Syzygium crystalliferum (Myrtaceae), a new tree species from Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines and lectotypification of Eugenia purpuriflora Elmer

Abstract

A new species of Syzygium (Myrtaceae) from Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, Luzon, Philippines – Syzygium crystalliferum is described and illustrated here as species new to science. Syzygium crystalliferum is similar to S. purpuriflorum by having sessile leaves, cordate base, terminal inflorescence, large flowers and free perianth lobes. However, it is unique in pustules in dried leaves and inflorescence, and having chartaceous-coriaceous leaf texture, coarser secondary leaf venation, individual flowers borne on a distinct pedicel, shorter hypanthium, smaller calyx lobes, and red fruit turning deep purple when ripe. Preliminary assessment of conservation status following IUCN guidelines assign S. crystalliferum as Critically Endangered (CR). This discovery makes the first addition to Philippine Syzygium in over 70 years since Elmer D. Merrill's last taxonomic work on the genus. Additionally, a lectotype for the basionym Eugenia purpuriflora is designated.