Manihot alutacea D.J.Rogers & Appan
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Authority
Rogers, David J. & Appan, S. G. 1973. Manibot, Manihotoides (Euphorbiaceae). Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 13: 1-272. 1 chart. (Published by NYBG Press)
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Family
Euphorbiaceae
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Scientific Name
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Type
TYPE. Harley, Barroso et al 11404: Brasil, Goias: Chapada dos Veadeiros, ca 65 km due N of Brasilia, in rocky cerrado at summit of serra, 21 Dec 1968 (holotype, K; isotype, NY).
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Description
Latin Diagnosis - Frutices, ca 1.5 m altus. Lamina alutaceus in textura, petioli, vene et margines laminarum vividum rubrum; palmatus 5 lobatus; lobi mediani digitiformi, ca 9.0 cm longae, ca 2.0 cm latae. Inflorescentia fasciculus racemorum exoriens unum punctum basalis, ca 15.0 cm longa, tepala flavovirens purpureo pigmentum basi. Fructi et seminae non vidi.
Description - Shrubs, ca 1.5 m tall; with strong HCN smell. Young stems, glabrous, deep red; mature stems glabrous, with some purplish pigmentation. Leaves alternate; stipules caducous; petioles ca 12.0 cm long, obtuse-angled, glabrous, bright red, petiole attachment to lamina basal, nonpeltate; lamina alutaceus in texture, adaxial surface dark green, glossy, abaxial surface wax pattern smooth, venation camptodromous, veins glabrous, bright red, midribs stout, 0.1 cm in diameter near the petiole midrib junction; lamina palmately 5 lobed; median lobes digitiform, ca 9.0 cm long, ca 2.0 cm wide, apex acute, base of lobes 1.0 cm wide, width between lobe sinus and petiole-lamina junction 1.5 cm, edge of lamina bright reddish, lowest lobes more or less similar to median lobes in outline, slightly smaller. Inflorescence monoecious, terminal, a cluster of racemes arising from one basal point, long, ca 15.0 cm in length, all parts except the interior surface of tepals glabrous; bracteoles and bractlets setaceous, less than 0.3 cm long, less than 0.2 cm wide, glabrous, margin sometimes serrate. Pistillate flowers restricted to the base of the upper 1/2 of the inflorescence; pedicels 1.5 cm long; tepal 1.0 cm long, yellowish green with purplish pigmentation at the base, interior surface pubescent, cleft to base into 5 lobes, ovary subglobose with reddish ribs. Staminate buds ovoid-ellipsoid; flowers medium sized, tepal 1.0 cm long, yellowish green with purplish pigmentation at the base, cleft 1/3 way down into 5 lobes; stamens 10, in 2 whorls of 5 each, the superior whorl 0.8 cm long, the inferior 0.6 cm long. Fruits immature with bright red ribs; mature fruit ca 1.3 cm long, globose, surface punctate. Seeds 0.9 cm long, caruncle well developed.
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Discussion
This quite distinct species has as its closest relative Manihot quinqueloba from which it is distinguished by its digitiform leaf lobes. The texture of the leaf is like tanned leather.
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Distribution
(Fig 56C). Brasil, Goias, alt ca 1250 m.
Brazil South America| Goiás Brazil South America|