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Issue: Vol. 766 No. 3: 14 Jul. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-07-14
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.766.3.6
Page range: 281-290
Abstract views: 67
PDF downloaded: 9

Melastoma dinagatense (Melastomataceae): a new ultramafic-obligate, microendemic species from Dinagat Island, Philippines

Plant Biology Division; Institute of Biological Sciences; College of Arts and Sciences; Central Mindanao University; University Town; Musuan; Bukidnon 8710; Philippines; Center for Natural Science Research (CNSR); Central Mindanao University; University Town; Musuan; Bukidnon 8710; Philippines
Plant Biology Division; Institute of Biological Sciences; College of Arts and Sciences; Central Mindanao University; University Town; Musuan; Bukidnon 8710; Philippines; Center for Natural Science Research (CNSR); Central Mindanao University; University Town; Musuan; Bukidnon 8710; Philippines
Botanical Research Institute of Texas; 1700 University Drive; Fort Worth; TX 76107; U.S.A.
Plant Biology Division; Institute of Biological Sciences; College of Arts and Sciences; Central Mindanao University; University Town; Musuan; Bukidnon 8710; Philippines; Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM); Central Mindanao University; University Town; Musuan; Bukidnon 8710; Philippines
Department of Biology and Marine Biology; University of North Carolina Wilmington; 601 S. College Rd.; Wilmington; NC 28403; U.S.A.
Eudicots endangered endemic Mindanao morphology ultramafic flora

Abstract

Melastoma dinagatense (Melastomataceae) from Dinagat Island, Caraga Region, Philippines, is here described and illustrated. The species is most similar to the widespread M. malabathricum but differs in its longer pedicels, larger hypanthium and calyx lobes, longer hypanthium scales, and a distinctive leaf indumentum composed of elongated crystalliferous cells with a branched base and emergent hairs, as well as leaf margins with spreading pilose-ciliate hairs. The new species is known only from the ultramafic elfin forest on Mount Redondo and is assessed as Critically Endangered. A dichotomous key to the Philippine species of Melastoma is provided.

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How to Cite

Caylan, G.L., Medecilo-Guiang, M.M.P., Fritsch, P.W., Amoroso, V.B. & Penneys, D.S. (2026) Melastoma dinagatense (Melastomataceae): a new ultramafic-obligate, microendemic species from Dinagat Island, Philippines. Phytotaxa 766 (3): 281–290. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.766.3.6