Nomenclatural novelties in lessingianthus (Asteraceae - Vernonieae): An extraordinary new species, a lectotypification, and a new combination from a resurrected synonym

Abstract

Lessingianthus spinifolius is here described and illustrated as a new species of the tribe Vernonieae (Asteraceae) from Chapada dos Veadeiros, State of Goiás, Brazil. The new species is thus far known only from the type locality. The characteristics that most differentiate L. spinifolius from congeners are: (i) leaf blade strongly revolute; and (ii) leaf blade with spines on the margins. The new species is similar to L. onopordioides due to both having a similarly shaped involucre and the involucre being eximbricate with lanceolate phyllaries. Taxonomic and ecological comments, a distribution map, conservation status assessment, and illustrations of the new species are provided. Additionally, Vernonia araneosa is resurrected from the synonymy of L. durus, and a new combination, L. araneosus based on V. araneosa, is proposed, a lectotype designated, and its affinities with L. durus discussed.