Persea meridensis L.E.Kopp
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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.
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Family
Lauraceae
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Scientific Name
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Description
Latin Diagnosis - Arbor ad 8 m. (fide Lasser) ; ramuli angulares, dense ferrugineo-pilosi, cortice sine odore; petioli 2-3 cm. longi, striati, moderate ferrugineo-pilosi: laminae 11-12 cm. longae, 4.5-7 cm. latae, coriaceae, ellipticae, apice brevi-acuminato, basi acuta usque ad obtusam, superficie superiore nitida, inferiore fulvo-pilosa, glauca, costa supra impressa, infra prominenti, venis primariis (7-8 jugis) ex angulo 40-50° divertentibus, supra impressis, infra prominentibus, venulis utrinque obscuris. Inflorescentiae sessiles, axillares, multiflorae, lato-paniculatae, quisque longitudine e parte dimidia ad totam fold subtendentis; pedicelli 3-4 mm. longi; flores 5-5.5 mm. longi; perianthii segmenta exteriora 2.5 mm. longa, late ovata, externe pallide ferrugineo-pilosa, intus glabra; perianthii segmenta interiora 4.5 mm. longa, elliptica, utrinque ferrugineo-pilosa; serierum I et II filamenta 1.5 mm. longa, sparse pilosa, antheris 1.2 m m. longis, oblongo-ovatis, quadrilocularibus; seriei III staminodia 2.8 mm. longa, pilosa, glandulis subsessilibus et subbasilaribus; seriei IV staminodia lato-sagittata cum setis terminalibus; gynoecium glabrum, ovario 1.5 mm. longo, 2 m. lato, depresso-globoso; stylus 2 mm. longus; stigma peltatum. Infructescentia ignota.
Distribution and Ecology - Distribution. Northwestern Venezuela.
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Discussion
Type collection. T. Lasser 1206, Merida, El Paramito, near Escuque. "Laurel negro. Tree + 8 m." Aug. 1944 (holotype US. isotype UC).
The shorter leaf-blades, the fewer pairs of primary nerves, the relatively longer inflorescences, and the smaller flowers are the morphological criteria by which P. meridensis can be separated from the "typical" variety of P peruviana which it most dosely resembles.
Vernacular name. Laurel negro (Lasser).