Two new species of Lantana (Verbenaceae) from the Brazilian Caatinga

Resumen

Lantana (~100 spp.) and Lippia (~140 spp.) belong to Lantaneae are distinguished from other Verbenaceae genera by inconspicuous calyces and 2-labiate corollas. Traditionally, they are differentiated by fruit morphology: Lantana species have 1-pyrenate drupes, while Lippia species feature schizocarps or 2-pyrenate drupaceous fruits. Phylogenetic analyses have shown that several genera within Lantaneae, including Lantana and Lippia, are non-monophyletic, but no Linnaean-based classification the tribe has been proposed. Despite these systematic challenges, describing new species is crucial for advancing Lantaneae taxonomy. Such efforts help clarify species richness, taxonomic relationships, and support conservation initiatives. Based on analyses of Lantaneae collections in Brazilian herbaria, we identified two new species with fleshy fruits from Caatinga domain, assigning them to Lantana. Lantana sp. nov. 1 is found on a limestone outcrop known locally as Lajedão in the municipality of Matias Cardoso, northern Minas Gerais state. Lantana sp. nov. 2 occurs in the state of Ceará and was collected in coastal dune vegetation. Other specimens from Ceará are under analysis to determine whether they belong to this new species. The description of both new species includes illustrations and photographs, distribution maps, conservation statuses, comparisons with similar and sympatric species, and taxonomic notes. CNPq, FAPESB, UEFS and FINAPESQ - Flora da Bahia (UEFS)

Citation: Cardoso, P.H., Barros da Silba, G. & dos Santos Silva, T.R. 2025. Two new species of Lantana (Verbenaceae) from the Brazilian Caatinga. Revista Jard. Bot. Nac. Univ. Habana 46(Número especial 1): 64.  

Trabajo presentado en el XIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Botánica. Sesión Sistemática, Filogenia, Biogeografía y Evolución.