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Issue: Vol. 774 No. 3: 17 Sept. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-09-17
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.774.3.4
Page range: 241-251
Abstract views: 61
PDF downloaded: 13

A new species of Leucheria (Nassauvieae, Asteraceae) from the Patagonian Andes

Laboratorio de Sistemática y Biología Reproductiva de Plantas Vasculares; Instituto de Micología y Botánica (INMIBO; UBA-CONICET); Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires; C1428EGA; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires; Argentina
Laboratorio de Sistemática y Biología Reproductiva de Plantas Vasculares; Instituto de Micología y Botánica (INMIBO; UBA-CONICET); Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires; C1428EGA; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires; Argentina
Eudicots Flora Altoandina Leucheria Nassauvieae Patagonia

Abstract

A new species of Leucheria endemic to the Patagonian Andes in northern Neuquén, Argentina, is reported. Leucheria melorum is characterized by its cushion-like growth habit composed of dense woolly rosettes, rhizomes covered by persistent old leaves, and capitula with white to pink flower corollas. The species inhabits high-elevation volcanic environments (2550–2900 m a.s.l.) on the Domuyo and the Wayle massifs. We provide a detailed morphological description, illustrations highlighting the diagnostic morphological traits and a key for distinguishing L. melorum from related species. Based on the IUCN criteria and categories, a preliminary conservation status assessment is also given.

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How to Cite

Horton, J.F. & Picca, P.I. (2026) A new species of Leucheria (Nassauvieae, Asteraceae) from the Patagonian Andes. Phytotaxa 774 (3): 241–251. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.774.3.4