Updates on Lycianthes (Solanaceae): a new species from Brazil, notes on taxonomy, and a key to identification of Brazilian species

During studies of the genus Lycianthes as part of a taxonomic treatment for the Brazilian flora, a new species, Lycianthes bitteri Costa-Silva & Agra, was recognized from Bahia State, which is described and illustrated here. It is member of Lycianthes subg. Polymeris and related to L. pauciflora (Vahl) Bitter and L. cearaensis Bitter, from which it differs by having petioles depressed adaxially, calyx with linear appendices in two series, radiate and widely spreading, ovary somewhat conical, and indument composed of a mix of dendritic and stellate trichomes. Information about its distribution, conservation status, and affinities with other Lycianthes species are discussed. Additionally, four new synonyms and a lectotypification are proposed, and a key to all Brazilian Lycianthes species is presented.