Harpochilus corrugatus (Acanthaceae), a new and endangered chiropterophylous species from the highlands of central-southern Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

During floral biology studies in Northeastern Brazil, populations of Harpochilus from central-southern Bahia have been found to differ from H. neesianus. Following extensive fieldwork and floral visitor observations, studies of all available specimens, coupled with micromorphology of indumentum and pollen, we have gathered sufficient evidence to recognize these populations as distinct and a new species. H. corrugatus is hereby described and illustrated. Harpochilus corrugatus differs from its closest ally, H. neesianus, by having sessile, corrugate, deltoid leaves and yellow flowers with a brownish-purple hue. A distribution map and identification key to distinguish the three species of the genus are presented, and the IUCN category of threat for the new species was assessed as Endangered. Glossophaginae bats were observed to be the floral visitor, suggesting that this is another bat-pollinated species of that genus from the Caatinga biome.