EDUARDO G. GONC;:ALVES, 2011 3 The Commonly Cultivated Species of Schott (), including Four New Species

Eduardo G. Gon\!alves Jardim Botilnico Inhotim Rua B, 20, Instituto Inhotim, CEP 35460-000 Brumadinho, MG, Brazil [email protected]

ABSTRACT Leon, 1994). The interest in cultivation of Xanthosoma has been growing recently The genus Xanthosoma Schott is widely (Morton, 1972), mainly in developing cultivated in the tropics, but very little is countries. A list of descriptors has been known about its , especially prepared recently (IBPGR, 1989) and a concerning the cultivated species. This great number of institutions have a clear article presents a key for determination, as interest in studying this important genus. It well as morphological descriptions and is estimated that approximately 400 million additional information about 14 forms/ people worldwide use Xanthosoma species of commonly cultivated Xantho­ and/or as staple food (Onokpise, soma, including four new species. The 2000). However, much more information species surveyed (and described) are: X. on its diversity is needed in order to help in appendiculatum Schott, X. atrovirens germplasm selection and preservation. C.Koch & Bouche, X. aureum E.G.Gon~., Despite its importance as a cultivated crop, X. blandum Schott, X. brasiliense (Desf.) the taxonomy of the genus has been Eng!., X. mafaffa Schott, X. mafaffa Schott neglected since the last revision, completed "lineolatum", X. monstruosum E.G.Gon~., by Engler & Krause (1920). X. panduriforme E.G.Gon~., X. riedelia­ Even less information has been pub­ num (Schott) Schott, X. robustum Schott, X. lished concerning the taxonomy of culti­ sagittifolium (1.) Schott, X. taioba vated species of Xanthosoma (e.g. Okeke, E.G.Gon~. and X. violaceum Schott, all of them illustrated with pictures. 1992). It has been stressed that many forms may be considered cultivars of Xantho­ soma sagittifolium (1.) Schott (Giacometti KEYWORDS & Leon, 1994), but it seems that most authors are not completely sure about what Xanthosoma, tannia, yautia, cocoyam, constitutes (see taioba, mangarito, tiquisque, belembe, discussion in Okeke, 1992). Araceae. The taxonomy of Xanthosoma (mainly considering cultivated species) is rather INTRODUCTION chaotic and poorly known (Giacometti & The genus Xanthosoma Schott is exclu­ Leon, 1994; MiWin etal., 2003). The reasons sively Neotropical, but has been introduced for this confusion are numerous and the in many tropical areas as cultivated most important are: 1. material is (Okeke, 1992; Quynh & Uyen, 1987). Some poorly preserved in herbarium specimens species are cultivated as food crops or or too big to fit an herbarium sheet; 2. Many simply gathered in the wild for many uses species were described based on bad (Plowman, 1969). It is known to be more drawings, incomplete or heterogeneous protein-rich than the traditionally cultivated collections or material of unknown origin; ( esculenta (1.) Schott) and 3. Phenotypic plasticity is almost a rule in probably easier to digest (Giacometti & the group; 4. Many species were primitively 4 AROIDEANA, Vol. 34

selected by native people before Europe­ to reconstruct the knowledge on this ans start to study them, so many cultivated important group. Since the names of the races are already developed. Moreover, cultivated species of Xanthosoma are details usually poorly preserved (or rarely usually grossly misapplied, the main pur­ annotated) seem to be important for the pose of this article is to help with the taxonomy of the genus, like color of identification of common cultivated spe­ different parts and habit that are rarely cies. It is possible that a few names or recorded on exsicattae. All these aspects concepts will change after a close scrutiny turn the taxonomy of Xanthosoma into a of all published names, but I think that this real nighmare! first modern account of cultivated species The history of the genus is also complex. would be useful for those interested on this When Linnaeus applied the binomial Arum important group. sagittaefolium to an edible aroid from Central and , he cited three different occurrences: , Barbados MATERIALS AND METIIODS and Brasil. However, he based his species Living plants of all species were ob­ concept on published accounts available at served and at least one specimen of each his time and a few of them (including observed taxon was vouchered. Voucher Sloane's book from 1707) were not entirely material is mainly deposited at Herbarium firsthand information, mixing up direct of the University of Brasilia (UB), except observation with the fragmentary reports when noted. Most specimens observed available. Thus, the concept of the first were growing in Brazil, USA, , known edible and useful species of and , but I believe that Xanthosoma already started poorly defined this survey is comprehensive in a world­ and has caused an immense confusion wide basis. It is important to stress that the , since then. When Schott erected the genus main aim for this article is to describe the Xanthosoma (1832) he indirectly based his most commonly. cultivated species. A full new genus in this Linnean chimeric spe­ revision of the entire genus is forthcoming cies. Although it seems that Schott inter­ preted the Linnean species precisely, his (Gon~alves, in prep.). taxonomy were mainly' based in living plants and very few later specialists fol­ RESULTS lowed his concepts precisely. The final result was that virtually all later researchers Thirteen species and one cultivar of interpreted that the cultivated species they commonly cultivated species of Xantho­ could spot locally were in fact Xanthosoma soma were surveyed. Most of them are sagittifolium. cultivated as ornamental plants, although Recently, an enormous dataset has been Xanthosoma mafaffa and x. robustum are constructed to improve the taxonomy of important food crops (bearing in mind that this group, including data on chromosome they are usually referred as X. sagittifolium counts, morphology and molecular biolo­ in literature). A tentative key for the gy. These data will be published elsewhere commonly cultivated species of Xantho­ soon, but based on this we have been able soma is here presented:

KEY TO COMMONLY SPECIES OF XANTHOSOMA 1. Leaves pandurate-sagittate to tripartite 2. blade 5--8 times longer than wide. Posterior lobes absent to measuring less than 1/6 the total leaf length ...... x. panduriforme 2. Leaf blade usually 1.5-3(-4) times longer than wide. Posterior lobes usually well developed, measuring at least Y4 of total leaf length EDUARDO G. GON<;:ALVES, 2011 5

3. Leaves hastate-tripartite, usually taller than 80 cm in mature plants. Stem cylindrical ...... X. brasiliense 3. Leaves pandurate-sagittate, usually up to 50 cm tall. Stem a tuber-like subglobose ...... X. riedelianum 1. Leaves cordate to sagittate 4. Leaves usually with a small leafy appendage at the abaxial (lower) surface, usually making the main leaf turn upwards ...... x. appendiculatum 4. Leaves without any leafy appendage at the abaxial surface. Some may have filiform appendages on the apex of leaves. 5. Petioles dark colored, blackish green to purplish, at least at base. 6. Leaves usually yellow-edged, somewhat deformed, sometimes bearing 'pockets' at the apex of leaves of young leaves, with a terminal filiform appendix...... X. monstruosum 6. Leaves never yellow-edged or deformed. 7. Petioles, as well as the midrib adaxially, violet (after having removed the wax), posterior lobes with acute to obtuse apex ... X. violaceum 7. Petioles dark green (after having removed the wax), midrib green adaxially; posterior lobes with rounded apex...... X. atrovirens 5. Petioles plain green, sometimes bluish because of the wax 8. Basal ribs denuded for at least 1 cm, usually more than this. 9. Younger plants golden green ...... X. aureum 9. Younger plants medium to dark green. 10. Midrib and primary lateral veins more or less concolorous with the blade...... X. blandum 10. Midrib and primary lateral veins discolorous i.e. paler than the blade 11. Stems epigeous, in adult plants up to 1.5 m above ground, staminodes white...... X. robustum 11. Stems usually hypogeous in adult plants (or epigeal only for less than 15 cm), staminodes pinkish to purplish ..X. mafaffa 8. Basal ribs never denuded or only slightly so. 12. Midrib and primary lateral nerves concolorous with the leaf blade. 13. Leaf blade dark green ...... X. sagittifolium 13. Leaf blade golden to yellowish green ...... X. aureum 12. Midrib and primary lateral nerves discolorous, paler than the leaf blade. 14. Posterior lobes comprising at least 1/3 of the leaf length ...... X. taioba 14. Posterior lobes comprising usually 1/5 or less of the leaf length ...... X. mafaffa "lineatum"

Annotated Checklist of to 4 cm in diameter, moderately covered CUltivated Species by brown fibers, producing sparse cormels. Leaves 3--4 per plant; petioles 64-90 cm 1. Xanthosoma appendiculatum long, blackish-green, conspicuously waxy, Schott Oesterr. Bot. Wochenbl. 4: sheathed up to 1/3 of its length, sheath 417. 1854. revolute; leaf blade 14-33 X 25-30 em, Xanthosoma atrovirens var. appendicula­ subcordate to sagittate in young plants, tum Engler in Martius, C. Flora Brasi­ sagittate or occasionally hastate in mature liensis 3(2): 194, 1878. plants, usually with the apical half turned Vernacular name: Tambataja (Brazil). upwards, glossy blackish green adaxially, Plant up to 1 m tall. Stems always medium glossy green abaxially, producing hypogeous, rhizomatous, cylindrical, up an extopic inverted leaflet-like appendage 6 AROIDEANA, Vol. 34 at some medial point of the midrib, duced Colocasia and ). Xantho­ appendage varying from hook-shaped or soma appendiculatum usually produces a cup-shaped to broadly leafy and undulated small leafy appendage at the adaxial or even duplicate, rarely lacking in young surface of the leaf that is an inverted leaflet. plants, primary lateral veins 6-7 per side, In Para state, the existence of this small leaf arising at an angle of 55-60°, slightly under the main leaf has a magical meaning discolorous adaxially, concolorous abaxi­ and there are some myths in the local ally, apex acuminate; basal ribs denuded folklore that "explain" the possible origins for 0-1.5 cm, basal lobes turned backward of this aberration. or slightly extroses, round at apex. Inflo­ rescences unknown. Figs. 1-2. 2. Xanthosoma atrovirens C.Koch & Bouche Index Sem. App. 3, 1854. Specimen seen: BRAZIL. Para: Belem, Vernacular names: Malanga amarilla (West Cultivated, 20 Feb 2011, Gonralves Indies); taioba-preta (Brazil) 2018 CUB, UFMG, MO, K) Herb up to 1.8 m tall, robust. Stems hypogeous or occasionally epigeous, rhi­ Original distribution: Most ancient publica­ zomatous, cylindrical, up to 26 cm in tions cited Para state (Northern Brazil) diameter and sometimes up to 30 cm tall, as the origin of this plant. densely covered by brown fibers, produc­ This species has never been seen by me ing sparse turbinate cormels. Leaves 3-5 in the wild, but it was described based on per plant; petioles 70-103 cm long, black­ material from the Brazilian state of Para. It ish-green, conspicuously waxy, slightly is mainly characterized by the dark green reddish at base, sheathed up to 1/3 of its leaves usually with a small leafy appendage length, sheath revolute; leaf blade 49-90 X below (Fig. 1). In specimens or leaves with 34-53 cm, cordate in young individuals, cordate to subhastate in mature plants, well-developed leafy appendages, there is semi-matte blackish green abaxially, medi­ a tendency for the leaf apex to turn um glossy green abaxially, primary lateral upwards in order to also expose the veins 8-10 per side, arising at an angle of 'adaxial' surface of the appendage (Fig. 2). 75-85°, slighly discolorous adaxially, con­ Xanthosoma appendiculatum was treat­ colorous abaxially, apex acuminate; basal ed by Engler & Krause (1920) as a variety of ribs denuded for 0-1.5 cm, basal lobes X. atrovirens, mainly because of the black­ turned backward or slightly extrose, round ish green leaves. However, the known at apex. 1-3 per axil, pe­ origin of the material and the distinct aspect duncle 50-80 X .5-0,8 cm; spathe 30-36 cm of the plant turn it into a recognizable long, tube 7-9 X 4-6 cm, blackish-green species. Moreover, phylogenetically, both outside, white inside, lamina 15-18 X 6- species are distinct (Batista in prep.). et al., 9 cm long, yellowish-white on both sides; The vernacular name of this species in spadix 20-28 cm long, fertile male portion Brazil is 'tambataja', originated by the Tupi yellowish-white 10-12 X 1-2 cm, sterile general language, spoken by the native male portion 5.5-6 X 1.5-2.5 cm, white, Brazilians before the European coloniza­ moderately dimorphic, female portion co­ tion. It seems to be derived of 'tamba' noid, 5-6 X 1-1.5 cm, bright yellow. Fig. 3. (shell) or 'tembe' (lips), alluding to the appendages at the abaxial surface of the Specimen seen: BRAZIL. Rio de Janeiro: leaves that are said by natives to resemble Sftio Roberto Burle Marx, s.d., Gon­ the female external genitalia. The all­ ralves 842 (UB, UFMG, MO, K) purpose name 'taja' or 'taya' or even 'taia' is used to designate any large aroid with Original distribution: . terrestrial habit, cordate-sagittate leaves and reticulate venation (Le. it includes all Xanthosoma atrovirens can be recog­ Xanthosoma, as well as the recently intro- nized by the blackish green parts (espe- EDUARDO G. GON<;::AlVES , 2011 7

Fig. 1. Xanthosoma appencliculatum. Note the leafy appendage below each leaf blade CGonrfalves 2018, photo E.G.Gon <;:a lves). Fig. 2. Xanthosoma appencliculatum. Note th e lea f apica l half turned upwards beca use of the influence of the small lea fy appendage CGonrfalves 2018 , p hoto E.G.Gon <;:a lves). Fig. 3. Xanth osoma atrovirens growing in l\oberto Burle Ma rx collectio ns. Note the blackish green foliage CGonrfalues 842, photo E.G.Gon \,=a lves). Fig. 4. Xanthosoma aureum, flowering individual. Note that adult p lants are not so golden CGonrfalves 843, photo E.G.Gon<;:a lves). 8 AROIDEANA, Vol. 34 cially the upper leaf surface) and for the 46 cm, sagittate in young individuals, basal lobes that are almost invariably round sagittate to subhastate in mature plants, (only rarely obtuse) at apex. Another golden green to clear green abaxially, matte noteworthy aspect is the lower surface of pale green abaxially, primary lateral veins leaves that are strongly whitish, mainly in 6-7 per side, arising at an angle of 80-85°, younger leaves. slightly discolorous to concolorous adaxi­ Xanthosoma atrovirens is usually labeled ally, concolorous abaxially, apex acumi­ as X. violaceum, mainly because of the nate; basal ribs denuded for .3-1.5 cm, basal waxy petioles that gives the impression of lobes slightly extrose, obtuse to round at being purplish. In fact, this aspect is caused apex. Inflorescences 1-3 per axil, peduncle by the effect of the bluish wax over the dark 15-17 X .4-.5 cm; spathe 11-15 cm long, green petioles. If the wax is scratched, it is tube ovoid 6-7 X 4-6 cm, yellowish green possible to observe that the petioles are not outside, white inside, lamina 13-14.5 X 2.5- at all violet. True X. violaceum are always 5 cm, ivory green in both sufaces; spadix violet, even below the wax covering. 9.5-11.5 cm long, fertile male portion This species seems to get dormant yellowish-white 6-7 X .7 cm, sterile male irregularly even without external factors portion 1.5-2 X .8-1 cm, white, weakly like a dry or cold period. I have seen plants dimorphic, female portion conoid, 2-3 X entering into dormancy in Burle Marx's .8-1 cm, dark ferrugineous. Figs. 4-6. collection at Rio de Janeiro, where the conditions usually do not vary through the Original distribution: Unknown. year. Since its original description, many This species is readily recognized be­ varieties has been referred to this species, cause of the coloration of young plants that possibly only based on the blackish green are golden green color (although it is parts. None of those varieties and forms are usually less pronounced in mature individ­ here recognized, since molecular studies uals), as well as for the strongly ferrugin­ has shown that these varieties are not any eous coloration of the female portion, closer to Xanthosoma atrovirens than to mainly after the anthesis (Fig. 5). They are any other sagittate-leaved Xanthosoma. usually eye-catching plants, so they are used for landscaping and are present in 3. Xanthosoma aureum E.G.Gon~. sp. collections worldwide. They will turn less nov. golden with age (Fig. 4), but even this way Ab aliis speciebus foliis petioloque flavo­ they are still striking. They are easy to viridibus differt praecipue in stirpibus cultivate, but flowering events are rare. juvenculis. Typus: BRAZIL. Rio de Janeiro: Pedra de 4. Xanthosoma blandum Schott Bon­ Guaratiba. Cultivated at Sttio Roberto plandia 10: 346. 1862. Burle-Marx, s.d., Gonf(alves 843 (ho­ Xanthosoma majaffa var. blandum lotype UB; isotype UFMG, MO, K). (Schott) Eng\. F\. Bras. 3(2): 193, 1878. Vernacular names: taioba-dourada (Brazil); Vernacular names: Taiobinha (Brazil). golden Yautia, lime-zinger (USA). Plant up to 1.6 m tall, but rarely reaching Herb up to 1.15 m tall. Stems hypogeous half of this size. Stems always hypogeous, or occasionally epigeous, rhizomatous, rhizomatous, cylindrical, up to 7 cm in cylindrical, up to 7 cm in diameter and diameter, moderately covered by brown sometimes up to 5 cm tall, densely covered fibers, branching profuselly in well stab­ by brown fibers, producing sparse cormels. lished plants, producing sparse globose­ Leaves 2-5 per plant; petioles 60-100 cm turbinate cormels. Leaves 3-4 per plant; long, golden green, poorly waxy, sheathed petioles 30-98 cm long, green, never up to 1/2 of its length, sheath erect or conspicuously waxy, usually brownish at slightly convolute; leaf blade 41-48 X 44- base, sheathed up to 1/3 of its length, EDUARDO G. GON<;:AlVES, 2011 9

Fig. 5. Xanthosoma aumum, infl o rescence with spathe cut to show the blackish female spadix CGonf{alves 843, photo E.G.Gon\;alves). Fig. 6. Young individuals of Xantbosoma au.reum, showing the striking yell owish color CGonfalves 843, photo E.G.Gol1\;alves). Fig. 7. Xantbosoma hlandum. Cultivated group CGonfalves 891, photo E.G.Gol1 \;alves). Fig. 8. Xanthosoma hlandwn. Deta il of infl orescence CGonfalves s.n., photo: E.G.GOlwalves). 10 AROIDEAJ"IA, Vol. 34

Fig. 9. cultivated in group. Note the strongly tripartite-hastate lea f blade (Gonf;alves 2019, photo E.G.Gon t;,:a lves) . Fig. 10. Xanth oso111.a mc!/'t4/Cl growing spontaneously aro und Capellades, Costa Ri ca (Gonf;alues 2018, photo E.G.Gont;,:a lves). EDUARDO G. GONC;::ALVES, 2011 11 sheath convolute; leaf blade 32--67 X 19- brasiliense Desf. Tableau de 40 cm, ovate in outline in both young and l'Ecole de Botanique 7: 386. 1829. adult plants, semi-glossy green adaxially, Vernacular names: mapp (Trinidad); clearer and matte abaxially, primary lateral calaloo, kalalu (Venezuela); belembe veins 5--6 per side, arising at an angle of 50- () 60°, concolorous with blade at both sides, apex acuminate; basal ribs denuded for 2- Plant up to 2 m tall in ancient individ­ 4 cm, basal lobes slightly extrose, conspic­ uals, but rarely reaching 1 m. Stems always uously acute at apex. Inflorescences 1-3 hypogeous, rhizomatous, cylindrical, up to per axil, peduncle 30-110 X 0.3--0.5 cm; 6 cm in diameter, moderately covered by spathe 17.5 cm long, tube 4 X 2 cm, green brown fibers, producing occasional glo­ outside, white inside, lamina 14.5 X 3 cm bose-turbinate cormels. Leaves ~ per long, white in both sides; spadix 15 cm plant; petioles 45-95 cm long, green, long, fertile male portion white 9 X 1 cm, sometimes tinged with purplish at base, sterile male portion 3.5 X 1.1 cm, pinkish, never conspicuously waxy, sheathed up to moderately dimorphic, female portion 2-3 1/3 of its length, sheath convolute with Xl cm, pale yellow. Figs. 7-8. purplish margins; leaf blade 19-33.5 X 21- 39 cm, sub-hastate to hastate in young Specimen seen: BRAZIL.Amazonas: Manaus, leaves, hastate to subpedate in adult depois do Aeroporto, em dire<;ao a BR- plants, glossy green adaxially, clearer and 174. Floresta secundaria em frente a sede matte abaxially, primary lateral veins 4-7 da Uniao do Vegetal, 8 May 2001, per side, arising at an angle of 40-45°, Gon~alvesetal. 891 (UB, UFMG,MO, K) concolorous with blade at both sides, apex acuminate; basal ribs denuded for 2.5- Distribution: Northern Brazil and French 6 cm, basal lobes strongly extrorse, obtuse Guiana. to round at apex. Inflorescences 1-2 per axil, peduncle 20-25 X .5 cm; spathe 18- Xanthosoma blandum is not common in 19 cm long, tube 5 X 2.5 cm, green cultivation worldwide, but it is common as outside, white inside, lamina 13-14 X 3 cm a local weed, notably around the city of long, white in both sides; spadix 14-16 cm Manaus, Brazil. It was also seen in French long, fertile male portion white 10 X 1- Guiana (Boos, pers.obser). It is character­ 1.5 cm, acute at apex, sterile male portion ized by its branched cylindrical rhizomes, 3.5 X 1.1 cm, white, weakly dimorphic, adult leaves with acute and somewhat female portion 2-3 X 1 cm, pale yellow. extrorse posterior lobes and by the con­ Fig. 9. spicuous naked portion at the basal rib. Also distinctive is the staminoidal pink Material seen: BRAZIL. Federal District: portion in the inflorescences (Fig. 8). Most Taguatinga, cultivated at Universidade plants usually reach less than 1 m tall, but Cat6lica but originally from Trinidad, some plants will get taller than 1.6 m. It s.d., Gonr.;alves 2019 (UB, UFMG, K, seems to be cultivated only as pig food. MO).

5. Xanthosoma brasiliense (Desf.) Distribution: It is always associated with Engl. Das Pflanzenreich IV, 23E: 58. human settlements, mostly in West 1920. Indies. The epithet seems to be an

+-- Fig.l1. Xanthosoma majaffa, detail (Gon~alves 2021, photo E.G.Gon<;alves). Fig. 12. Adult plant of Xanthosoma majaffa "Lineatum" (Gon~alves 1018, photo E.G. Gon<;alves). 12 AROIDEANA, Vol. 34

error, since it has been never found or at apex. Inflorescences 1-5 per axil, pe­ popularly cultivated in Brazil and the duncle 30-85 X 1-1,8 cm; spathe 27-38 cm only specimens seen here were long, tube 8-9.5 X 4-6 cm, reddish or brought by me a few years ago. pinkish green outside, white inside, lamina, 17-22 cm long, greenish-yellow at both Easily identified because it is the only sides, margins occasionally reddish; spadix cultivated species with strongly hastate to 22-30 cm long, fertile male portion white subpedate leaf blade that are quite distinc­ 13-16 X 1.2-2.5 cm, obtuse to truncate at tive (Fig. 9). It could only be confused apex, sterile male portion 6-7 X 1.0-2.3 cm, with other wild species with hastate or pink, moderately dimorphic, female por­ pedately lobed leaf blade, but most of tion conoid, 6-8 X 1.5-1.8 cm, bright them have round corms and are much yellow. Figs. 10-11 smaller. Although its leaves are usually reputed to COSTA RICA. San Jose: Around San Jose en be edible (Plowman, 1969), they were not Estaci6n Experimental, 20 Feb. 2011, found to be eaten in Trinidad (Boos & Gonr;alves 2018 (UB, UFMG, MO, K). Boos, 1993). This species is also broadly cultivated in the Miami area, essentially as Original distribution: Costa Rica to Guate­ an ornamental crop, sometimes reaching mala, but possibly also ranging both an impressive size. southwards and northwards. Artificial­ 6. Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott Arac. ly spread in Caribbean Islands and Betref. 2: 5. 1855. also Florida. Schott, Oesterr. Bot. Xanthosoma roseum The name X. majaffa is one of the most VVochenbl. 3: 370. 1858 frequently misapplied in the genus. Al­ though one of the most commonly culti­ Vernacular name: Tiquisque, tiquisque vated species in Central America (and morado (Costa Rica), Quequesque possibly now also in Caribbean areas) (), malanga morada (Cuba), and Africa, it is always treated as X. malanga lila (Cuba), red coco, red violaceum, X. atrovirens or X. sagittifo­ cocoyam Qamaica), macabo (Ni­ lium. The combination of pink staminodes geria). (Fig. 11), patent Cand huge) leaf blades Herb up to 1.7 m tall, robust. Stems and waxy and usually pinkish-edged hypogeous or occasionally epigeous and petioles make this species easy to recog­ decumbent, rhizomatous, cylindrical, up to nize. 15 cm in diameter and sometimes up to The name X. roseum has usually been 10 cm tall, densely covered by brown used as a synonym of X. robustum, but the fibers, producing sparse turbinate cormels. presence of pink staminodes and the leaf Leaves 5-6 per plant; petioles 104-130 cm aspect, together with the occurrence in long, green, sometimes red at base con­ Costa Rica make it clear that X. roseum and spicuously waxy, sheathed up to 1/4 of its X. majaffa are inseparable. length, sheath margins erect to revolute; There are at least two forms: One of leaf blade 44-85 X 31-50 cm, triangular­ them has the parenchyma of the stem or subcordate in young individuals, cordate to cormels strongly red and it is called sagittate or subhastate in mature plants, "tiquisque morado" in Costa Rica. The patent, semi-matte dark green abaxially, other form has the parenchyma white and medium matte green abaxially, margins it is called "tiquisque blanco". Both are reddish or purplish, primary lateral veins quite similar in other aspects and the only 7-9 per side, arising at an angle of 50-70°, variation is the overall pigmentation, discolorous adaxially, concolorous abaxi­ because the red form is tinged with pale ally, apex acuminate; basal ribs denuded red in many parts (petioles, sheaths, for 1-3 cm, basal lobes acute to acuminate spathes). EDUARDO G. GON<;:ALVES, 2011 13

7. Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott "Line­ typical X majajJa the pink sterile male atom", portion (Fig. 13), together with pale 'Xanthosoma jacquini lineatum ", Graf in yellow stigmas and obtuse spadix. More­ Tropica 2nd Ed, Roehrs Company over, it also shares the patent leaves with Publishers, East Rutherford, 1981 Cpg. reddish margins. The presence of a 127). convulute leaf sheath, together with the obvious stripes (Fig. 12), are distinctive of Herb up to 1.7 m tall, robust. Stems this variety but until more studies (spe­ hypogeous or occasionally epigeous and cially molecular studies) are completed in decumbent, rhizomatous, cylindrical, 3- the complex X majaffa-X.robustum­ 8 cm in diameter and erect tip sometimes XViolaceum, I decided not to distinguish up to 14 cm tall, densely covered by brown this taxonomically from the typical X fibers, producing sparse turbinate corme1s. majaffa. Leaves 5-6 per plant; petioles 95-120 cm It is attractive as an ornamental plant, long, green, conspicuously waxy, sheathed and can reach up to 1.6 m tall. Despite it not up to 1/4 of its length, sheath margins being commonly cultivated, it is one of the involute, usually pinkish or purplish; leaf few commercially available forms of blade 41-50 X 27-32 cm, subcordate to Xanthosoma in Brazil. The use of this subhastate in young plants, cordate to species as food is not documented. sagittate or subhastate in mature plants, patent, semi-matte dark green with con­ 8. Xanthosoma monstruosum E.G. spicuous white stripes adaxially (com­ Gon~_ sp_ nov_ posed not only of areas with different Ab aliis speciebus foliis deformantibus et pigmentation but also structural differenc­ flavomarginatibus apicali pusillo mar­ es), medium matte green abaxially, primary supio formanti differt lateral veins 5-7 per side, arising at an angle Typus: BRAZIL. Distrito Federal: Brasilia, of 45-80°, discolorous adaxially, concolor­ Campus da University of Brasilia, s.d. ous abaxially, apex acuminate; basal ribs Goncalves 2017 (Holotype UB; Iso­ denuded for .3-.5 cm, basal lobes cuneate type UFMG, MO, K). to round at apex. Inflorescence 1-3, Vernacular names: Cara-de-gato, taia-var­ peduncle 10-20 X 2.5-3 cm, spathe 15- iegado (Brazil), mickey-mouse plant, 27 cm long, tube ovoid, 5-7.5 X 3.5-4.5 cm, pocket plant (USA). clear green and waxy outside, whitish green with pale pink stripes inside, blade, 9.5-19.5 X 4-6 cm, whitish to yellowish Herb up to 1 m tall. Stems hypogeous green with pale pink stripes outside, white and decumbent, rhizomatous, cylindrical, inside, margins pink, spadix 11-21.5 cm up to 5 cm in diameter, densely covered by long, fertile male portion white, 4.5-13 X brown fibers, producing sparse turbinate 1.2-2.5 cm, obtuse to truncate adaxially, cormels and numerous stolons. Leaves 5-6 sterile male portion pink, 4-6 X 1.4-2.4 cm, per plant; petioles 21-90 cm long, blackish slightly dimorphic, female portion, conoid, green, conspicuously waxy at apex, 1.5-4 X 1.2-2.5 cm, pale yellow. Fig. 12-13. sheathed up to 1/2 of its length, sheath margins involute and sometimes yellowish; Specimen seen: BRAZIL. Sao Paulo: Nova leaf blade 12-25 X 8-30 cm, sagittate to Odessa, Jardim Botanico Plantarum, s.d., subhastate in both young and adult leaves, Gon~alves 1019(UB, UFMG, MO, K) semi-matte blackish green adaxially, medi­ um matte green abaxially, usually with Original distribution: Unknown large spots of yellowish tissues. Primary lateral veins 2-5 per side, arising at an angle Early descriptions of X majaif'a do not of 45-80°, essentially concolorous in both mention this whitish striped variety. sufaces, apex usually forming a small However, this form shares with the pocket that accumulates water and also 14 AROIDEANA, Vol. 34

Fig. 13. Deta il of inflorescence of Xanlhosoma mafaffa "Lineatum" CGonr;;alves 1018, photo E.G.Gon<;;:a lves). Fig. 14. Xanthosoma monstruosum, habit CGonr;;alves 2017, photo E.G.Gon <;;: alves). Fig. 15. Xanthosoma panduriforme, habit CGonr;;alves 20.17, photo E.G.Gons;aJves). Fig. 16. Deta il of leaf blade of Xanthosoma panduriJorme CGonr;;alves 2016, photo E.G.Gons;alves). EDUARDO G. GON<;:ALVES, 2011 15 with an apical filament, up to 8 cm long; lobes asymmetric, basal rib lacking or basal ribs denuded for 0-1 cm, basal lobes purely vestigial, sometimes subhastate, extrose, apex obtuse at apex. Inflorescence ape~ rounded. Inflorescences not seen. unknown. Fig. 14. Figs. 15-16. The species is characterized by its deformed leaves, usually producing a Original distribution: Unknown pouch at the anterior division of the blade and usually with yellow margins. This attractive form is recognized by its Bown (2000) speculated that this species blackish green leaves and petioles, posteri­ could be a proto-carnivorous aroid, be­ or lobes poorly developed and obovate to cause of the pouches formed in the apex oblanceolate anterior divisions. The culti­ of usually deformed leaves. Those pouch­ vated specimen I have were obtained in a es usually accumulate water and organic cluster of "regular" X. monstruosum. It debris but this hypothesis has not been would be interesting to investigate if this tested. However, it seems that younger variation arises from another form and if is plants have a stronger tendency to devel­ caused by a chromosomal loss or a chro­ op the pouch. I also observed that well matid break, or even a one step mutation. fertilized plants usually have leaves that are almost "normal", Le. they have only 10. Xanthosoma riedeUanum (Schott) irregularly yellow margins, but do not Schott Oest. Bot. Zeitschr. 15: 33. develop pouches. 1865. The origin of this cultivar is not known, Vernacular name: Mangarito, Mangara despite having been widely cultivated. (Brazil).

9. Xanthosoma panduriforme E.G. Small sized geophytic herbs, usually less Gon~. sp. nov. than 80 cm tall. Corm hypogeous, sub­ Ab aliis speciebus foliis panduriformis et globbose, 2-4 X 2-3.5 cm, laxly covered by vittiformis differt sparse fibers, with occasional globose BRAZIL. Sao Paulo: Sao Paulo, pr6ximo ao corme1s. Leaves 2-4 per plant, petioles campus da USP, s.d. Goncalves 2016 20-60, green, not obviously waxy, (Holotype UB; Isotypes UFMG, MO, sheathed to Y2 of its length, sheath invo­ K). lute; leaf blade pandurate, to subhastate Xantbosoma atrovirens var. panduriforme usually held 45° erect, 16-23 X 9-13 cm, Eng!. Das Pflanzenreich, IV.23E (Heft somewhat oblique, matte medium green 41): 51 (920). adaxially, paler and matte green adaxially, Vernacular name: unknown. primary lateral nerves 3-5 per side, arising at an angle of 50-60°, leaf rounded, Small to medium sized herb, up to 90 cm denuded portion of basal rib 1.5-3 cm, tall, stemhypogeous erect, up to 6 cm diam., posterior lobes obliquely elliptic, apex sparsely covered by fibers, very few corm­ obtuse to rounded. Inflorescences usually e1s or stolons; Leaves 3-5 per plant, petioles solitary, petioles 10-15 cm long. Spathe 12- 22-64cm, blackish green, strongly waxy to 15 cm long, tube 3-4 cm, greenish outside, the apex, sheath rarely reaching the basal white inside, lamina 9-11 cm, clear green in 1/2, sheath margins involute, free portion both surfaces. Details of spadix not avail­ cylindrical to slightly flattened adaxially; able for study. Figs. 17-18. leaf blade pandurate and strap-line, 35-44 X 1.5-8 cm, irregular, sometimes strongly Original distribution: Southeastern Brasil oblique, sometimes erect, blackish green, (States of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo semi glossy adaxially, whitish and matte and Minas Gerais) abaxially, primary lateral veins 3-5 per side, almost invisible, arising at an angle Specimen seen: BRAZIL. Minas Gerais: of 45-70°, apex long acuminate; basal Cultivated at Bela Horizonte Botanical 16 AHOIDEf NA, Vol. 34

Fig. 17. Leaves of Xanlhosoma riede/ial/l//?1. Note that the cl earer mark ings on leaf b lade are ca used by a virus (Dasheen Mosa ic Virus), not a regular pattern on this species (Conf;aives 763, photo E.G.Gon<;;a lves). Fig. 18. Xanth osoma riedellanum, stem (C01?f;alves 763, photo E.G.Gon <;;a lves). EDUARDO G. GON<;:ALVES, 2011 17

Garden. s.d. Gon~alves 763 (UB, covered by brown fibers, producing nu­ UFMG, MO, K) merous stolons and sparse fusiform corm­ els. Leaves 5-6 per plant; petioles 105- Possibly, X. riedelianum has not been 150 cm long, green, conspicuously waxy, collected in the wild since Riedel's type sheathed up to 1/2 of its length, sheath material. Most collections I could observe margins revolute to erect, usually with were made from cultivated material. Like wavy edges; leaf blade 52-160 X 32- most cultivated species of the genus 100 cm, sagittate in young plants, cordate Xanthosoma, the precise natural ocurrence to subhastate in mature plants, reflexed to of this species is not clear. It seems to have patent, semi-matte dark green adaxially, been cultivated for a long time in south­ medium matte green abaxially, primary eastern Brazil and it is possible that it was lateral veins 7-10 per side, arising at an already in cultivation when Riedel col­ angle of 50-70°, discolorous adaxially, lected the type material in Rio de Janeiro concolorous abaxially, apex acuminate; state ("Serra da Estrela"). It is also possible basal ribs denuded for .3-2.5 cm, basal thatX. riedelianum is a domestiscated form lobes cuneate to round at apex. Inflores­ of another species that already has been in cence 1-7 per axil, peduncle 20-25 X 3- cultivation by indians since ancient times. 3.5 cm, spathe 30-43 cm long, tube ovoid, Xanthosoma riedelianum can be recog­ 12-16 X 9-11 cm, clear green and strongly nized by its panduriform to hastate leaves waxy outside, whitish green inside, blade and considerably small size, as well as by 28-31 X 10-15 cm, whitish to yellowish the subglobose corms. green with pale pink margins outside, Xanthosoma riedelianum differs from X. white inside, spadix 28-40 cm long, fertile brasiliense in being much smaller, in male portion white, 25-30 X 2-2.5 cm, having subglobose corms (not a cylindric cuneate to obtuse apically, sterile male rhizome) and for having a obtuse to round portion white, 8-12 X 1.4-3 cm, weakly apex of leaf (not acuminate). dimorphic, female portion, conoid, 5-6 X This species has an specially tasty tuber 2-3.5 cm, pale yellow to ochre. Figs. 19-21. when cooked, reputed as the most deli­ cious tuber-like plant ever (Pio Correa, Original distribution: Mexico to Costa Rica. 1926). In fact, the baked tubers have the taste of a mixture of the regular baked Specimen seen: MEXICO, .Chiapas: Palen­ (Solanum tuberosum) with butter. que, ruins nearby ancient city. s.d. Gon~alves 2022 (UB, BHCB). 11. Xanthosoma robustum Schott Oes­ terr. Bot. Wochenb. 3: 370. 1853. This plant seems to be the largest species Vernacular Names: capote, pixi (Mexico); of Xanthosoma, sometimes reaching 4 m quequesque, marac (Guatemala); tall, as I could see in Palenque Maya ruins, quiscamote and quiscamo (Hon­ Chiapas, Mexico. It is possible that this duras); Tannia, tannier (USA). species has been used by the Aztecs (Plowman, 1969). Large populations can Herb up to 4 m tall, robust. Stems be seen growing as weeds along road hypogeous in young plants but epigeous margins in southern Mexico. It is the most and robust in adult specimens, usually widely cultivated species in USA, where it is reaching 20-25 cm in diameter, densely usually identified as X. sagittifolium.

~ Fig. 19. Xanthosoma robustum, adult plant growing in Palenque ruins, Chiapas, Mexico (Gon~alves 2022, photo E.G.Gonl;alves). Fig. 20. Xanthosoma robustum, detail of the huge epigeous stem (Gon~alves 2022, photo E.G.Gonl;alves). 18 AROIDEANA, Vol. 34

Fig. 21. Xanthosoma rohustum, deta il o f inHorescence (Con~a lves 2022, photo E.G. Gon ~a l ves). Fig. 22. Xanthosoma sagiltijolium, adult plant from Haiti (Con~alves 2023, photo E.G. Go n ~a l ves) . EDUARDO G. GONt;:ALVES, 2011 19

It is one of the most difficult Xanthosoma patent, semi-matte dark green adaxially, to identify at species level, because adult paler matte green abaxially, primary lateral plants are very variable depending upon veins 5-8 per side, arising at an angle of 45-

0 the conditions they are growing. No other 80 , poorly discolorous to concolorous Xanthosoma can grow so massively, but adaxially, concolorous abaxially, apex acu­ medium-sized individuals are easy to con­ minate; basal ribs not denuded at all, basal fuse with X. majaffa (mainly) and with X. lobes acute to cuneate at apex. Inflores­ sagittifolium. From X. sagittifolium it dif­ cence 1-3 per axil, peduncle 16-17 X 1.5- fers in having usually an epigeous stem 2 cm, spathe 23-32 cm long, tube ovoid, 7- (always hypogeous in X. sagittifolium) 10 X 4-5 cm, clear green and moderately (Fig. 20), in having usually more lateral waxy outSide, whitish green inside, lamina veins (7-12 instead of 5-7), and in having 15-16 X 5.0-6.5 cm, iVOry white in both usually a denuded portion of basal rib surfaces, spadix 17-25 cm long, fertile male (never denuded in X. sagittifolium). From portion 9.5-13 X 1.3-2.2 cm, tapering to X. majaffa it differs by the lack of pinkish the apex to obtuse, sterile male portion 3-5 staminodes and in having usually ochre to X 1.7-2.5 cm, white, only weakly dimor­ ferrugineous stigmas (not bright yellow). phic, female portion conoid, 4-6 X 1.5- 2 cm, pale yellow. Figs. 22-24. 12. Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott Melet. Bot. 19. 1832. Original Distribution: , mainly Ja­ Caladium sagittifolium (1.) Vent. Arch. maica and Hispaniola. Bot. Roemer 2(3): 351. 1801. Caladium xanthorrhizon (Jacq.) Willd. Sp. Specimen seen: HAlTI: Exact ongm un­ PI. 4: 490. 1800. known. s.d., Gonfalves 2023 (UB, Arum sagittifolium 1. Spec. PI. 2. 966.1753. BHCB, MO, K). Arum xanthorrhizon Jacq. Hort. Schoenbr. 2: 32. tl88. 1797. Xanthosoma sagittifolium can be recog­ Xanthosoma xanthorrhizon (Jacq.) Koch nized by the invariable lack of denuded Bonplandia 4: 4.1856. portion of the basal rib, for its essentially Vernacular names: malanga, malanga concolorous primary lateral veins (at least amarilla (West Indies); matabala (St. adaxially) and for the dark green leaf blade Tome and Principe). (mainly when grown in half-shade). It differs from Xanthosoma taioba in having Herb up to 2 m tall, robust. Stems an epigeous stem in mature individuals (not hypogeous in young plants, erect, cylin­ invariably hypogeous) and also for having dric, 7-9 cm in diameter, densely covered the concolorous primary lateral ribs on by brown fibers, producing cormels that leaves (whereas they are strongly discolor­ are cylindric at base and globose at apex, ous in X. taioba). Also distinctive is the color adult plant producing a stout columnar of the staminodes, which are white in X. stem, up to 15 cm diam. Leaves 4-7 per sagittifolium (Fig. 25) and pink in X. taioba. plant; petioles 80-160 cm long, green, It has been regarded as one of the most poorly waxy, sheathed up to 1/2 of its famous cultivated species of the genus, but, length, sheath margins erect to slightly in fact, its name has been grossly misused. convolute; leaf blade 60-97 X 30-44 cm, There is a strong misbelief that many species subhastate in young plants, sagittate and described in Xanthosoma belong here as ovate in mature plants, reflexed to sub- synonyms (Bunting, 1979) which does not

~ Fig. 23. Xanthosoma sagittifolium, leaf blade (Gonf,:alves 2023, photo E.G.Gon\=alves). Fig. 24. Xanthosoma sagittifolium, detail of inflorescence (Gonf,:alves 2023, photo E.G.Gon\=alves). 20 ARO IDEANA, Vol. 34

Fig. 25 . Xcmlhosoma ta ioha, growing along the road in Areias, Paraiba State, Brazil (Confalues 9 11, photo E.G.Got1\;alves) . Fig. 26 . Xcmtbosoma taioha, details of inflo rescence (Confalves 9 11, photo E.G. Gon\;a lves). Fig. 27 . Xanfh osoma uiolaceum, growing at University of Bras ilia, Brazil (C011.falves 184, photo E.G .Gon\;a lves). EDUARDO G. GON<;:ALVES, 2011 21 seem to be true. In fact, Xanthosoma 9.5-10 X 1.5-1.6 cm, tapering to the apex, sagittifolium is rarely cultivated outside the sterile male portion 2.5-3 X 1.7-2.5 cm, Caribbean Islands, since this germplasm has pinkish, female portion conoid, 3.5--4.5 X been replaced by more productive lineages 2.3-3 cm, bright yellow. Figs. 25-26. like X. majaffa and X. robustum. It is important to state that this species should Original Distribution: Eastern Brazil. be conserved and better studied. I only could confirm the identity of this species Xanthosoma taioba can be easily recog­ after finding it growing in a germplasm nized by its basal ribs that are never collection in Costa Rica University. denuded at all, for the discolorous veins (that are always paler than the leaf blade), 13. Xanthosoma taioba E.G.Gon~. sp. for the pale pink staminodes (Fig. 26) and nov. for the soft membranaceous leaf blades. It A Xanthosoma sagittifolio similis sed nervis could be mainly confused with two spe­ lateralibus discoloribus, staminodiis cies: X. sagitt{(olium and X. robustum. roseis et caudice hypogeo differt. From both species it differs by the stem Typus: BRAZIL. Parailia: Areias, Alto da always hypogeous in mature individuals Serra. 6°59'S-35°41'W, 28 Aug. 2011, and for the pale pink (not purely white) E.G. Gont;;alves, L. Lohmann & H. staminodes. It can be separated from X. Lorenzi 911. (holotype UBi isotypes sagittifolium by the clearly discolorous UFMG, MO, K). primary lateral veins and by the essentially cordate (not sagittate) leaves in very young Vernacular names: taioba, taia, taja, ef6 (Brazil). individuals. From X. robustum it differs in having cordate (not sagittate) leaves in very young individuals and for the constant Herb up to 1 m tall, delicate. Stems always absence of denuded portion of basal ribs. hypogeous, erect, cylindric, 3-7 cm in It could be also confused with Xanthosoma diameter, densely covered by brown fibers, majaffa from which it differs in having a producing sparse stolons and almost lacking smaller size and for the invariably denuded cormels. Leaves 2--4 per plant; petioles 25- basal rib in X. majaffa. 65 cm long, green, conspicuously waxy, The first accounts about a spinach-like sheathed up to 1/2 of its length, sheath big leafed aroid eaten in Brazil came from margins convolute to erect; leaf blade 25-50 Sousa (1587, but published in 1971), whose X 18-55 cm, cordate in young plants, description could be freely translated from sagittate in mature plants, always reflexed, Portuguese as "... thus soft as spinach semi-matte medium green adaxially, paler leaves, called taiobas, that are eaten in matte green abaxially, primary lateral veins ... ". A few decades after, MarcGraf 5-7 per side, ariSing at an angle of 45-60°, wrote his chapter in Piso's masterpiece strongly discolorous adaxially, concolorous "Historia Naturalis Brasiliae" (1649) a clear abaxially, apex acuminate; basal ribs not description of the native edible species in denuded at all, basal lobes acute to cuneate Northeastern Brazil, that he spelled as (rarely obtuse). Inflorescence 1-3 per axil, "tajaoba". He also published a drawing peduncle 16-17 X 1.5-2 cm, spathe 20- that could fit precisely the Brazilian plant. 24 cm long, tube ovoid, 6-7 X 4-5.5 cm, clear green and strongly waxy outside, 14. Xanthosoma violaceum Schott Oes­ whitish green inside, lamina 15-16 X 5.0- terr. Bot. Wochenbl. 3: 370. 1853. 6.5 cm, yellowish green at both surfaces, Vernacular names: inhame roxo, taioba roxa spadix 16.5-17 cm long, fertile male portion (Brazil); malanga lila (West Indies).

-Fig. 28. Xanthosoma violaceum, details of inflorescence (Gont;;alves 184, photo E.G. Gon~alves). 22 AROIDEANA, Vol. 34

Plant up to 1.6 m tall. Stems hypogeous in Costa Rica is more variable in color in young plants, epigeous and decumbent distribution and saturation, but it is also in old plants, up to 16 cm in diameter, always violet. covered by brown fibers from old leaf It is known in Brazil as 'taioba roxa' and it sheaths, cormels occasional, stolons usual­ is widely used, mainly as an ornamental ly long and abundant. Leaves 4-6 per plant; plant. It is also common in European petioles 80-134 cm long, violet, conspicu­ conservatiores, probably all from the origi­ ously waxy, sheathed up to 1/2 of its nal introduction. In USA it seems to be much length, sheath margins convolute, reddish; rarer and most material I have seen identi­ leaf blade 69-113 X 45-67 cm, sagittate to fied as X. violaceum is, in fact, Xanthosoma subhastate, ovate to triangular in outline in mafa/fa or Xanthosoma atrovirens. both young and adult plants, usually It has been broadly cited that X. nigrum reflexed, occasionally patent in plant in full (Veil.) Stellf. belongs here as a synonym sun, semi-matte medium green adaxially, (e.g. Croat & Mount, 1988), but in its paler matte green abaxially, margins violet, original description (see Vellozo, 1829)' x. primary lateral veins 7-8 per side, arising at nigrum is cited it as a wild species 0 an angle of 70-85 , strongly discolorous occurring around Rio de Janeiro. In this adaxially, discolorous violet abaxially, apex context, probably X. nigrum is a synonym acuminate; basal ribs denuded for 2-3.0cm, of X. maximilianii that is native in eastern basal lobes acute to cuneate. Inflorescence Brazil and has nothing to do with X. 1-3 per axil, peduncle 35-50 X 3-4 cm, violaceum. spathe 39-42 cm long, tube ovoid, 12-14 X 5.5-7 cm, clear green tinged with purple and strongly waxy outside, whitish green ACKNOWLEDGMENTS inside, lamina 27-28 X 12-14 cm, yellow­ ish green at both surfaces, margins tinged This article is dedicated to my late friend with purplish, spadix 35-39 cm long, fertile Julius Boos, enthusiast of Xanthosoma male portion 14-16 X 1.5-2 cm, tapering to taxonomy and ethnobotany. I also would the apex, sterile male portion 11-13 X 1.8- like to thank Hans Boos Qulius' brother) for 2.8 cm, white, female portion conoid, 10- the pictures of Xanthosoma brasiliense, 12 X 1.8-2 cm, pale yellow. Figs. 27-28. Harri Lorenzi for the access to his fully grown specimens, Thomas B. Croat for Original distribution: This species has been sending copies of his pictures of Schott's considered from an unknown origin plates and Francisco Sabori'o Pozuelo and until a recent collection in the wild by Jose Guillermo Chac6n Jimenez (University me in Costa Rica. of Costa Rica) for the logistic help and for allowing me to study their marvelous living Specimens seen: BRAZIL. Distrito Federal: plants. I am also indebted to Luciano Milho­ Brasilia, cultivada na Universidade de mens and Adriana Batista for the help with Brasilia. s.d., Gont;;alves 184 (UB). morphological measurements and molecu­ lar issues, respectively. The author has a This species is one of the easiest to research grant by CNPq (level 2) and identify. It is the only broadly cultivated FAPEMIG. species that has pure violet parts (petioles, major nerves, peduncles, etc) that stay liTERATURE CITED violet even after the wax is scratched from its surface. Schott (1853) already noted this Boos, J. 1993. Additions to the Aroid Flora aspect in his original description. It is also of Trinidad with notes on their prob­ one of the four cultivated species with pink able origins and uses. Aroideana. 16: staminodes (together with X. blandum, X. 5-11. taioba and the forms of X. mafaffa). Wild Bown, D. 2000. Aroids- Plants of the Arum material from the plant recollected recently Family. 2nd ed. Timber Press, Oregon. EDUARDO G. GON<;:ALVES, 2011 23

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