Stachytarpheta lajedicola (Verbenaceae), a new species from the Caatinga of Minas Gerais state, Brazil: the first report of the genus in limestone outcrops

Stachytarpheta is one of the largest genera Verbenaceae, found mainly in campos rupestres Brazil. We describe a new species, lajedicola, and report for first time occurrence genus limestone outcrops. The species endemic to Caatinga domain, northern Minas Gerais state, growing an open karst formation municipality Matias Cardoso, locally known as Lajedão. Its main diagnostic characteristics are branches with well-developed longitudinal edges, leaves attenuate caudate apex, inflorescences linear bracts, exceeding calyx length. provide detailed description, illustrations, photographs, geographic map, comparisons morphologically similar species. lajedicola may be considered Critically Endangered (CR), biological importance Lajedão conservation discussed.