Eugenia arianae is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Myrtaceae. It is a member of the genus Eugenia, which is one of the most species-rich genera in the Myrtaceae family, predominantly distributed throughout the Neotropics.
Taxonomy and Discovery
The species was formally described in 2021 by the botanist Carlos Parra-Osorio. The description was published in the scientific journal Phytotaxa in an article detailing new species of Eugenia from Colombia. Morphologically, E. arianae is classified within Eugenia section Eugenia. The specific epithet arianae was dedicated by the author to his daughter, Ariana Parra.
Distribution and Habitat
Eugenia arianae is endemic to Colombia. It has been documented specifically in the department of Santander, located in the Middle Magdalena Valley region. The species is found in tropical humid forests, typically at low elevations ranging from approximately 100 to 500 meters above sea level.
Morphology
Eugenia arianae is described as a small tree, reaching heights between 5 and 8 meters. Its physical characteristics include:
- Leaves: The leaves are opposite, elliptic to oblong-elliptic in shape, with a coriaceous (leathery) texture.
- Inflorescence: The flowers are arranged in short racemes, a characteristic typical of many members of its section.
- Reproductive Organs: Like other members of the Myrtaceae family, it possesses numerous stamens and an inferior ovary.
The species is distinguished from closely related taxa in the region by specific combinations of its leaf venation, the length of the racemes, and the size and shape of its floral bracts.
Conservation Status
As a relatively recently described species with a localized distribution in the Middle Magdalena Valley—an area subject to significant land-use changes—further field data is required to fully assess its conservation status according to IUCN criteria.