Pilea bradei (Urticaceae), a new species from the Atlantic Forest Biome in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Pilea bradei is described as a new species endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest Biome, with records in Serra da Mantiqueira and Serra da Bocaina, Southeastern Brazil. Of the species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest Biome that do not have trichomes and that present punctiform, linear, or fusiform cystoliths (and not cystoliths of other shapes), P. bradei is the only one that has fusiform cystoliths over the veins and other parts of the abaxial surface (vs. linear or fusiform cystoliths absent or only over the veins). The description is accompanied by a preliminary extinction threat assessment according to IUCN Red List categories and criteria, which classifies Pilea bradei as Endangered (EN). We also provide an updated checklist and a key for Pilea species from the Atlantic Forest Biome circumscribed to Southeastern Brazil.