Tapura amazonica var. manausensis Prance

  • Authority

    Prance, Ghillean T. 1972. Dichapetalaceae. Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 10: 1-84. (Published by NYBG Press)

  • Family

    Dichapetalaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Tapura amazonica var. manausensis Prance

  • Type

    TYPE. Ducke RB 23654, Brazil, Amazonas, Manaus, Igarapé Mindu, fl (holotype, US: isotypes, G, INPA, K, RB, S, U).

  • Description

    Latin Diagnosis - Arbor magna. Folia alternata, petiolata; laminae oblongae vel ellipticae, 3.0-7.5(-9.0) cm longae, apice retusae vel acutae.

    Distribution and Ecology - Confined to forest on non-flooded ground in the region of Manaus, Brazil. Flowering May to August.

  • Discussion

    This variety is recognized by the smaller leaves and the size of the tree. Since it is of restricted geographical range, and is so distinct in the field, I have treated it as a separate variety.

    Tapura amazonica is the most widely distributed species of the genus. It is usually easily recognized by the hirsutulous leaf undersurface (throughout its range with the exception of Amazonian Peru), and by the tomentose inflorescence and petioles. Tapura amazonica is more variable in leaf shape than most other species of the genus. With the exception of the one new variety described here, the variation is continuous, and is not geographically correlated. Hence no other subspecific taxa are adopted here. Baillon (1886), described the four varieties listed above, based on minor variations in leaf shape and size. With the abundant material now available, it is not possible to maintain any of Baillon’s varieties.

  • Distribution

    Brazil South America| Amazonas Brazil South America|