Three new species of Calathea (Marantaceae) endemic to Colombia

Abstract

Calathea neurophylla H. Kenn., C. barryi H. Kenn., and C. velutinifolia H. Kenn., endemic to Colombia, are described as new. Calathea neurophylla is characterized by the single cauline leaf subtending one or more inflorescences of spirally arranged bracts and the markedly ridged, narrowly elliptic leaf blades (length 6.25–8.46 times width). Calathea barryi is characterized by the single cauline leaf subtending several inflorescences with 25–43 spirally arranged bracts and the very closely spaced lateral veins (ca. 67 per 3 cm). Calathea velutinifolia is distinguished by the 4–15 basal leaves, the densely appressed velvety tomentose adaxial the leaf surface and the 8–10 distichous, white bracts.