A New Species of Justicia (Acanthaceae: Acanthoideae: Justicieae) from Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Abstract—Justicia rubrobracteata, a new species from northeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to J. aequilabris due to its shrubby habit, and terminal and axillary spicate inflorescences with red flowers. However, J. rubrobracteata is differentiated mainly by the shape and color of its bracts and bracteoles as well as an orangish macula in the corolla, and a torulose capsule. In addition, J. rubrobracteata is only known from northeastern Brazil, from the states of Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte, while J. aequilabris is widely distributed in Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. A table with the main morphological characters of both species is included, as well as photographs, a key to species of Justicia for the states of Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte in northeastern Brazil, a distribution map of both species, and conservation data for the new species.

A new species of Justicia L. (Acanthaceae) from Tamil Nadu, India

“…Acanthaceae is one of the largest angiosperm families encompassing approximately 4900 species under 191 genera, widespread in the tropical and subtropical regions (Kiel et al 2018; Alcantara et al 2020; Manzitto-Tripp et al 2022). Justicia L. is the most complex and largest pantropical genus of subtribe Justiciinae (Scotland & Vollesen 2000) and comprises of 1000 species (Manzitto-Tripp et al 2022).…”

<strong><em>Justicia cordifolia</em>, a new combination in Brazilian Acanthaceae </strong>

“…Currently, 17 species are recognized in this State (Flora do Brasil 2020). Thus, the discovery of new species is not surprising (Côrtes & Rapini 2011, Braz 2015, Silva & Kameyama 2019, Alcantara et al 2020. Furthermore, because of the several generic epithets synonymized under Justicia, some new combinations have been made (Graham 1988), but many are still necessary.…”