Piptocarpha opaca subsp. opaca

  • Authority

    Smith, Gerald L. & Coile, Nancy C. 2007. (Compositae: Vernonieae). Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 99: 1--94. (Published by NYBG Press)

  • Family

    Asteraceae

  • Scientific Name

    Piptocarpha opaca subsp. opaca

  • Type

    Type. Guyana. Serra Mey, s.d., R. Schomburgk 1016 (holotype, K; isotypes, BM, K).

  • Synonyms

    Vernonia opaca Benth., Carphobolus opacus (Benth.) Sch.Bip., Carphobolus latifolius Sch.Bip., Piptocarpha opaca var. latifolia (Sch.Bip.) Baker

  • Discussion

    Several herbarium sheets of subsp. opaca bear the following information: “Vernonia asterotrichia Benth. ex Baker, Mart. Fl. bras. 6(2): 124. 1873.” However, this is a pro syn. name (not validly published).

    Subspecies opaca is distinguished by its coriaceous, ovate leaves and showy subsessile, hemispheric to globose inflorescences (Fig. 12).

  • Distribution

    This subspecies occurs in Brazil and Peru, along the margins and upland regions of the Amazon River. The high climbing shrubs grow in forests on terra firme at elevations from 25 to 700 m. Flowering and fruiting occur chiefly from Jul to Nov.

    Amazonas Peru South America| Loreto Peru South America| Amazonas Brazil South America| Pará Brazil South America|