A forgotten gem: Mendonciaaffinis (Acanthaceae), a new species once thriving at the Avenida Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract

Recent research towards a revision of Neotropical Mendoncia has confirmed the existence of a new species growing in the semideciduous seasonal forest (mata de planalto) component of the Atlantic Forest. As became evident from fieldwork carried out in Southeastern Brazil and following the study of numerous herbarium specimens, the new species is distinct from M.velloziana, from the coastal and septentrional ombrophilous forests, due to its golden-green bracteoles, densely pubescent ovary and puberulous fruits. A description of the new species is provided, along with a distribution map, conservation status assessment, illustrations and a comparative table with morphologically similar taxa.