Round-leaved homalolepis (Homalolepis rotundata)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Homalolepis rotundata: Cerrado Endemic Botanical Profile
Thriving in the high-altitude Cerrado grasslands of Brazil, Homalolepis rotundata stands out due to its unique foliage. This species was described directly within its current genus by researchers Devecchi, Pirani, and Thomas.
Unlike many related species, it did not have a historical classification under the older name Simaba. It remains a wild plant endemic to the mountain ranges of Minas Gerais.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ Angiosperms
- ∟ mesangiosperms
- ∟ eudicots
- ∟ Superrosids
- ∟ rosids
- ∟ malvids
- ∟ order Sapindales
- ∟ family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
- ∟ genus Homalolepis (Homalolepis Tree)
- ∟ species Homalolepis rotundata (Round-leaved homalolepis)
Morphology
This mountain-dwelling species possesses highly specialized morphological features:
- Habit: It forms a compact, branched woody shrub.
- Foliage: The leaves are pinnately compound, distinguished by their characteristic rounded or suborbicular leaflets.
- Flowers: Small, actinomorphic flowers are arranged in compact clusters.
- Fruit: Fleshy drupaceous fruits develop after pollination.
The rounded shape of the leaflets provides a key diagnostic marker to separate it from its close relatives.
Interesting facts
Unique aspects of this Cerrado native include:
- Leaf Shape: The species name directly refers to the circular contour of its leaflets.
- Recent Description: It was only recognized as a distinct species in the year 2018.
- Cerrado Endemic: The plant is restricted to the species-rich campo rupestre fields of Minas Gerais.
Geography of distribution
- Brazil Southeast
- Minas Gerais
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
- World Flora Online (WFO)