13. Meriania megaphylla Rob.Fern., R.Goldenb. & Michelang., Willdenowia 52(1): 61 (2022).

Type:— PERU. La Libertad: Prov. Pataz, Dist. Ongón, valle del río Mixiollo, 2000–2100 m, 04 Aug 1914 (fl.), A. Weberbauer 7048 (holotype: MOL! [barcode 00003237]; isotypes: MOL!-fragment [barcode 00003236], F!-fragment [accession no. 628681]). (Figure 32).

Comments:— The distinctive characters of M. megaphylla include its quadrangular and 4-winged internodes, nodes with interpetiolar flaps, large leaf blades (21–29.4 × 14.8–22 cm) (Fig. 32B), adaxial projections (scutum) on the transition zone from the petiole to the midvein (Fig. 32D), spreading, reddish-purple corollas, isomorphic stamens, and stamen connectives with two appendages (Fig. 32F), one triangular descending dorso-basal appendage, and the other blunt ascending dorsal appendage. Among Peruvian species, M. megaphylla most closely resembles M. zunacensis but differs by the adaxial leaf surfaces (bullate vs. flat), petal length (20.5–22.5 mm vs. 40–50 mm), and the dorsal appendages of the stamen connectives (blunt ascending vs. absent). A detailed comparison of M. megaphylla with other related species can be found in Fernandez-Hilario et al. (2022).

Distribution and phenology:— Known only from the type specimen, Meriania megaphylla is endemic to northern Peru (Department of La Libertad) and grows in montane forests at 2000–2100 m (Fig. 16). It has been collected in flower in August.