Chelonanthus uliginosus (Griseb.) Gilg
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Authority
Maguire, Bassett. 1989. The Botany of the Guayana Highland- Part XIII. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 51: 1-127.
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Family
Gentianaceae
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Scientific Name
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Discussion
Type. Not indicated
Chelonanthus uliginosus finds only an indifferent habital accommodation in Chelonanthus, and in pollen character is discordantly removed. Palynologically, although the tetrads do occur in loose aggregates, because of exine character the species cannot be associated with Irlbachia or Celiantha. W e hesitate to provide it with independent generic status, and would not do so at this writing. The species is thus here left dangling. Maas (1985) has placed it in Irlbachia under the new combination /. purpurascens, based on the latter name, and we cannot therefore comment on his decision for synonymy.
The following Guayanan specimens represent typical expression of the species. W e have not attempted an enumeration of extra-Guayanan plants. Ofthe two taxa cited by Nilsson (1970) as palynologically to be associated, Chelonanthus campanuloides is here referred to Irlbachia, and Chelonanthus spruceanus is unknown to us.
Specimens examined. VENEZUELA, territorio Wurdack & Adderiey 43554 (NY); Cordillera Parima amazonas: Dome on right side of Rio Siapa just below en la cumbre del Cerro Cayenama divisor fronterizo Raudal Gallineta, 130-900 m elev.; herb 0.5-1.5 m con Brasil, 1750 m alt., hierba en lajas graniticas Mar high, flowers blue-purple, scmb forest, 21 Jul 1959, 1971, Cardona 3073 (VEN) Bolivar- Along small stream in savanna ca. 4 km E of Santa Teresita de Kavanayen, weak herb to 1 m, flowers blue, infrequent, 1300 m elev., 23 Dec 1953, Maguire & Wurdack 34005 (NY); island on rapids of Rio Caroni just below Uriman, 393 m alt., 13 Jan 1955, Steyermark & Wurdack 68 (NY); Chimanta, rich rainforest on lower N W slopes of Abacapa-tepui, vie. of Camp along Rio Abacapa, 420 m ah., corolla rich purple, 30-31 Mar 1953, Steyermark 74767 (NY); between Bluff" Camp and promontary N of Bluflf Camp, along W-facing portion of Torono-tepui, 1600-1700 m alt., Steyermark 75676 (NY); vie. of Lower Falls of Rio Tirica on N W side of falls, 1000-1090 m alt, 6 Mar 1955, Steyermark & Wurdack 1270 (NY); Auyan-tepui, Angel Falls, 5 Apr 1950, Kunhardt 13 (NY); pequefia meseta del Norte de Serrania Caramban, SE of Canaima, 300-600 m ah., 19 Feb 1964, Agostini 394 (VEN); Cerro Piton, Cordillera Epicara, 400 m alt., Maguire, Steyermark & Maguire 53569 (NY); Mt. Roraima, river side at Arabupu, 4200 ft, flowers blue, 1 Jan 1928, Tate 210 (NY).