Centrosema is a genus of the papilionoid legume tribe Phaseoleae (subtribe Clitoriinae) including about 35 species from the Neotropical region, characterized by the resupinate flowers and the standard petal provided with a spur on the outer surface. During a survey of the species from eastern Brazil, in the state of Bahia, a new species was found and is here described and illustrated. Centrosema sericiflorum differs from other species of the genus mainly by the sericeous indumentum of the outer surface of the calyx and the standard petal (vs. puberulous, pubescent, or villous). The new species occurs in semideciduous forests of the Chapada Diamantina mountain range and is only known from a restricted area in Central Bahia. It was informally assessed as Endangered following IUCN criteria because of its restricted range and occurrence in areas cleared for coffee plantation.