Buchnera nordestina (Orobanchaceae), an overlooked new species from Northeast Brazil, with an updated identification key for Buchnera of Brazil

Abstract

A new species of Buchnera (Orobanchaceae) from Northeast Brazil is described and illustrated. Buchnera nordestina was first collected by Dr. Francisco Freire Allemão e Cysneiro ca. 160 years ago and remained undescribed until now. We provide notes on morphology, geographic distribution, and conservation status of the new species. Additionally, we present an updated identification key to all species of Buchnera from Brazil. Buchnera nordestina is characterized by long bracts that are usually two times longer than the calyx tube and by the presence of axillary brachyblasts, both of which are unique features within the genus. The new species occurs in restinga and cerrado vegetation in the Brazilian states of Ceará, Maranhão, and Piauí, and is assessed as Endangered (EN).

Selaginella P.Beauv. (Selaginellaceae) in the state of Maranhão, northeastern, Brazil: A floristic survey and a new record for the Cerrado domain

“…Various recent floristic studies confirm that Maranhão is undercollected (Ferreira et al 2017, Ferreira et al 2018, Ferreira et al 2019a, b, Ferreira et al 2022, Gomes et al 2021, Guarçoni et al 2018a, b, Guarçoni et al 2020, Oliveira et al 2021, Scatigna et al 2020. There are few surveys of the fern and lycophyte species in Maranhão (Almeida et al 2020, Silva Junior et al 2020, Fernandes et al 2022, suggesting the need for new botanical studies in the state to update the Flora e Funga do Brasil database, which currently only lists five Selaginella species.…”

Agalinis marianae (Orobanchaceae), a new endangered species endemic to the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais, Brazil

“…Orobanchaceae is represented in Brazil by 11 genera and 44 species, more than half of which are exclusive to this country (Souza 2020). Several new species of Orobanchaceae from Brazil have been described in the last two decades (Souza et al 2001;Souza 2001;Souza & Paula-Souza 2016;Scatigna et al 2017Scatigna et al , 2020. Agalinis Rafinesque has a predominantly neotropical distribution, with a center of diversity in South America, especially in the Andes and in the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais.…”