A new species of Ruellia L. (Ruellieae, Acanthaceae) from Goiás state, Brazil

Abstract

Taxonomic studies about Ruellia from Goiás state, Brazil, ongoing, revealed a new species, R. kalungae, that it is here described and illustrated, and systematically positioned. The novel species is similar to Ruellia nitens in the subshubby erect habit, leaves light green and corolla infundibuliform. However, it differs from the latter by several characters related specially to the shapes and indument of the leaves, bracts and capsules, inflorescence type, aspect and size of the calyx lacinia, presence de bracteoles, and number and shape of the seeds.