Two new species of Harpalyce (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) from the Cerrado hotspot of biodiversity in Brazil

Two new Brazilian species of Harpalyce (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Brongniartieae) are described and illustrated from the Cerrado hotspot of biodiversity. Harpalyce correntina occurs in western Bahia state, while Harpalyce tombadorensis is apparently endemic to the Serra do Tombador in northern Goiás state. Harpalyce correntina is morphologically similar to H. hilariana but it differs mainly by the ferruginous-tomentose indumentum on the branches and leaf rachis, persistent stipules, narrower leaflets, and an inflorescence that is usually shorter than the subtending leaf. Harpalyce tombadorensis is related to H. robusta but it differs by its shorter stipules, leaflets with brochidodromous venation, glabrous upper surface and attenuate-apiculate apex, smaller linear-triangular bracteoles and larger legumes with valves slightly reticulate-veined externally. The taxonomy, geographic distribution, conservation status, and phenology of the newly described species are also provided.