A REVISION OF CALVOA HOOK. F. (MELASTOMATACEAE)

Estrela Figueiredo

Centro de Botânica, Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical, Trav. Conde da Ribeira 9, 1300-142 Lisboa, Portugal.

Email: e.p.figueiredo@mail.telepac.pt

Abstract

A revision of the genus Calvoa Hook. f. (Melastomataceae) is presented. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) and Cluster Analyses (UPGMA) were performed to elucidate three cases of difficult species delimitation and infraspecific variation, with the following results. (1) The separation between C. crassinoda Hook. f. and C. grandifolia Cogn. was clear in the results obtained from both methods. (2) The group of West-Central African species Calvoa angolensis A. Fern. & R. Fern., C. calliantha Jacq.-Fél, C. monticola A. Chev., C. pulcherrima Cilg ex Engl., C. sapinii De Wild., C. seretti De Wild., C. sinuata Hook. f. and C. subquinquenervia De Wild. proved difficult to resolve with either analysis, but the Cluster Analysis produced results which are more consistent with identification of the specimens. (3) Neither of the two analyses supported the recognition of infraspecific categories in Calvoa orientalis Taub. Eighteen species are recognised in the genus. The new species Calvoa jacques-felixii E. Figueiredo is described and the new combination Calvoa seretti subsp. wildemaniana (Exell) E. Figueiredo is made. Four lectotypes are designated. The conservation status of some taxa is discussed. Six species are considered rare and possibly under threat.