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Grias purpuripetala (Lecythidaceae), a new purple-flowered species from southern Colombia

Abstract:

A new species, Grias purpuripetala, is described. It is the only species of the genus known to have the combination of monocaulous growth form; short inflorescence rachises; purple, erect petals at anthesis; anthers with small thecae and slightly apiculate connectives; and an intrastaminal disc. It is described based on collections from the western slopes of the Andes in the state of Nariño in southern Colombia. The authors hypothesize that this spectacular species is bat- or beetle-pollinated because the flowers are nocturnal. This is the only species of the genus with purple petals-all others are either white or yellow. © 2010 The New York Botanical Garden.