Tibouchina rosanae P.J.F.Guim. & Woodgyer
Discovered by a team of Brazilian and Kew botanists in Amazon grassland in Xingu, Matto Grosso, Brazil,
this new 1.5 m species of Tibouchina is unique in the genus for having stomata on both surfaces
of the leaves which may indicate an unusual photosynthetic pathway.
There are 24 species in the genus, some cultivated as garden shrubs. In this photograph the spectacular
pink-purple petals have fallen, revealing the curious kneed stamens.
Photo credit: W Milliken