Ruellia domatiata (Acanthaceae), a striking new species from Madagascar

Abstract

The new species Ruellia domatiata I. Darbysh. & E. Tripp from northern Madagascar is described and illustrated and its affinities within the genus are discussed. This striking new species is currently assessed as Critically Endangered using the categories and criteria of the IUCN Red List. The presence of tuft-domatia on the undersurface of the leaves, a rare occurrence in the Acanthaceae family, is noted.