A digital interactive key for identification of Miconia s.s. (Melastomataceae) from Pará, northern Brazil, with new records from the state

Abstract In Brazil, the Amazonian region lacks information on Miconia, where around 175 species are estimated to occur. Pará, the second largest northern state, is home to 87 Miconia s.s. species and one subspecies. In this study, we have developed the first digital and interactive identification key for Miconia using 36 characters with 114 states on the Xper³ platform. The key can be accessed at and includes original drawings and digital pictures of herbarium specimens for easier use. During the preparation of the key, we also detected eight new records of Miconia species within the state, and we indicate some uncertainties about previous occurrence records of some other species. This digital interactive key will aid in the identification of Miconia species within the Amazon and can also serve as a template for future broader keys.