<i>Dicrananthera hedyotidea</i> C. Presl. (Melastomataceae) in Maranhão state, Brazil: first record and ecological niche model of the species

Dicrananthera C. Presl. is a monospecific genus of the tribe Marcetieae, comprising perennial herbs typically occurring in areas adjacent to wetlands. The species exhibits a disjunct distribution, with confirmed records in both the Amazon and Atlantic Forest domains. Dicrananthera hedyotidea is morphologically distinct from other genera within the tribe by the presence of dimorphic stamens bearing subulate ventral appendages. This study reports the first occurrence of D. hedyotidea in the state of Maranhão, and provides a taxonomic treatment, an updated geographical distribution, and an ecological niche model for the species in South America. The potential distribution was estimated using species distribution modeling (SDM) techniques implemented in the R software environment. This new record extends the known range and improves the understanding of the species' distribution in Maranhão, underscores the floristic diversity of the Baixada Maranhense region, and reinforces the importance of further botanical surveys and conservation efforts in this part of Brazil.