Topobea parasitica Aubl.

THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN
PLANTS OF FRENCH GUIANA
No. 18724	Melastomataceae
Topobea parasitica Aublet
Det. Gracie, 1987
SaUl, 3°37'N, 53°12'W. On Grand Boeuf Mort Trail, 200
m from Mont Galbao Trail, ca. 200-250 m alt. Non-
flooded moist forest.
Epiphytic shrub, 25 m from ground, in large tree. Four
green bracts in two decussate pairs; pale green, 6-10
lobed calyx, apex of each lobe creamy-green with tuft
of white hairs, after petals fall, lobes become red
tinged; 6 magenta petals, connate at base, somewhat
truncate at apex; stamens zygomorphic, 11, anthers
creamy yellow, at 90° angle to filament, curved, 3/4
as long as filament, inner surface rugose, with apical
pores; base of style white, middle 3/4 darker magenta
than petals, apex glistening white. Photos.
S.A. Mori & C. A. Gracie
15 August 1987
03530584