Agarista pulchra (Cham. & Schltdl.) G.Don

  • 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

  • Scientific Name

    Agarista pulchra (Cham. & Schltdl.) G.Don

  • Type

    Type. Brazil. Without definite locality, Sellow s.n. (holotype, B, destroyed; frag, of holotype, NY; isotypes, E, G, K).

  • Synonyms

    Gaylussacia leptobotrys DC., Leucothoe pulchra var. parvifolia Meisn., Andromeda pulchra Cham. & Schltdl., Leucothoe pulchra (Cham. & Schltdl.) DC., Andromeda sellowii Steud.

  • Description

    Species Description - Shrub to ca. 1 m tall; twigs glabrous to very sparsely pubescent, with nonchambered pith; buds to ca. 1.3 mm long, leaves revolute. Leaves usually very coriaceous, ovate to elliptic, 1.3-3.5(-4.3) × 0.8-2(-2.5) cm, base cordate to rounded, apex acute- to rounded- or retuse-mucronate, margin entire, plane, adaxial surface glabrous to sparsely pubescent on basal portion of midvein, abaxial surface glabrous, usually with few to several inconspicuous to conspicuous glandular dots along midvein; petiole 1-5 mm long. Inflorescences axillary racemes to 4-12 cm long; rachis glabrous to very sparsely (moderately) pubescent; pedicels 3.5-7(-8) mm long, glabrous to sparsely (moderately) pubescent; bracteoles 2, alternate to subopposite, from nearly basal to within lower 1/3 (to near middle) of pedicel, triangular to narrowly so, to ca. 1.2 mm long; floral bracts to 1.7 mm long. Flowers with triangular calyx lobes, with acuminate apices, 1.2-2 × 0.6-1.3 mm, abaxial surface glabrous (to sparsely to moderately pubescent); corolla cylindrical, white (to reddish), 6-8.5(-9) × 2.5-4 mm, glabrous; filaments 3.5-5 mm long; anthers 1.1-1.3 mm long; ovary glabrous (sparsely to moderately pubescent). Capsules subglobose to short-ovoid, 3.5-4.5 × 5-7 mm, placentae subapical (to ± central); seeds 1-1.5 mm long.

  • Discussion

    Agarista pulchra apparently is closely related to A. coriifolia and A. subrotunda (see above for distinguishing features). See illustration in Hooker (1847, t. 4313).

    Several specimens- i.e., St.-Hilaire s.n., 1816-1821-are unusual because of their rather large leaves and their capsules with central placentae. These plants are tentatively placed here, although they also show similarities to Agarista coriifolia. They may represent an undescribed taxon (Judd, 1984).

  • Objects

    Specimen - 00943122, H. S. Irwin 30468, Agarista pulchra (Cham. & Schltdl.) G.Don, Ericaceae (261.0), Magnoliophyta; South America, Brazil, Minas Gerais

    Specimen - 00943121, A. F. C. P. Saint-Hilaire s.n., Agarista pulchra (Cham. & Schltdl.) G.Don, Ericaceae (261.0), Magnoliophyta; South America, Brazil, Minas Gerais

  • Distribution

    SE Brazil, small region of south central Minas Gerais. Open campo and slopes, low, dense woodland and thickets; iron-rich soil. Flowering September through January.

    Brazil South America| Minas Gerais Brazil South America|