Place of Publication
Phytotaxa 484 (1): 103 (figs. 3-4) (2021)
Type citation
CHILE. Ñuble Region, Punilla Province, San Fabián de Alico, Cordillera del Malalcura, crevices of granite rocks, 1747 m elevation, 36°31’56.03” S, 71°30’14.02” W, 11 October 2018, K. Menegoz, G. Ossa & J.C. Covarrubias 121, (holotype SGO!; isotypes CONC!, ULS!, VALD!, E!).
References
-
Villarroel et al. (2021)
Villarroel, A E , Menegoz, K and Lavandero, N 2021. Rayenia malalcurensis (Escalloniaceae), a new genus and species endemic to Central Chile. Phytotaxa 484 (1): 96–112
Iconography
- Villarroel et al. (2021):
Regions
Habitat
Distribution and habitat
Limited to the eastern Andean ranges in the locality of San Fabián de Alico, Punilla Province, Ñuble Region, Chile. Five sites are known: two of them are located in the Cordillera del Malalcura, two in the Valle del Estero Bullileo, and one near to Laguna Añil. This species usually grows at high elevations (1270–1900 m), in crevices and small terraces of south-southwest facing granite rocks. The most abundant associated species are Chusquea montana, Empetrum rubrum, Eucryphia glutinosa, Gaultheria poeppigii, G. tenuifolia, Haplopappus spp., Myrteola nummularia, Nothofagus obliqua, N. pumilio and Orites myrtoidea (Villarroel et al., 2021).
Conservation status
- Critically Endangered (CR)B1ab(iii); C2a(ii). (Villarroel et al. (2021))
Descriptions
- Villarroel et al. (2021)
Habit
Creeping subshrub, 5–20 cm tall. Flowering from end of September to November; fruiting from November to January
Key characteristics
Rayenia malalcurensis is similar to Tribeles australis, but differences include: mucronate leaf apex (vs. tridentate), finely serrate leaf margin and with long coarse hairs (vs. entire), sepals free (vs. united at base) and pink petals (vs. white).