Paepalanthus calvescens (Eriocaulaceae), a new species from Espirito Santo, Brazil

Paepalanthus calvescens is a new species of Eriocaulaceae, herein described and illustrated. The species is endemic to Espirito Santo state, restricted to a small, unique and endangered habitat composed of quartzitic patches within a primarily granitic area. The indument of leaves, spathes, and scapes is crucial to recognize the taxon as a distinct entity along with the shape and pilosity of other floral and vegetative structures. The species is compared to P. capixaba, the morphologically most similar species occurring in the Espirito Santo state. The new species is also compared to P. spathulatus and P. calvus, which, although occur far from the occurrence site of P. calvescens, share morphological similarities. Comments on the species distribution and conservation, as well as details of morphological variation and photos are provided.