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Issue: Vol. 773 No. 1: 4 Sept. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-09-04
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.773.1.8
Page range: 89-94
Abstract views: 18
PDF downloaded: 0

Oocephalus cipoensis (Hyptidinae, Lamiaceae), a new species from Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia; Centro de Biociências; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte; Natal; RN 59072-900; Brazil
Royal Botanic Gardens; Kew; Richmond; Surrey; TW9 3AB; UK
Eudicots Campos rupestre Endemic flora Espinhaço Range Labiatae Neotropics

Abstract

The Neotropical genus Oocephalus, belongs to subtribe Hyptidinae and comprising 22 species. Among other features, the genus is characterized by its thyrsoid inflorescences with non-globose cymes but ovoid in shape, flowers with calyx bearing lobes deltate or subulate with the sinuses obdeltate, corolla with no marks or spots, the absence of a stylopodium at the base of gynoecium, and smooth, non-mucilaginous nutlets. The genus is near-endemic to the Brazilian campo rupestre, with O. oppositiflorus representing the only species extending its distribution to lower elevations and adjacent countries. The campo rupestre vegetation, associated with rocky outcrops and shallow, sandy soils, is particularly diverse within the Espinhaço Range, a recognized center of plant endemism that harbors a high proportion of threatened species. Within this mountain chain, the Serra do Cipó is a notable center of local endemism and long-standing botanical investigation. In this contribution, a new species, Oocephalus cipoensis, is described from the campo rupestre of Serra do Cipó, accompanied by an illustration, taxonomic comparisons to its similar species, conservation remarks, and an identification key to the species of Oocephalus occurring in the Minas Gerais State.

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How to Cite

Soares, A.D.S. & Harley, R.M. (2026) Oocephalus cipoensis (Hyptidinae, Lamiaceae), a new species from Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Phytotaxa 773 (1): 89–94. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.773.1.8