Three new species of Xyris (Xyridaceae) from Diamantina Plateau in Brazil, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Abstract. As part of the results of an inventory of Xyridaceae species from the Rio Preto State Park, Minas Gerais, Brazil, three species of Xyris are proposed as new to science. Xyris nigra, with its blackish and globose spikes, X. scoparia, with linear leaf blades and densely caespitose habit, and X. velutina, with margins of the leaf blades conspicuously villous, are here described and illustrated. For each species, comments are provided on ecology, phenology, and conservation status, in addition to comparisons with morphologically similar species.