A new species of the Marlierea group (Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia, Myrtaceae) from the cacao region of Bahia, Brazil

A new species of the Marlierea group of Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia (Myrtaceae) is described and illustrated. Myrcia bahiensis Gaem & Mazine can be distinguished from all its congeners by large leaf blades bearing longitudinal, curved marks that indicate a plicate ptyxis, in combination with glabrous inflorescences, inconspicuous bracts, large flower buds, and a ‘hyper-hypanthium’ floral developmental pathway. Within the Marlierea group, vegetative morphological traits of Myrcia bahiensis most resemble those of Myrcia sucrei, whereas its reproductive organ morphology recalls M. neoregeliana. However, M. sucrei has densely tomentose inflorescences and showy bracts while M. neoregeliana has smaller leaves without longitudinal marks, indicating a planate ptyxis. Myrcia bahiensis is known from only one collection made in the cacao region of southern Bahia, Brazil. Due to a lack of reliable geographical distribution information, the new taxon is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient according to the IUCN criteria. An identification key for all species of the Marlierea group occurring in the Atlantic Forest of Bahia state is provided.