A new species of Lejeuneaceae, Harpalejeunea zilmarii, from an upper montane forest in southeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by the upper leaf which has an ovate, asymmetric lobe, is narrowed toward the apex, with an acuminate apex, a uniseriate tip that is 2–4 cells long, an entire margin, or with cells of the proximal part of the antical margin (up to ca. 2/3 lobe length) crenate-denticulate by conical projections, constricted lobules forming a short and slightly curved passage to the water sac, with 2 short, blunt, closely associated single-celled teeth, and intercalary androecia on the main stem. The new species resembles Harpalejeunea tridens, and its affinities are discussed and presented in the key to the Brazilian species of Harpalejeunea.

Detailed examination of the protologue, herbarium, and live specimens of Ephedra kardangensis revealed that this species actually corresponds to E. gerardiana. Therefore, we report here E. kardangensis as a new synonym of E. gerardiana. Discrepancies in the description, diagnosis, and type specimen of E. kardangensis are discussed. Morphometric and molecular analyses also supported synonymy of the species. We provide a detailed description, photographic illustrations of vegetative (habit, stem, and leaves), and reproductive characters (male and female strobili, seed bearing strobili, seed, and pollen) of E. gerardiana for the ease of proper identification.

Two new cauliflorous species of Aristolochia subseries Anthocaulicae from southern Central America are described and illustrated. Aristolochia guanacastensis from northwestern Costa Rica resembles A. ruiziana, from which it is distinguished by having glabrous and narrower leaves, larger flowers without a syrinx, and shorter fruits. Aristolochia povedae from the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica and Panama is similar to A. cordiflora, but it is distinguished by its smaller, suborbicular and concave perianth limb with a shallower sinus, and slightly larger fruits. Comments about their distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status, and distinction from related species are provided, and also a key to the species of Aristolochia subseries Anthocaulicae present in Central America. Evidence that supports the synonymization of A. cruenta under A. goudotii is presented.

Dos nuevas especies caulifloras de Aristolochia subserie Anthocaulicae del sur de Centroamérica son descritas e ilustradas. Aristolochia guanacastensis del noroeste de Costa Rica es parecida a A. ruiziana, de la cual se distingue por tener hojas glabras y más estrechas, flores más grandes sin siringe y frutos más cortos. Aristolochia povedae de la vertiente Caribe de Costa Rica y Panamá es similar a A. cordiflora, pero se distingue por su limbo floral más pequeño, suborbicular y cóncavo, con un seno menos profundo y frutos un poco más grandes. Se proporcionan comentarios sobre su distribución, hábitat, fenología, estado de conservación y distinción de especies relacionadas, así como también una clave de las especies de Aristolochia subserie Anthocaulicae presentes en Centroamérica. Se presenta evidencia que apoya la sinonimia de A. cruenta bajo A. goudotii.

Even though the monophyly of the Ornithocephalus clade (Oncidiinae) is currently well defined, the systematic positioning of Centroglossa and Dunstervillea remains obscure in the clade due to the absence in previous phylogenetic studies. Centroglossa has a very similar habit and is indistinguishable from Zygostates, whereas Dunstervillea has as its main characteristic the calcarate labellum, also found in Centroglossa. We clarify the systematic and phylogenetic positioning of Centroglossa and Dunstervillea in the Ornithocephalus clade (OC) through analysis of maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference, and maximum parsimony from molecular data (nrITS and matK cpDNA) and morphology. Our results indicate that Dunstervillea is phylogenetically close to Eloyella; both genera have a psigmoid habit, single-sided and flattened leaves, floral perianth with the same coloring, petals with entire margins, and a short rostellum. Centroglossa appears as a subclade within Zygostates. In addition to several homoplastic features, these two genera have the dorsal position of viscidium as a synapomorphy. The calcarate labellum, common to Centroglossa and Dunstervillea, originated more than once in the OC. Based on the phylogenetic results, we propose the nomenclatural changes to include Dunstervillea in Eloyella and Centroglossa in Zygostates. New synonyms are indicated to Zygostates greeniana and Z. nunes-limae and lectotypes are indicated to Centroglossa macroceras and C. glaziovii.

In this study we describe a new species, Epidendrum itacolomiensis, from the historically well collected region of the Itacolomi peak, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We compare the new species with taxa belonging to the E. proligerum complex. The new species has some of the smallest flowers of the complex and is similar to E. bothryanthum and E. parahybunense, but it is easily distinguished from them by the erect stems, the absence of a distinct ventral vesicle in the pedicellate ovary formed by an inflated cuniculus, and pale pink flowers. It also differs from E. bothryanthum by the entire lip. We also provide an illustration, photographs, and an identification key for the species complex. This study highlights that even extensively collected areas in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest may hide new orchid taxa.

For almost 30 yr it was believed that the holotype of Pariana maynensis (Huber 1440) was lost. Based on this, a neotype housed at the MG herbarium, Pará, Brazil (Huber 4296, MG) was proposed by V. C. Hollowell in her treatment of Pariana for Flora Mesoamericana. During recent review of the Pariana collections of the MG herbarium, the type specimen supposedly lost was rediscovered. Here we recognize the holotype status of the Huber 1440 (MG) specimen. In the process, we also resolved a 118-yr-old enigma regarding a similar specimen, Huber 4296 (MG), which is a new species formally described here as Pariana huberi. In addition to the description of the new species, an emended description of P. maynensis, and a comparison with morphologically similar species are provided, as well as an updated distribution map and an informal conservation status for both species.

Doliocarpus is a neotropical genus with extensive representation in Brazil. During its taxonomic review, two new species from Brazilian Atlantic Forest were discovered and are herein described, illustrated, and compared to their close relatives. Doliocarpus heterophyllus can be recognized by its slightly undulate and subrevolute leaf margin along the lower third of the blade, with camptodromous venation, glabrous on the upper surface of the leaf, a cuspidate apex, and its glabrous fruit. Doliocarpus serrulatus has a serrulate leaf margin along the upper third of the blade, with craspedodromous venation, hirsute on the lower surface, and glabrous fruit. Diagnostic characters are discussed, accompanied by notes on their geographic distribution, informal conservation status, and photographs, and an emended key to all species of Doliocarpus of Atlantic Forest is also provided.

Doliocarpus é um gênero neotropical com ampla representação no Brasil. Durante sua revisão taxonômica, duas novas espécies da Mata Atlântica brasileira são descritas, ilustradas e comparadas com suas espécies intimamente relacionadas. Doliocarpus heterophyllus pode ser reconhecida pela margem foliar levemente ondulada e sub-revoluta ao longo do terço inferior da lâmina, com venação camptódroma, glabra na face superior da folha, ápice cuspidado e fruto glabro. Doliocarpus serrulatus possui a margem foliar serrulada ao longo do terço superior da lâmina, com venaçãocraspedódroma, hirsuta na face inferior e fruto glabro. Caracteres diagnósticos são discutidos, acompanhados de notas sobre sua distribuição geográfica, estado de conservação informal e fotografias. Também é fornecida uma chave de identificação emendada para todas as espécies de Doliocarpus da Mata Atlântica.

We present a taxonomic synopsis of Aldina (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae), a poorly known Neotropical genus of predominantly Amazonian trees with unusual, non-papilionate flowers. Aldina is characterized by the combination of odd-foliolate leaves and flowers with radial symmetry, free and undifferentiated petals, an entire calyx, and free, numerous stamens. Difficulty accessing species in remote areas has led to poor representation in herbaria, and species descriptions based on scant material have led to a doubtful and confused taxonomy. Eighteen species are recognized here: A. aurea, A. auyantepuiensis, A. barnebyana, A. berryi, A. discolor, A. diplogyne, A. elliptica, A. heterophylla, A. insignis, A. kunhardtiana, A. latifolia, A. macrophylla, A. microphylla, A. occidentalis, A. paulberryi, A. petiolulata, A. polyphylla, and A. reticulata. The names A. amazonica, A. latifolia var. pubescens, A. insignis var. retusa, A. stergiosii, A. aquae-negrae, A. rio-negrae, and A. speciosa are newly synonymized. We lectotypify A. discolor, A. heterophylla, A. macrophylla, A. occidentalis, and A. polyphylla, and make a new combination, Aldina auyantepuiensis. All Aldina species are found in the Amazon basin. An identification key for all species, a color plate, diagnostic illustrations, and a map of geographic distribution of the genus are also presented.

Este trabalho consiste no tratamento sinóptico de Aldina Endl. (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae), um gênero Neotropical de árvores de flores não papilionadas com distribuição predominante na bacia amazônica. Aldina é caracterizada pela combinação de folhas imparipinadas e flores com simetria radial, pétalas livres e indiferenciadas, cálice inteiro, e estames livres e numerosos. A dificuldade de acesso a espécies em áreas remotas, como a bacia amazônica, tem levado a uma pobre representação em herbários de gênero de importância ecológica como Aldina. Além disso, descrições taxonômicas baseadas em material escasso tem levado a uma taxonomia duvidosa e confusa desses grupos. Neste trabalho são reconhecidas dezoito espécies: A. aurea, A. auyantepuiensis, A. barnebyana, A. berryi, A. discolor, A. diplogyne, A. elliptica, A. heterophylla, A. insignis, A. kunhardtiana, A. latifolia, A. macrophylla, A. microphylla, A. occidentalis, A. paulberryi, A. petiolulata, A. polyphylla e A. reticulata. Os nomes A. amazonica, A. latifolia var. pubescens, A. insignis var. retusa, A. stergiosii, A. aquae-negrae, A. rio-negrae, e A. speciosa são sinonimizados aqui. Apresentamos também a lectotipificação de A. discolor, A. heterophylla, A. occidentalis, A. polyphylla e uma nova combinação em Aldina auyantepuiensis. Nesta sinopse apresentamos uma chave de identificação para todas as espécies, pranchas com imagens, ilustrações e um mapa com distribuição geográfica para o gênero.

Chamaecrista is one of the largest genera of Leguminosae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae. Traditionally, it has been divided into six sections, of which Chamaecrista sect. Absus is the largest, with 31 series. Chamaecrista sect. Absus ser. Setosae comprises nine species. Chamaecrista setosa is the most widely distributed species, comprising four varieties, distinguished by the type and distribution of glandular trichomes, and the leaflet venation. Given the importance of leaflet venation in the delimitation of the taxa, here we performed a study of leaflet architecture of all species of the series and a more detailed morphological study for the Chamaecrista setosa complex. For the study of leaf architecture, 2D images of the leaflets were made using the Faxitron x-ray technique. The morphological studies were based on herbarium specimens. We present the details of the leaflet architecture for the species of Chamaecrista sect. Absus ser. Setosae, and we propose nomenclatural changes for a variety of Chamaecrista setosa and some corrections to typifications. During our studies we also found a new species, Chamaecrista forzzae, which is morphologically similar to Chamaecrista setosa and Chamaecrista multiseta. It is here described and illustrated.

Chamaecrista é um dos maiores gêneros da subfamília Caesalpinioideae em Leguminosae. Tradicionalmente é reconhecido seis seções, a maior destas é Chamaecrista sect. Absus com 31 séries. Chamaecrista sect. Absus ser. Setosae compreende nove espécies, sendo Chamaecrista setosa a espécie mais amplamente distribuída e com quatro variedades distintas basicamente pelo tipo e distribuição dos tricomas glandulares e pela venação dos folíolos. Considerando a importância dada à venação foliolar na delimitação dos táxons, realizamos aqui um estudo da arquitetura foliolar para todas as espécies da série e um estudo morfológico mais detalhado para o complexo Chamaecrista setosa. Para o estudo da arquitetura foliolar, foram feitas imagens 2D dos folíolos usando a técnica de raio-x Faxitron. Os estudos morfológicos foram feitos com base em espécimes de herbário. Como resultados, detalhamos a arquitetura do folíolo para as espécies de Chamaecrista sect. Absus ser. Setosae, propomos uma mudança nomenclatural para uma das variedades de Chamaecrista setosa e realizamos algumas correções nas tipificações. Durante nossos estudos, também encontramos uma nova espécie, Chamaecrista forzzae, morfologicamente similar à Chamaecrista setosa e Chamaecrista multiseta, aqui descrita e ilustrada.

The southern African species of Chamaecrista were all treated under Cassia in Gordon-Gray's treatment for the Flora of Southern Africa. However, given the subsequent generic recircumscriptions in the subtribe Cassiinae, and the expanded collections of these taxa, there is a need to revisit the taxonomy of the group. The present study aimed to conduct a detailed taxonomic revision of the species of Chamaecrista indigenous to the flora of southern Africa region. Extensive fieldwork was carried out to study the taxa in their natural environment and morphological characters were additionally studied using herbarium material. The revision presented here includes comprehensive descriptions, a key to the species, nomenclature, typifications, diagnostic characters with illustrations, and geographical distribution maps of all recognised taxa. Eleven species of Chamaecrista are recognised for the flora of southern Africa, two of which are described as new, i.e. Chamaecrista grandiglandulata and C. gordon-grayei. In addition, one new subspecies is described, namely C. gordon-grayei subsp. longipedicellata, while Chamaecrista comosa var. capriconia is raised to the rank of subspecies, viz. Chamaecrista comosa subsp. capriconia. The typifications published here include lectotypes designated for Chamaecrista plumosa and C. stricta, neotypes designated for C. capensis var. flavescens, C. comosa, and C. plumosa var. diffusa, and an isolectotype designated for C. stricta.

Errazurizia (Fabaceae) is a genus comprised of four species of New World desert shrubs with an ambiguous evolutionary history. Prior studies determined the North American species of Errazurizia were polyphyletic and the relationship of E. rotundata with other genera in the tribe Amorpheae remained undetermined. The sole South American species, which is also the type species, has never been included in a molecular study. We inferred the phylogenetic relationships of Errazurizia and six closely related genera using data from the cpDNA genome and nrDNA cistron from reference guided assemblies. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses found two of the North American and the South American species were a monophyletic group, but that E. rotundata was sister to the monotypic genus Parryella. Gland and pollen surface characters confirm the close relationship between P. filifolia and E. rotundata. Cytonuclear discordance yielded partially incongruent tree topologies, and while the cpDNA phylogeny indicated a monophyletic Amorpha was sister to the E. rotundata and P. filifolia clade, the nrDNA cistron phylogeny recovered a paraphyletic Amorpha, with A. californica sister to the E. rotundata and P. filifolia clade. Molecular and morphological evidence support the elevation of E. rotundata to its own monotypic genus, Pictarena. The new genus Pictarena is defined by subsessile, suborbicular leaflets, mammiform leaflet glands, spicate inflorescences, and flowers with either all petals absent or rarely with a banner petal. Elevating E. rotundata to Pictarena resolves the confusing classification of the species, an imperiled endemic known only from four localities in northern Arizona and lends support for continued conservation.

A new species of Macroptilium from seasonally dry tropical forests and woodlands (SDTFW) from Northeastern Brazil is described herein. Macroptilium albidum can be characterized by its flowers with whitish or greenish petals, a fascicle of bracts in two tufts near the base of the peduncle, floral bracts, and bracteoles equal or slightly longer than the length of the calyx. Illustrations, taxonomic comments, a distribution map, and an identification key to the species of Macroptilium from Northeastern Brazil are provided.

Schinus comprises 42 species distributed across a broad range of vegetation types in southern South America. The previous phylogenetic study recovered eight well-supported lineages in Schinus. The simple-leaved species were grouped in a strongly supported clade that was resolved into five internal clades, one of which is Schinus sect. Myrtifolia. This is a group with some species reaching the highest elevations attained by Anacardiaceae. The 11 species of this section are mostly endemic to Andean cloud forests from Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Here, we present a taxonomic revision of Schinus section Myrtifolia and provide an identification key, descriptions of taxa including four new species: Schinus congestiflora, Schinus obliqua, Schinus tarijensis, and Schinus villosa, recognize a variety at species level and a new name at a new rank, as well as present synonyms and designate three lectotypes. We also include illustrations, distribution maps, comments on the taxonomy and nomenclature, preliminary conservation assessments, and pollen characterization for three species.

A new species of Loasa, endemic to the northern Andes of Chile, is described and informally evaluated, under the IUCN criteria for conservation, as Critically Endangered. Molecular analyses based on plastid markers place the new species within the Loasa ser. Macrospermae, with high support, and specifically as sister to Loasa acerifolia. A key to and comparative plates including all the 13 known species of Loasa ser. Macrospermae are provided.

Four new species of Mandevilla from inselbergs in Espírito Santo, Brazil are described, including illustrations, and maps. Mandevilla declinata resembles M. crassinoda but differs by leaf blades acuminate to long acuminate and longer corolla. Mandevilla fornograndensis is distinguished from morphologically similar species by its yellow corolla. Mandevilla mysteriosa is morphologically similar to M. lucida but differs by its longer petioles, leaf blade characters, shorter corolla tube, and smaller anthers; Mandevilla obovata resembles M. hatschbachii, but it is separated by its puberulent leaves, longer sepals, and white corolla. An informal evaluation of the conservation status according to IUCN guidelines is proposed for each species: M. declinata (VU: D2), M. fornograndensis (VU: D2), M. mysteriosa (VU: D2), and M. obovata (VU: B1ab(i,ii,iii)+2ab(i,ii,iii)). A key to the species of Mandevilla in Espírito Santo is included.

Quatro novas espécies de Mandevilla são descritas dos inselbergs do estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, incluindo ilustrações e mapas. Mandevilla declinata assemelha-se a M. crassinoda, diferindo pelas lâminas foliares acuminadas a longamente acuminadas e corola mais longa. Mandevilla fornograndensis distingue-se de espécies morfologicamente semelhantes pela sua corola amarela. Mandevilla mysteriosa é morfologicamente semelhante a M. lucida, mas difere desta pelos pecíolos mais longos, caracteres das lâminas foliares, tubo de corola mais curto e anteras menores. Mandevilla obovata assemelha-se a M. hatschbachii, mas é diferenciada por suas folhas puberulentas, sépalas mais longas e corola branca. A avaliação informal do estado de conservação de cada espécie foi realizada de acordo com os critérios da IUCN: M. declinata (VU: D2), M. fornograndensis (VU: D2), M. mysteriosa (VU: D2), and M. obovata (VU: B1ab(i,ii,iii)+2ab(i,ii,iii)). É apresentada uma chave para identificação das oito espécies de Mandevilla do Espírito Santo.

As part of the taxonomic revision of Evolvulus section Lagopodini (Convolvulaceae), a new species was found in the Brazilian Cerrado, a Neotropical biodiversity hotspot, and it is informally categorized herein as endangered. Evolvulus veadeirensis sp. nov. is characterized by the subshrub habit, slender and cylindrical stems, lanceolate leaves, leaf base that is attenuate or obtuse, and clavate stigmatic lobes. Among the species in that section, E. veadeirensis sp. nov. is more similar to E. altissimus, differing from the latter mainly by height, the shape of the leaf blade, leaf apex, and the stigmatic lobes. A diagnosis, morphological descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic comments, informal conservation status, distribution map, photographs, and an identification key for species from Chapada dos Veadeiros are presented.

Como parte da revisão taxonômica de Evolvulus sect. Lagopodini (Convolvulaceae), uma nova espécie foi descoberta no Cerrado Brasileiro, um Hotspot Neotropical de Biodiversidade, e foi categorizada informalmente aqui como ameaçada. Evolvulus veadeirensis sp. nddov. é caracterizada pelo hábito subarbustivo, caules delgados e cilíndricos, folhas lanceoladas, base foliar atenuada ou obtusa, e lóbulos estigmáticos clavados. Entre as espécies dessa seção, E. veadeirensis é mais semelhante a E. altissimus, diferindo desta principalmente pela altura, forma da lâmina, ápice foliar, e forma dos lóbulos estigmáticos. Apresentamos uma diagnose, descrição morfológica, ilustrações, comentários taxonômicos, estado de conservação informal, mapa de distribuição, fotografias e uma chave de identificação para as espécies ocorrentes na Chapada dos Veadeiros.

Tomato domestication history has been revealed to be a highly complex story. A major contributor to this complexity is an evolutionary intermediate group (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme; SLC) between the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. lycopersicum; SLL) and its wild relative (Solanum pimpinellifolium; SP). SLC includes accessions with a broad spectrum of genomic and phenotypic characteristics. Some of the SLC accessions were previously hypothesized to be spreading northward from South America into Mesoamerica and that migration probably entailed reversal to wild-like phenotypes such as smaller fruits. Prior to this study, the northernmost confirmed extension of the SLC was limited to northern Mexico. In this study, we employed genomic methods to investigate the origin of a wild-like tomato found in a garden in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. The so-called “Arizona tomato” featured a vigorous growth habit and carried small fruits weighing 2–3 g. Our phylogenomic analyses revealed the identity of the Arizona tomato as a member of the Mexican SLC population (SLC MEX). To our knowledge, this is the first report of an SLC accession, confirmed using genomics, growing spontaneously in Arizona. This finding could have implications for conservation biology as well as agriculture.

We here describe a new species of flowering plant to science, Ruellia whitneyana (Acanthaceae), so far known only from Bolivia. This species occupies wet forest understories associated with steep slopes and riparian environments, where plants grow directly atop slate rocks or among rocky soils. We postulate that this new species is of hybrid origin between Ruellia brevifolia and Ruellia puri based on recurrent sympatry and simultaneous co-flowering, intermediate vegetative and floral morphological features, and evidence from genomic and palynological data.

Monochilus (Lamiaceae) is an enigmatic genus endemic to Brazil with two rarely collected species currently recognized. Based on morphological features Monochilus is hypothesized to be closely related to Amasonia within subfamily Ajugoideae. However, Monochilus is one of the few genera within Lamiaceae never to be represented in a published molecular phylogenetic study, and thus has an uncertain placement with the subfamily. During recent herbarium exploration in association with the Flora of Brasil 2020 project, new specimens of Monochilus gloxinifolius and M. obovatus were uncovered. Based on this material, a new phylogeny of Ajugoideae was constructed based on nuclear ribosomal ITS and chloroplast matK and trnL-trnF markers. Monochilus, as previously hypothesized, is closely related to Amasonia and placed within Ajugoideae. We discuss the phylogenetic placement of the genus and provide a taxonomic revision with description, distribution maps, an identification key, preliminary conservation assessments, photographic plates, and comments on both the taxonomy and ecology of these two species. Additionally, we provide a lectotypification for M. gloxinifolius.