Perama mexiae Standl. ex Steyerm.

  • Authority

    Maguire, Bassett & Wurdack, John J. 1964. The botany of the Guayana Highland--Part V. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 10: 1-278.

  • Family

    Rubiaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Perama mexiae Standl. ex Steyerm.

  • Description

    Latin Diagnosis - Herba 1.5-4 cm alta annua, caulibus simplicibus erectis adpresso-strigosis monocephalis; foliis oppositis rigidis adscendentibus 3-nervatis sessilibus linearilanceolatis apice longe acuminatis vel subulatis 7-9 mm longis 0.8-1 mm latis utrinque glabris, marginibus setoso-ciliatis setis 0.6-1 mm longis instructis, nervis subtus prominentibus; capitulis late oblongis 5-11 mm altis 6-7 mm latis; calyce corollam fere aequanti, tubum corollae aequanti vel longiore quam eum, 4-4.5 mm longo 0.3 mm lato rigide pectinato-ciliato cum 2 setis apicalibus 0.4-0.5 mm longis instructo, ceteris setis lateralibus 0.8-1 mm longis; corolla lutea 5.5 mm longa, infundibuliformi-tubulosa, tubo superne parce graduatimque ampliato 4.25 mm longo basi 0.5 mm lato apice 1 mm lato extus glabro intus infra apicem o-labro fauce pilosula, lobis ascendentibus triangulari- vel ovato-lanceolatis acuminatis 1.2 mm longis 0.5 mm latis extus parce breviter hirtellis intus glabris prope basin papillatis; staminibus 0.5 mm exsertis; antheris oblongis subsessilibus in apicem faucis insertis 0.8 mm longis, filamentis subobsoletis 0.1 mm longis; stylis 4.2-4.5 mm longis glabris; hypanthio in anthesi obconico 0.5 mm alto; seminibus immaturis rubro-brunneis suborbiculari-ovalibus 0.5 mm longis scrobiculatis.

  • Discussion

    Fig. 81, A-E.

    This species is distinguished by the combination of monocephalous stems, which are short and simple, crowded opposite pairs of leaves, calyx equaling the corolla or nearly so, the corolla-tube mostly glabrous within, and the elongate triangular-ovate, acuminate coroUa-lobes. The specimen of Lasser 1892 (NY) approaches this species in habit only. Standley noted on the label of the holotype: "Quite a remarkable plant in a genus in which one would scarcely expect a new species."