Eplingiella sanoi sp. nov. (Hyptidinae-Lamiaceae): supports the urgent need for campos rupestres conservation in the Serra do Espinhaço Septentrional, Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Abstract

A new species of Lamiaceae, Eplingiella sanoi, from the campo rupestre of an ecotone zone between the Cerrado and the Caatinga domains is described and illustrated. The new species expands the distribution of the genus to Southeast Brazil, previously restricted to Northeast Brazil. Eplingiella sanoi is compared to the three other species of the genus, especially E. cuniloides, the morphologically closest related species. We present an identification key for all the species of the genus, an occurrence map for Eplingiella sanoi, E. cuniloides and E. brightoniae and a formal conservation assessment for the new species. Eplingiella sanoi is endemic to the region between Pico da Formosa and Pico do Sucuruiú (Minas Gerais state, Serra do Espinhaço), an area under threat due to a planned wind farm installation. Recognizing this species emphasizes the imperative for more taxonomic studies and conservation of Serra do Espinhaço.