A Remarkable New Species of Pleurophora (Lythraceae) from Caatinga of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract—

A new species, Pleurophora pulchra , is described, illustrated, and compared with the two other species of Pleurophora occurring in Brazil. Pleurophora pulchra was found on the mountain ranges Serra do Livramento, Serra do Bendó, and Serrote in Negreiros National Park, Pernambuco, Brazil, and is the second species of the genus from the Caatinga region. It differs from other Pleurophora by a combination of a sterile ventral ovary locule, an unusually enlarged floral tube, and conspicuous, relatively large red petals. A key to the species of subgenus Anisotes to which P. pulchra belongs is provided.