Eugenia pulcherrima (Myrteae, Myrtaceae) in southeastern Brazil: extended description, lectotypification and geographical notes

During the analysis of Eugenia collections from São Paulo state and after extensive study and field campaigns to collect complete botanical materials, new records of Eugenia pulcherrima (Eugeniinae, Myrteae, Myrtaceae) were determined. Eugenia pulcherrima is characterized by the presence of ferruginous trichomes, a feature rare among other species in Eugenia section Eugenia. This species also exhibits showy and hairy cataphylls that are deciduous with age, hairy young leaves and floral parts, discolorous and strongly revolute leaves. A complete description of Eugenia pulcherrima is presented, including the first description of its fruits and an expanded distribution range (which now includes Minas Gerais and São Paulo states, besides Rio de Janeiro). A conservation reassessment is provided, and lectotypification is proposed. Additionally, field images of the species are presented for the first time, along with data about the colleters in the inflorescences and insights into its seed propagation.