A new species of Saurauia (Actinidiaceae) from the central rainforest of Peru

Rodolfo V.-M.; del P. Rojas-Gonzáles R. · Lilloa (2026) · DOI: 10.30550/j.lil/2361

Resumen

Saurauia vanderwerffii, a new species of the family Actinidiaceae from the Pui Pui Protection Forest in the Junín Department of central Peru, is described and illustrated. The species is characterized by the consistent presence of red sepals and pink petals, flowers measuring 12–14 mm in diameter, and up to 18 stamens. It occurs in montane forests between 1800 and 2200 m asl. Morphological affinities with closely related species of Saurauia are briefly discussed. A complete description including diagnostic characters, ecological information, and geographic distribution data is provided, together with illustrations and a comparative table. Based on the IUCN Red List criteria, the species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).