Taxon Profile:

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Family:

Ericaceae (Magnoliophyta)

Primary Citation:

Fl. Bras. (Martius) 7: 128. 1863

Accepted Name:

This name is currently accepted.

Type Specimens:

Specimen 1: Syntype -- M. R. Schomburgk

Common Names:

huasaco

Description:

Description: Terrestrial shrub to small tree, to 4 m tall, found in savannas, at 100-2600 m; widespread in Venezuela (Bolívar and Amazonas), Guyana, and Guayanan Brazil.

Type: Venezuela. Bolívar: Cerro Roraima, 488 m, Oct 1842 (fl), R. Schomburgk 868 (lectotype: B?; isolectotype: NY frag; syntypes: R. Schomburgk 559, BM, W n.v.).

Taxonomic notes: Vaccinium puberulum was been divided into seven varieties by Maguire et al. (1978). Over the years many new collections have been studied from throughout the extensive range of the species. I am now of the opinion that most of the varieties are doubtfully distinct. There are many examples of character overlap within the same collection. A thorough revision of the species is badly needed. In the meantime, I do herewith include a key to the varieties. The fruits of some populations may be poisonous.

Key to the Varieties of Vaccinium puberulum: 1. Calyx, ovary, and corolla glabrous.    2. Rachis puberulous ................................... var. hitchcockii    2. Rachis glabrous.       3. Principal leaf blades 3-11 cm long, obovate, oblong-elliptic, or narrowly to broadly oblong, the base usually acutely narrowed, the lateral nerves and tertiary venation elevated and prominent beneath ......................... var. subcrenulatum       3. Principal leaf blades 1.5-3.5 cm long, oval to elliptic-oblong, the base usually obtuse, the lateral nerves and tertiary venation not prominent beneath ............ var. jauaense 1. Calyx, ovary, or corolla pubescent.    4. Petioles, calyx, and corolla glabrous; leaves narrowly spathulate ......................... var. spathulatum    4. Petioles, calyx, and corolla pubescent (or calyx glabrous); leaves variously shaped.