Two new species and one new synonym of Maytenus (Celastraceae) from Brazil

Abstract

Two new species of Brazilian Maytenus are described and illustrated. Maytenus chapadensis is endemic to northern Goias state, where it occurs in the cerrado vegetation. The species has quadrangular, sub-winged young twigs, elliptic to obovate ascending leaves, and cymose inflorescences with a reduced peduncle. Maytenus mucugensis occurs in the Chapada Diamantina in Bahia state, where it is relatively common in the campo rupestre and cerrado vegetation. It can be identified by its profuse branching, flattened and pruinose young twigs with dense and diminutive protuberances, obovate to elliptic leaves with inconspicuous secondary veins, and cymose inflorescences (sometimes reduced to a single flower) with reduced peduncles and pedicels. Finally, the species Maytenus guyanensis is typified, and the name M. micrantha is assigned to its synonymy.