Hyospathe maculata Steyerm.
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Authority
Maguire, Bassett. 1972. The botany of the Guayana Highland--part IX. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 23: 1-832.
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Family
Arecaceae
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Scientific Name
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Discussion
Type. Steyermark 60406, Venezuela, Edo Bolivar, between Santa Teresita de Kavanayen and Rio Pacairao, alt 1065-1220 m (F).
Hyospathe maculata is known only from the type collection. The species is very close to H. elegans and may prove to be conspecific with the latter. The only difference suggested by the description is found in the tetramerous flowers, a character which seems teratologic rather than of specific interest. The present specimen was collected above 1000 m elevation whereas H. elegans is supposed to be a typical lowland species. This may reflect a different ecological preference. Anyhow, to evaluate the correct position of H. maculata more material has to be available.