Ruellia capixaba (Acanthaceae, Acanthoideae), a new scandent species from espírito santo state, with taxonomic updates for other Ruellia of the Atlantic Forest of Brazil

Researchers have identified and described Ruellia capixaba, a new scandent species of the genus Ruellia (Acanthaceae) endemic to the Atlantic Forest in Espírito Santo, Brazil. This discovery adds to the 24 known Ruellia species in the Atlantic Forest, a critical biodiversity hotspot threatened by deforestation. The study also introduces Ruellia fatimae, a red-flowered scandent species previously misclassified under Stephanophysum, and lectotypifies Ruellia furcata. Additionally, an identification key for scandent Ruellia species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest is provided. The research leverages taxonomic analysis to clarify species boundaries, contributing to the understanding of plant diversity in this vulnerable ecosystem.

Zavatin, D. A., Freitas, J., de Lírio, E. J., Faller, V. S., Prado, J., Kameyama, C., & Fernandes, U. G. (2026). Ruellia capixaba (Acanthaceae, Acanthoideae), a new scandent species from espírito santo state, with taxonomic updates for other Ruellia of the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Brittonia, 78(3), 340–351. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12228-026-09877-y