Adesmiaephedroides (Fabaceae, Faboideae), a new species from the Mediterranean-type ecosystem of Valparaíso Region, Chile.

Abstract

A new species, Adesmiaephedroides, discovered in a restricted area of the coastal mountain range within the Valparaíso Region, Chile, is here described. Molecular phylogenetic analyses, based on five nuclear loci, were carried out to explore the phylogenetic position of the new species. Our findings robustly support A.ephedroides as a distinct species, positioned within a clade of Adesmia, characterised by shrubby growth habit, racemose inflorescences and bristled lomenta. This identified clade exhibits a distribution limited to the semi-arid regions spanning from the southern Atacama Desert to Central Chile. Adesmiaephedroides is readily distinguishable from its closest relatives through a combination of features, including green young branches and distinctive leaf morphology: glabrous, few leaflets and persistent, cylindrical petiole and rachis. A detailed taxonomic description, illustrations, field images, distribution map, ecological insights into its habitat and a preliminary IUCN conservation status assessment are provided.