Ipomoea bonsai (Convolvulaceae), a Magnificent New Species from the Caatinga Domain, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract—A new species of Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae), endemic to the Caatinga domain of northeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated. Ipomoea bonsai has often been misidentified as I. brasiliana or I. subincana in herbarium collections, probably due to the densely pubescent and brochidodromous leaves of all three species. The new species is a shrub, with unexpectedly robust stems and scandent branches. A diagnosis, with a complete morphological description, illustrations, taxonomic comments, conservation status, distribution map, and photographs are presented.