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6 FIELDIANA: BOTANY, VOLUME 28
Compared with H. Steyermarkii the leaves here are of a different
shape, more bluntly pointed, and coarsely serrate above and plicate,
the costae are stouter, longer, and end in a minute prickle on the
back. These distinctions are not impressive but definite and well
maintained, so I feel convinced that //.
ptari-tepuiensis will prove
to be a valid species.
Lepidopilum Steyermarkii Bartr., sp. nov.
Dioicum? Gracile, lutescenti-viride. Caulis secundarius ad 2 cm.
longus, laxe foliosus. Folia sicca contorta, humida patentia, laterialia
asymmetrica, late ovata, abrupte breviter acuminata, superne
remote denticulata; nervis infra medium evanidis; cellulis ovatohexagonis,
marginalibus 3-5 seriatis angustioribus, limbum distincturn
efformantibus. Seta 3-3.5 mm. longa, superne grosse pappillosa,
infeme parce scaberula vel laevis; iheca inclinata, oblongo-ovato;
operculum longe et tenuiter rostratum; calyptra (immatura) ramentis
paucis praedita.
Type in herb. Bartrarn, isotype in herb. Chi. Nat. Hist. Mus.,
collected between Hacienda Agua Blanca above La Azulita and Rib
Capaz, state of Merida, alt. 975 m., April 26, 1944, Julian A. Steyermark
56138.
This species differs from L. tortifolium Mitt, in the broader more
abruptly pointed leaves and shorter setae which are papillose above
and nearly smooth below.