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Issue: Vol. 755 No. 2: 8 May 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-05-08
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.755.2.6
Page range: 225-234
Abstract views: 0
PDF downloaded: 0

Justicia zappiana (Acanthaceae), a new species from the Atlantic Forest of Bahia, Brazil

Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia; Núcleo de Apoio à Pesquisa em Rondônia; CEP 76801-058; Porto Velho; RO; Brazil
Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia; Centro de Formação em Ciências Agroflorestais and Herbarium CEPEC; CEP 45604-811; Itabuna; BA; Brazil
Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro; CEP 22460-030; Rio de Janeiro; RJ; Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia; Núcleo de Apoio à Pesquisa em Rondônia; CEP 76801-058; Porto Velho; RO; Brazil
Atlantic Forest endemism Justicieae section Dianthera taxonomy Eudicots

Abstract

Justicia zappiana is described and illustrated as a new species endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Bahia, Brazil. It occurs in the understory of dense rainforests within protected areas in the southern part of the state and shows morphological affinities with J. anagallis and J. lavandulifolia. It is distinguished by subcylindrical stems, very narrow leaves with short petioles, reduced peduncles, shorter filaments, and pubescent capsules with tuberculate seeds. Although occurring in conservation units, the species is known from few localities, with restricted distribution and small populations. For these reasons, it is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) under IUCN criteria. This discovery highlights the importance of field collections in Bahia for advancing knowledge of Acanthaceae diversity and supporting conservation strategies.

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How to Cite

Silva, F.A.D., Jardim, J.G. & Fraga, C.N.D. (2026) Justicia zappiana (Acanthaceae), a new species from the Atlantic Forest of Bahia, Brazil. Phytotaxa 755 (2): 225–234. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.755.2.6