CALATHEA RUBRIBRACTEATA, A NEW ENDEMIC SPECIES OF MARANTACEAE FROM COLOMBIA.

Calathea rubribracteata H. Kenn. endemic to Dept. Valle de Cauca, Colombia, is described as new. It is similar in aspect to the Ecuadorian species C. neillii H. Kenn., C. fredii H. Kenn., C. cofaniorum H. Kenn. and C. shishicoensis H. Kenn. and to the Colombian species C. trianae L.B. Sm. & Idrobo and C. timothei H. Kenn. with several basal leaves and a single cauline leaf or bladeless sheath subtending an inflorescence of bright red or rose-pink bracts. Calathea rubribracteata differs from C. trianae, C. neillii, and C. fredii in the spirally arranged vs. distichous bracts and relatively wider leaf blades (length:width ratios 3.03-3.58:1 vs. 3.55-7.45), from C. timothei by the fewer bracts (6-11 vs. 40-ca. 100) and the usually 3 vs. 7 minor veins between the major veins and from C. shishicoensis by the relatively narrower leaf blades (length:width ratios 3.03-3.58:1 vs. 1.33-1.75:1) and yellow vs. pale pink flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]