A new species and a new synonym in the South American genus Lessingianthus (Vernonieae, Asteraceae).

ANGULO, M. B.; DEMATTEIS, M

PHYTOTAXA

MAGNOLIA PRESS

Lugar: Auckland; Año: 2014 vol. 186 p. 207 - 214

1179-3155

In recent taxonomic studies, Vernonia oxyodonta Malme (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) has been considered as a valid species. However, a detailed analysis of the type material of this taxon clearly indicates that it is morphologically similar to Lessingianthus glabratus (Less.) H.Rob., because it has glabrous leaves, pedunculate heads at the end of the inflorescence, outer phyllaries with acute apex and inner phyllaries with obtuse and mucronulate apex, 30-40 florets per head. Consequently, in this contribution Vernonia oxyodonta is transferred to the synonymy of Lessingianthus glabratus, based on the analysis of morphological features. Therefore, all the specimens under the name V. oxyodonta are described as a new species and a new nomenclatural type is designated. Also, another new species is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to L. rubricaulis complex, but can be distinguished from the remaining taxa of the group by its lanceolate leaves, grayish phyllaries, and habitat.