Gymnosiphon capitatus (Benth.) Urb.

  • Authority

    Maas, Paulus J. M., et al. 1986. Burmanniaceae. Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 42: 1-189. (Published by NYBG Press)

  • Family

    Burmanniaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Gymnosiphon capitatus (Benth.) Urb.

  • Type

    Type. Brazil. Amazonas: Ipanoré (= Panuré ), Rio Vaupés, Spruce 2880 (holotype, K; isotypes, BR, G, NY, OXF, P).

  • Synonyms

    Ptychomeria capitata Benth.

  • Description

    Species Description - Herbs, 4-22 cm high. Rhizome-scales narrowly ovate, 1.5-5 mm long, 0.5-0.6 mm wide, apex acuminate. Stems white, mostly unbranched. Leaves narrowly triangular-ovate, 2.5-8 mm long, 1-2 mm wide, auriculate, apex acute, margins fimbriate. Inflorescence capitate, ellipsoid to broadly ellipsoid, consisting of two contracted cincinni, 0.8-1.2 cm long, 0.5-1.5 cm wide, surrounded by large imbricate bracts. Bracts broadly ovate to obovate, up to 9 mm long, 4-10 mm wide, apex acute to slightly acuminate, outermost ones sterile. Pedicels to 1 mm long. Flowers white, 8-10 mm long. Floral tube 7-8 mm long. Outer tepals 3-lobed, 2-4 mm long and 3-3.5 mm wide; central lobe broadly ovate-triangular, 0.8-2 mm long and 1.6-2.4 mm wide; lateral lobes broadly ovate-triangular, 0.5-0.6 mm long and wide. Inner tepals ovate to obovate, 0.4-0.5 mm long and 0.3 mm wide. Connective without appendages. Style, including branches and stigmas, ca. 5 mm long, branches 0.1-0.3 mm long, stigmas horseshoe-shaped, 0.5-0.6 mm diam., sinus 0.3 mm deep, appendages up to 3.5 mm long. Ovary (ob)ovoid, ca. 2 mm long. Capsule unknown.

  • Distribution

    Twice collected in Amazonian Brazil; the Poole collection flowering in July.

    Brazil South America| Amazonas Brazil South America|