Medinilla theresae

Medinilla theresae is an endemic species of flowering evergreen shrub or liana in the family Melastomataceae, occurring on ultramafic soils on the dwarf forests of Mt. Redondo, Dinagat Island at 700-840 elevation, and at Mt. Hamiguitan, Philippines at growing at 900 m elevation[1] on the edges of upper montane forest, which reaches up to the 'mossy-pygmy' forest with elevation ranges of 1160−1200 m and 1460−1600 m elevation, respectively.[2] This terrestrial, cauliflorous shrub can grow erect at 1.5 m high.[3] The species whorled leaves, flowers which are 4-merous, and the pendulous inflorescences likened the species to M. pendula. However, it differed from the latter on distinct secondary veins on the leaves adaxial surface, the inflorescences which are cauline or axillary, and its straight anthers.[2]

Medinilla theresae
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Melastomataceae
Genus: Medinilla
Species:
M. theresae
Binomial name
Medinilla theresae
Edwino S. Fernando

Etymology

The species was named in honor of Theresa Mundita Lim, a wildlife advocate, and a former director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.[3][4]

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References
  1. "Melastomataceae". Co's Digital Flora of the Philippines. Retrieved 2019-08-25.
  2. Ong, Perry S.; Lillo, Edgardo P.; Quakenbush, J. Peter; Fernando, Edwino S. (2018-11-12). "Medinilla theresae (Melastomataceae), a new species from ultramafic soils in the Philippines". PhytoKeys. 113 (113): 145–155. doi:10.3897/phytokeys.113.30027. ISSN 1314-2003. PMC 6299056. PMID 30584396.
  3. Inquirer, Philippine Daily. "Rare plant species named in honor of Philippine wildlife expert". newsinfo.inquirer.net. Retrieved 2019-08-25.
  4. "6 new plant and animal species named after Filipinos". FlipScience - Top Philippine science news and features for the inquisitive Filipino. 2018-12-18. Retrieved 2019-08-25.


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