Xyris serrana (Xyridaceae), a new species endemic to the Campos de Cima da Serra, southern Brazil

ABSTRACT

A new species of Xyris endemic to Southern Brazil is described. Xyris serrana is placed in X. sect. Nematopus, which is characterized by having basal, suprabasal, or central placentation. The new species is known from few samples from the summits of Serra Geral, in Santa Catarina State. According IUCN criteria, the conservation status of the species is evaluated as Data Deficient. Xyris serrana is morphologically similar to X. neglecta due to both having narrowly flattened blades and young bracts with villous-ciliate margins, but differs by its yellowish-brown sheaths, blackish-brown bracts with a narrow macula, and lateral sepals with reddish trichomes. A description, illustration, distribution map, and taxonomic comments are provided.

Keywords:
neotropical flora; subtropical highland grasslands; Nematopus; Xyrid clade