New plant species Neea myrciifolia discovered in Peru

An international scientific expedition has discovered a new plant species of the genus Neea in the central jungle of Peru. Named Neea myrciifolia, it is the first new species of this genus described in the country in over 90 years.

The discovery took place in the montane forests of the Oxapampa province, within the Pasco region. Specifically, the plant was located in protected areas managed by the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp), including the San Matías-San Carlos Protection Forest, the Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park, and the Yanesha Communal Reserve.

Described in the scientific journal Kew Bulletin, Neea myrciifolia is a small tree reaching between one and five meters in height. It features opposite, warty-surfaced leaves, globular inflorescences, and tubular flowers. The species is considered endemic to the central Peruvian jungle, as it has only been documented at altitudes between 376 and 1,500 meters.