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Issue: Vol. 720 No. 1: 26 Sept. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-09-26
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.720.1.3
Page range: 35-45
Abstract views: 626
PDF downloaded: 18

Grindelia rheophila (Asteraceae, Astereae): A new species and a river-borne exception in a genus shaped by Deserts

Programa de Pós-graduação em Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
Programa de Pós-graduação em Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
Programa de Pós-graduação em Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Núcleo de Ilustração Científica & Laboratório de Sistemática e Evolução de Plantas; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisiologia Vegetal, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil
Programa de Pós-graduação em Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
Embrapa Clima Temperado, Rodovia BR 392, km 78, Caixa Postal 403, Pelotas, RS 96010-971, Brazil
Taxonomy Compositae endemism Machaerantherinae rheophytes plant conservation Eudicots

Abstract

Grindelia rheophila (Asteraceae, Astereae), the first known rheophytic gumweed species is proposed, described, and illustrated here. Unlike most species of the genus, which are adapted to almost permanently dry environments, this new species thrives in dynamic riverine habitats with fast-flowing water. Grindelia rheophila is characterized by the erect to decumbent growth form, long linear-elliptic leaves, and a pappus with hemipaleaceous and bristle elements, which differentiate it from the morphologically similar G. buphthalmoides, G. pulchella and G. scorzonerifolia. The new species is known only at the northern headwaters of the Ibicuí river basin along the edge of the South Brazilian plateau in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where it grows along rocky flood-prone margins of the watercourse, as rapids and waterfalls are influenced by seasonal hydrological fluctuations. We highlight the vulnerability of rheophile ecosystems to anthropogenic threats, particularly dam construction and climate-driven extreme weather events, justifying the recognition of the new species as Critically Endangered (CR A2ac+3c+4ac; B1a,b(i,ii,iii,iv),c(iii)). A watercolor illustration, habitat photographs, a distribution map, and an identification key for Brazilian Grindelia are also provided.

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How to Cite

Fernandes, F., Büneker, H.M., Iganci, J., Souza-Chies, T.T.D. & Heiden, G. (2025) Grindelia rheophila (Asteraceae, Astereae): A new species and a river-borne exception in a genus shaped by Deserts. Phytotaxa 720 (1): 35–45. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.1.3