Ceratozamia rosea (Zamiaceae): A new species from the Northern Mountains of Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

Ceratozamia rosea sp. nov., a new cycad species from the northern mountains of Chiapas, Mexico, is described and compared with its geographically proximal and morphologically similar congeners. Ceratozamia rosea is closely related to the geographically proximal species C. zoquorum, C. becerrae, and C. sancheziae, but easily distinguishable by its purplish-pink (Mexican pink) emerging leaves, a trait unique in the genus. Additionally, C. rosea presents several other qualitative and quantitative traits that are significantly differentiated from each of these species. This new species description suggests that Ceratozamia diversity in Chiapas, Mexico, might be higher than previously thought. Ceratozamia rosea is critically endangered due to over-collecting and habitat destruction.