Paepalanthus capixaba (Eriocaulaceae), a new microendemic species from Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract

We describe and illustrate Paepalanthus capixaba, a new species of Paepalanthus ser. Paepalanthus. The species is endemic to Espírito Santo state and restricted to a very distinct and endangered area, which comprises a mosaic of quartzitic sandy patches within a granitic argillaceous site. The indument of leaves, spathes, and scapes is crucial to recognize the taxon as a unique entity. The species is compared to Paepalanthus klotzschianus, the morphologically most similar species. An official conservation status of critically endangered species was assessed by the Centro Nacional de Conservação da Flora committee. Comments on the occurrence area and the morphological variation of the species, as well as a distribution map, photos, and illustrations are provided.