Myrcia ascendens explained

Myrcia ascendens is a species of plant in the family Myrtaceae, endemic to Bahia in north-east Brazil, and first described in 2015.[1]

Etymology

The species name refers to the pattern of the plant's branches, which are mostly all held straight upwards.[2]

Description

Myrcia ascendens is a shrub or small tree that grows to between 1 and 3 metres tall. Leaves grow up to 16mm long and 5mm wide. Fruits are red, up to 6mm wide with up to 2 seeds.

Distribution

This plant has only been found on rock outcrops close to rivers, in the municipal park of Mucugê, and the Serra de São Pedro.

Conservation status

Myrcia ascendens is considered to be critically endangered due to its limited distribution.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Myrcia ascendens M.F.Santos . Plants of the World Online . Kew Science . February 13, 2021.
  2. Matheus F. . Santos . Eve . Lucas . Paulo T. . Sano . 2015 . Phytotaxa . Five new South American species of Myrcia s.l. (Myrtaceae) . 234 . 2 . 159–171 . 10.11646/phytotaxa.234.2.6.