Myrcia polyantha DC.

  • Authority

    Maguire, Bassett. 1969. The botany of the Guayana Highland-part VIII. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 18: 1-290.

  • Family

    Myrtaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Myrcia polyantha DC.

  • Discussion

    Myrtus polyantha H.B.K., Nov. Gen. & Sp. 6: 140. pi. 545. 1823.

    Myrcia polyantha a orinocensis Berg, Mart. Fl. Bras. 14(l): 185. 1857.

    This is a Myrcia of the M . fallax complex. The type-locality was given as "ad ripam fluminis Atabapi. (Missiones del Orinoco)." The type is at Paris, Humboldt & Bonpland 994, represented by Field Mus. neg. 36901; Berg studied specimens that formed the basis of his M . polyantha a orinocensis in Kunth's herbarium, and in Willdenow's herbarium (no. 9575). I have seen the type, and the Willdenow specimen. The latter seems to be a little more pubescent, and to have larger flowers, than the specimen at Paris. I doubt that either represents a species distinct from M . fallax, but plants of this afflnity are numerous and widespread in northern South America, and a revision of the group is needed.