Piptocarpha opaca subsp. piraparanaensis G.Lom.Sm.

  • 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. piraparanaensis G.Lom.Sm.

  • Type

    Type. Colombia. Vaupés: Río Piraparaná headwaters of Cãno Teemeeña, Lobo Igarapé, 10 Sep 1952, Schultes & Cabrera 17346 (holotype, GH; isotypes, BM, NY, US).

  • Description

    Subspecies Description - Leaves with petioles furrowed, cinereous-tomentose 5-10 mm long; blades usually small 5-8.5 x 2-3 cm, with 4-7 lateral veins on each side. Inflorescences axillary, hemispheric clusters of 7-9 heads. Heads of 6-8 florets, subsessile; involucre turbinate 7.5 -8 x 3-4 mm.

  • Discussion

    Subspecies piraparanäensis is distinguished from subsp. opaca by its smaller, oblong or elliptic leaves and smaller heads vs. the larger, ovate leaves and larger heads of subsp. opaca.

  • Distribution

    Piptocarpha opaca subsp. piraparanaensis is found in Colombia along and near the margins of the Rio Piraparaná. It grows as a shrub climbing in trees and forming riverine thickets. Flowering and fruiting chiefly occurs from May to Sep.

    Vaupés Colombia South America|