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Issue: Vol. 784 No. 1: 10 Nov. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-11-10
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.784.1.6
Page range: 71-82
Abstract views: 17
PDF downloaded: 12

Eugenia bonita (Myrtaceae), a new species with edible fruits from the Cerrado of northern Minas Gerais, Brazil

Instituto de Ciências Agrárias; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Montes Claros; Minas Gerais; Brasil
Instituto de Ciências Agrárias; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Montes Claros; Minas Gerais; Brasil
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Botânica Aplicada; Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros; Montes Claros; Minas Gerais; Brasil
Instituto Interamericano de Cooperação para a Agricultura; Lago Sul; Brasília; DF; Brasil
Eudicots Extractivism non-timber forest products Pseudeugenia

Abstract

Eugenia bonita, a new species from the Cerrado of northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, is described and illustrated. The species is assigned to Eugenia sect. Pseudeugenia and differs from morphologically similar species, especially E. dysenterica, by its fissured rhytidome with acute ridges, fibrous inner bark, leaves frequently bearing oblong galls, larger cataphylls with a yellowish base and ferruginous apex, larger spatulate bracts, larger bracteoles remaining persistent until the beginning of anthesis, calyx lobes with sparsely ciliate margins and orange to deep yellow fruits when mature. The new species occurs in cerrado sensu stricto on sandy soils associated with the Urucuia Formation and is apparently endemic to this region. Data on distribution, phenology, conservation status, and traditional uses are provided. Based on its restricted distribution, small number of locations, and ongoing habitat degradation, the species is assessed as Endangered (EN).

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How to Cite

Fonseca, R.S., Tavares, D.I., Rangel, E.B. & Júnior, J.E.Q.D.F. (2026) Eugenia bonita (Myrtaceae), a new species with edible fruits from the Cerrado of northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Phytotaxa 784 (1): 71–82. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.784.1.6