BRITISH GUIANA: Mt. Ayanganna, Pakaraima Mts., alt. 1400-1500 m, Tillett, Tillett & Boyan 45094. VENEZUELA: Mt. Roraima, im Thurn 337 (holotype K); Vic 8663 (K, photo NY); Serra do Sol, Maguire & Maguire 40445, 40383; Ilu-tepui, Maguire 33366, 33491, 33574.

  • Discussion

    Type. Roraima [Venezuela], F. im Thurn 337 (K, photo NY).

    Moronobea intermedia is a higher montane species confined to the sandstone mesas of the eastern Guayana Highland. Superficially in habit and in general facies it appears to merge with M. jenmani, a species of greater size, larger flowers and larger more variable leaves, which occupies lower altitude on the sandstones of the eastern Highland region. But the two are invariably distinguishable by erect alignment of the stamens and the consequent lack of spiral engravature of the ovary and fruit, and the much shorter stout style of M. intermedia.

    M. intermedia seems to be most closely related to M. ptaritepuiana, which shares a similar androecial insertion. But this latter species, although occupying comparable ecological habitats, is easily recognized by its smaller, thinner leaves, smaller flowers and slender branchlets.

  • Distribution

    Distribution. BRITISH GUIANA: Mt. Ayanganna, Pakaraima Mts., alt. 1400-1500 m, Tillett, Tillett & Boyan 45094. VENEZUELA: Mt. Roraima, im Thurn 337 (holotype K); Vic 8663 (K, photo NY); Serra do Sol, Maguire & Maguire 40445, 40383; Ilu-tepui, Maguire 33366, 33491, 33574.

    Guyana South America| Venezuela South America|