Emmotum celiae R.A.Howard
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Authority
Maguire, Bassett. 1978. The botany of the Guayana Highland--part X. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 29: 1-288.
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Family
Icacinaceae
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Scientific Name
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Description
Latin Diagnosis - Arbor usque 5 m alta; ramis novellis sericeo-pubescentibus glabrescentibus; petiolis 4-6 mm longis; foliis ellipticis, 2 x 1.1,4 x 2, 5 x 3 cm longis latisque, apice acutis vel rotundate acutis, minute apiculatis, basi cuneatis, margine integris, subtus glabris, duobis paribus nervorum lateralium distantium arcuatorum; inflorescentia axillari; floribus aggregatis axe usque 5 mm longo; calyce 1.3 mm longo, lobis ovatis 0.7 x 0.7 mm longis latisque, sericeis; petalis ovato-oblongis, apice acutis, extus leviter sericeis, intus costa longe pilosa; staminibus 2.5 mm longis, filamentis crassis applanatis; ovario inferne glabro, superne hirsuto, 1.5 mm diametro, asymmetrice 3-loculari; stylo brevi, 1.2 mm longo, glabro; fructu globulari vel ovoideo, 8 mm longo, 6 mm diametro, 3-loculari, rubello maturitate atrato.
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Discussion
This is the most distinctive species in the genus Emmotum with its small leaves, acute or rounded at the apex bearing a minute apiculum. It is most closely related to Emmotum glabrum, the common high altitude species of Guayana. Emmotum celiae has been collected between 1300 and 2000 m altitude in flower and in fruit in January through March. The clone from Cerro Paru has slightly larger (5 x 3 cm) leaves on some branches and it is impossible to determine from the specimens the relationship or position of the individual branches. It is a pleasure to name this species in honor of Celia Maguire who has accompanied her husband, Bassett Maguire, on so many expeditions to the Guayana Highland and who is the co-collector of the holotype.