Authority:

Luteyn, James L., et al. 1995. Ericaceae, Part II. The Superior-Ovaried Genera (Monotropoideae, Pyroloideae, Rhododendroideae, and Vaccinioideae P.P.). Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 66: 560. (Published by NYBG Press)

Family:

Ericaceae

Synonyms:

Leucothoe organensis Gardner

Description:

Species Description - Erect shrub to ca. 2 m tall; twigs very sparsely to moderately pubescent with nonchambered to clearly chambered pith; buds to ca. 0.7 mm long, leaves revolute. Leaves coriaceous, ovate (to elliptic), 0.5-1.7 × 0.15-0.8 cm, base cordate to truncate, apex acute- to rounded-mucronate, margin entire, strongly re volute, adaxial surface glabrous to sparsely pubescent on midvein, especially basal portion, abaxial surface glabrous to sparsely pubescent on midvein, usually with few very inconspicuous glandular dots along midvein; petiole 1.5-4 mm long. Inflorescences axillary, fascicle-like, often only few flowered racemes to 0.3-1.5 cm long, or flowers solitary and axillary; rachis moderately to densely pubescent; pedicels 4-8 mm long, sparsely to densely pubescent; bracteoles 2 to several, alternate to subopposite, from near base to near midpoint of pedicel, narrowly triangular, to ca. 0.9 mm long; floral bracts to ca. 1 mm long. Flowers with triangular calyx lobes, with acuminate apices, 1.1-2 × 0.5-1.2 mm, abaxial surface sparsely to moderately pubescent; corolla cylindrical, white to red(?), 6-7.5 × 2-4 mm, glabrous; filaments 4-4.5 mm long; anthers 1-1.3 mm long; ovary sparsely to moderately pubescent. Capsules short-ovoid, 3-5 × 4.5-6 mm, placentae subapical; seeds 1-3 mm long.

Discussion:

This poorly collected species, Agarista organensis, probably is closely related to A. chlorantha; for further discussion see that species. Agarista organensis is geographically isolated; within the genus, only A. oleifolia also occurs in the Serra dos Orgaos.

Distribution:

Brazil South America| Rio de Janeiro Brazil South America|