An overlooked morphological feature in the genus <i>Rhodospatha</i> (Araceae, Monsteroideae, Anepsiadeae) revealed through international collaboration, with the description of a new endemic species from Costa Rica.

ABSTRACT: A recent floristic survey in the Pacific slope of the Talamanca Mountain (Costa Rica), has revealed a new species of Rhodospatha, characterised by a bracteolate inflorescence. We describe and fully illustrate Rhodospatharubrinervis from the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve. A detailed taxonomic description, as well as its distribution, ecology, phenology and conservation assessment are provided, along with a comparative discussion of its morphological affinities with R.forgetii and R.wendlandii. In addition, we present a brief discussion on the presence of a bracteole in Rhodospatha, a morphological character that, although illustrated by H.W. Schott 160 years ago, has not previously been described in detail.

SUBMITTER: Cedeno-Fonseca M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12322674 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature