Chirita auriculata J.M. Li & S.X. Zhu sp. nova (Gesneriaceae) is described from Yunnan, China, and illustrated. We investigated its phylogenetic relationships within the Chirita-Chiritopsis group using separate and combined data from the nuclear ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and the chloroplast trnL-F sequence for twenty-three species in different sections of Chirita and Chiritopsis. Chirita auriculata belongs to section Chirita. This is an unexpected phylogenetic position because the new species has a calyx divided almost to the base, ovoid ovaries shorter than the styles, small plant bodies, and small flowers, characters that typically define Chiritopsis. Its position close to C. pumila is supported by its annual stems and membranous leaves.