CHAETANTHERA ACHENO-HIRSUTA (TOMBESI) ARROYO, A.M.R.DAVIES & TILL-BOTTRAUD ELEVATED TO SPECIES, NEW FOR THE FLORA OF CHILE

Abstract

Chaetanthera acheno-hirsuta (Tombesi) Arroyo, A.M.R. Davies & Till-Bottraud (Asteraceae: Mutisieae), previously known from the upper limits of the vegetation (>3900m) on the eastern side of the Andes in San Juan Province, Argentina, is cited for Chile from six collections made in the Andes of the III Region (Atacama Region) between 3500-4000 m. The new record for the flora of Chile is based on Chaetanthera pulvinata (Phil.) Hauman var. acheno-hirsuta Tombesi, here elevated to species. Chaetanthera acheno-hirsuta belongs to Chaetanthera subgenus Egania. Its closest relatives, based on morphological characteristics, are C. apiculata (J. Remy) Benth. & Hook.f. and C. acerosa (J. Remy) Benth. & Hook.f. It is distinguished from C. pulvinata (Phil.) Hauman by its lack of sexual dimorphism, green-black maculate bracts, and densely pubescent achenes.