New Mexican Peperomia species in subgenus Panicularia (Piperaceae)

Currently comprising less than a dozen of accepted species, subgenus Panicularia Miq. occupies a modest place within the large pantropical genus Peperomia Ruiz & Pav. that has more than 1500 species. The subgenus was thought to be restricted to South America, but a new member, presented here as Peperomia inversa G.Mathieu, shows up in Mexico. It is here described, illustrated and documented based on field observations and an extensive herbarium study in 63 herbaria. Its relationships, distribution and conservation status are discussed. The new species is endemic to the states of Jalisco, Guerrero, Michoacán and Oaxaca where it occurs at an elevation of 320–1500 m. It is considered as Vulnerable.