Multi-loci phylogeny and morphological evidence support the recognition of Januaria (Spermacoceae, Rubiaceae), a new monospecific genus endemic to the North of Minas Gerais (Brazil)

NUÑEZ FLORENTIN, MARIELA; FLORENTÍN, J. E.; SALAS, R. M.; DESSEIN, STEVEN; JANSSENS, STEVEN

ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS.

ACAD BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS

Lugar: Rio de Janeiro; Año: 2023

0001-3765

Januaria is described as a new monospecific genus of Rubiaceae, based on material from Januária, northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The new taxon is endemic to Brazil, occuring in a vegetation type that is known locally as “carrasco”, in the southern limit of the Caatinga biome. Morphological (including palynological and SEM analyses) and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear (ETS, ITS) and plastid (atpB-rbcL, petD, rps16, trnL-trnF) sequence data were performed in the Spermacoce clade (tribe Spermacoceae). The molecular position and morphological features (a unique fruit dehiscence type, and pollen exine with simple reticulum) support Januaria as a new genus, with Mitracarpus as sister group, from which it differs principally in calyx morphology, corolla shape, and fruit dehiscence. Additionally, a further comparison with other morphologically similar genera is presented. We provide a formal description of Januaria, together with a distribution map and comments on its conservation. In addition, a discussion about the Brazilian endemics of the Spermacoce clade is given, also with a key to all the genera of this group present in the country