Persea oblongifolia L.E.Kopp

  • Authority

    Kopp, Lucille E. 1966. A tasonomic revision of the genus Persea in the Western Hemisphere (Perseae-Lauraceae). Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 14: 1-117.

  • Family

    Lauraceae

  • Scientific Name

    Persea oblongifolia L.E.Kopp

  • Description

    Latin Diagnosis - Arbor; ramuli graciles, fusco-lanati, cortice cum odore; petioli 7-10 mm. longi, canaliculati, fusco-lanati; laminae 4.5-11 cm. longae, 1.5-2.5 cm. latae, chartaceae, oblongo-ellipticae, apice acuto, basi cuneata, superficie superiore glabra, inferiore pilosa, costa supra impressa, infra prominenti, venis primariis (9-11 jugis) ex angulo 70-85° divertentibus, supra obscura, infra prominula, venulis utrinque obscuris. Inflorescentiae axillares, quisque brevior quam folium subtendens; pedunculi 3.5 cm. longi, graciles, dense lanati; rachis 1.5 cm. longa; pedicelli 3 mm . longi, lanati; flores 3 mm . longi; perianthii segmenta exteriora 2.2 mm. longa, 1.5 lata, externe strigosa, interne glabra; perianthii segmenta interiora 3 mm. longa, 2 mm. lata, ovata, utrinque strigosa; staminorum serierum I and II, filamenta strigosa, antheris quadrilocularibus, locularibus superioribus vestigialibus; staminorum serierum III, filamenta strigosa cum glandulis, antheris oblongis, quadrilocularibus, locularibus superioribus vestigialibus; Seriei IV staminodia sagittata setis terminalibus instructa; gynoecium ignotum. Infructescentia fructibus paucis; perienthii segmenta patentia, omnino persistentia; fructus ignoti.

    Distribution and Ecology - Distribution. Santo Domingo. Known only from type.

  • Discussion

    Type collection. E. L. Ekman 11517, Cordillera Central, Prov. Sto. Domingo, Loma La Campana, "Medium-sized tree; fruiting, high ridge, ca 1000 m., common." Nov. 2, 1929 (holotype B) . The relatively narrow oblong leaves, crisped pubescence, and obscure, widely divergent nerves, readily distinguish P. oblongifolia from its nearest relative, P. anomala. Though both of these species possess quadrilocular anthers, the upper cells are vestigial, and therefore they are probably functionally two-celled. This is a natural step in the trend towards reduction.