Lecythis ibiriba (Lecythidaceae), a new combination, is described, illustrated, and discussed. This species occurs as a shrub or small- to medium-sized tree that grows in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil. Lecythis ibiriba differs from most species of Lecythis by having seeds with poorly developed basal arils and stalked vestigial stamens that are curved but not swept inward. Morphologically, it is similar to L. lurida; however, differences in the bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits justify its recognition as a separate species.