Sertulum ternstroemiacearum VI. Revisiting the Colombian Ternstroemia (Ternstroemiaceae): A Clarification of the Taxa Present in the Country and Four New Species.

Ternstroemia is a genus with ca. 141 species, of which 87–103 are present in the Neotropics. As part of the studies of the genus in Colombia, here we propose four new species: Ternstroemia pacifica (from Chocó), T. fandango (Caribe-Cordillera Central transition), T. cachalu, and T. religiosa (both from Cordillera Oriental). Ternstroemia pacifica and T. fandango show morphological affinities with Amazonian species, T. cachalu with a Central Andean species, and T. religiosa present no clear affinities. Since some species have been either excluded or included for the country in literature, we clarify how many species occur in Colombia. From a total of 21 recorded species, we exclude the presence of six. After the present revision, Colombia harbors 18 species of Ternstroemia, nine (i.e. 50%) of which are endemic. Illustrations, color plates, distribution maps, and notes on ecology, habitat, and conservation status are provided for the four new species, as well as habitat, geographic distribution, biogeographic province, and global distribution for the remaining ones. An actualized key for the taxa growing in the country is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]