A new species of Lippia (Verbenaceae: Lantanae) from the Sierra de La Giganta, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Abstract

We describe and illustrate Lippia domingeziorum, a new species of Verbenaceae from the southern tip of the Sierra La Giganta, Baja California peninsula, Mexico. Currently, it is known only from the rocky-sandy arroyos at the foothills of Cerro Cabeza del Mechudo in La Paz Bay. This novelty appears to be closely related to L. palmeri, which it distinguishes because its flower and corresponding floral bract are almost twice as large. Both taxa are sympatric and share some features, such as the abundant oil glands on the indumentum, but those of this new species lack the typical oregano scent that characterizes L. palmeri. A detailed botanical description and illustrations of/this new taxon are presented. The relationships of this novelty within the genus Lippia is still in an open issue, but future cytogenetic and molecular insights might help to address this matter.