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Type: Article
Published: 2014-12-30
Page range: 154–164
Abstract views: 22
PDF downloaded: 20

Rediscovery of Eugenia fajardensis (Myrtaceae), a rare tree from the Puerto Rican Bank

The Institute for Regional Conservation. 100 East Linton Boulevard, Suite 302B, Delray Beach, Florida 33483 USA.
Herbario UPR, Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, 1187 Calle Flamboyán, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00926. Pennsylvania State University, Department of Biology, 208 Mueller Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA.
Carr. 485 km 3.1, Barrio San José, Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, 00678.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry, Jardín Botánico Sur, 1201 Calle Ceiba, Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, 00926. Arboretum Parque Doña Inés, Fundación Luis Muñoz Marín, RR 2, Buzón #5, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926.
Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A. C., Herbario CICY, A. P. 87, Cordemex, Mérida 97310, Yucatán, México.
Herbario UPR, Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, 1187 Calle Flamboyán, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00926.
Pennsylvania State University, Department of Biology, 208 Mueller Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA.
Antilles Caribbean Culebra Fajardo’s big guava “guayabota de Fajardo” Puerto Rico Vieques West Indies

Abstract

Eugenia fragrans var.? fajardensis was described in 1895 and raised to species status in 1923 as E. fajardensis. In 1925, it was relegated to the synonymy of Anamomis fragrans (Myrcianthes fragrans). Since 2001, we have re-discovered wild plants and herbarium specimens, including a previously unidentified isotype of E. fajardensis, supporting the validity of this species. Here we designate a lectotype and an epitype for E. fajardensis. In addition, we provide: 1) an extended description for the species including the previously unknown flowers and fruits, an illustration, and photographs of live plants, 2) a key for the 24 taxa of Eugenia reported for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and 3) descriptions of the three known populations. These populations collectively hold 182 plants in the islands of Puerto Rico, Culebra, and Vieques. Based on the IUCN Red List Criteria, E. fajardensis meets the requirements to be considered a Critically Endangered species.