In the course of monographic work in Myrtaceae it has become evident that Eugenia prismatica cannot be accommodated within any existing genus in the family. Therefore, a new genus, Curitiba, is described to contain it and the new combination Curitiba prismatica is made. Curitiba is diagnosed by a combination of 4-angled hypanthia and fruits, ovules radiating from a central protruding placenta, and seed coats with wavy rows of papillae. A key is provided to distinguish Curitiba from the Caribbean and Mesoamerican genus Mosiera, where the species also had been placed before this transfer, and from other 4-merous genera in Brazil of subtribe Myrtinae. In the Atlantic Forest of Brazil where the family Myrtaceae is one of the most species rich and ecologically important plant families, the discovery of Curitiba reveals a unique evolutionary lineage, highlights the endemism present in the Atlantic Forest, and underscores the urgent need for conservation of this rapidly disappearing and highly endangered biome.

Four new species and one new combination of Adenia are presented, along with a vegetative key and diagnostic characters of the Madagascan species. Additional notes are provided about unusual specimens and field observations. Adenia kigogoensis from Tanzania is shown to be distinct from A. stenodactyla (its putative closest relative) and A. digitata based on anther connation and other floral traits. The remaining new taxa are from Madagascar. Adenia litoralis has been observed from one coastal locality in northern Madagascar. It is distinctive in fruit size and leaf form. Adenia metamorpha is the only Madagascan taxon with a narrow cylindrical trunk and large napiform tuber; it is also known from only one locality in Madagascar in the Ankarana Reserve. Adenia mcdadiana is a robust liana with highly reduced glands and leaves that appear to be neotenic compared to its closest putative relative, A. sphaerocarpa. Finally, the position of A. stylosa has been clarified. This species was once treated as A. firingalavensis var. stylosa, and prior to that as A. epigea var. stylosa, but molecular and morphological data suggest it is separate from these species.

Abstract. A new species of Securidaca was found during the preparation of the Polygalaceae treatment for the Nuevo Catálogo de la Flora de Venezuela. Securidaca fundacionensis, from La Fundación, in the Venezuelan Andes, is described, illustrated, and its morphological relationship with an allied species is discussed. This new species is similar to S. uniflora, but it differs by its terete branches; broadly ovate leaves; larger petioles, flowers, fruits; and flabellate-crested keel (abaxial) petal. An updated key to the 27 Venezuelan species of Securidaca is presented, and phytogeographical information about La Fundación is provided.

Resumen. Una nueva especie del género Securidaca fue encontrada durante la elaboración del tratamiento de la familia Polygalaceae para el Nuevo Catálogo de la Flora de Venezuela. Securidaca fundacionensis, del sector La Fundación, estado Táchira, Andes de Venezuela, es descrita, ilustrada y sus relaciones morfológicas con su especie afín son discutidas. S. fundacionensis es similar a S. uniflora, sin embargo, difiere de esta especie por poseer las ramas teretes; las hojas ampliamente ovadas; los pecíolos, las flores, y los frutos más grandes; y la quilla (el pétalo inferior) con una cresta flabelada. Se presenta una clave actualizada para diferenciar las 27 especies del género Securidaca presentes en Venezuela y información general acerca la fitogeografía del sector La Fundación.

Abstract. Three species are described here that occur in montane and high-montane forests in Southeastern Brazil. Miconia shepherdii belongs to section Glossocentrum and occurs on the Serra da Mantiqueira, on the border between the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. Miconia kollmannii belongs to section Hypoxanthus (former Chaenanthera) and occurs in the state of Espírito Santo. Ossaea suprabasalis was also collected in the state of Espírito Santo.

Resumen. As três espécies descritas aqui ocorrem em florestas montanas e altomontanas no Sudeste do Brasil. Miconia shepherdii pertence à seção Glossocentrum e ocorre na Serra da Mantiqueira, na fronteira entre os estados de São Paulo, Minas Gerais e Rio de Janeiro. Miconia kollmannii pertence à seção Hypoxanthus (antiga Chaenanthera) e ocorre no estado do Espírito Santo. Ossaea suprabasalis também foi coletada no Espírito Santo.

Two new species of Galipea are described and illustrated: Galipea maxima, which is known from the wet forests of Ecuador, and Peru, and Galipea ramiflora, from Bolivia and Peru. Their main diagnostic features are pointed out, and a brief discussion on the relationships of the new taxa to other species of Galipea is provided.

Confusion over three taxa of Calamus in China—C. oxycarpus, C. oxycarpus var. angustifolius, and C. macrorhynchus—is resolved. Calamus oxycarpus var. angustifolius is recognized at the species level, as C. albidus. A key, complete descriptions, and distribution maps are given for the three species.

A new species, Bactris nancibaensis, from French Guiana, is described and illustrated.

Resumen.La presente revisión tuvo como objetivo la resolución del complejo Bauhinia macranthera. Por medio de un estudio de morfología comparada que incluyó polen, se reconocen a Bauhinia bartlettii, B. macranthera y B. ramosissima; se restablece B. retifolia y se propone a B. ramosissima var. uniflora, como nueva combinación.

Abstract. The purpose of this study was the resolution of the Bauhinia macranthera complex using comparative morphology, including pollen. Bauhinia bartlettii, B. macranthera B. ramosissima, and B. retifolia are recognized, and B. ramosissima var. uniflora is proposed as a new combination.

Abstract. Dioscorea howardiana is proposed as a new species from Mexico and Central America as far south as Panama, and is described and illustrated. It most closely resembles D. liebmannii. Relationships, distribution, and ecological preferences of the new species are discussed.

Resumen. Dioscorea howardiana se propone como una especie nueva de México y Centroamérica, es descrita e ilustrada. Es semejante a D. liebmannii. Se discuten sus relaciones, su distribución geográfica y preferencias ecológicas.

Vochysia palmirana is described and illustrated as a new species. It is a member of sect. Vochysiella subsect. Decorticantes. It grows in sandy Cerrados of the Central Brazilian Plateau and is similar to V. sessilifolia. A key to the species of Vochysia sect. Vochysiella subsect. Decorticantes is provided.

Abstract. Systematic study of several species complexes in Eleocharis subgen. Limnochloa resulted in the discovery of a new South American species, E. steinbachii. This new species is closely related to E. acutangula, differing in features of the perianth bristles, achene, tubercle, and narrow neotropical distribution. A description and illustration of the new species is provided along with a key to separate it from other triquetrous-culmed species of Eleocharis subgen. Limnochloa with which it has been confused.

Resumen. El estudio sistemático de la variación a nivel global de dos complejos de especies en Eleocharis subgen. Limnochloa ha llevado al descubrimiento de una nueva especie Sudamericana, E. steinbachii. Esta especie está cercanamente relacionada con E. acutangula, pero difiere en rasgos del aquenio, rostro, cerdas del perianto y en su estrecha distribución Neotropical. Se presenta una descripción e ilustración de la nueva especie, así como una clave para separarla de otras especies de tallo triquetro de Eleocharis subgen. Limnochloa con las cuales se ha confundido.

Abstract. Croton balsensis (Euphorbiaceae), a new species endemic to the Balsas Depression of southern Mexico, is described and illustrated. It occurs in the states of Guerrero, Morelos, and Puebla, growing in tropical deciduous forest at elevations from 450 to 1850 m. It is best accommodated in Croton sect. Cascarilla. The Mexican species of this section are often quite similar, but C. balsensis is readily separated from related species by the possession of echinate ovaries and fruits.

Resumen. Se describe e ilustra Croton balsensis. Es endémica de la cuenca del río Balsas en el sur de México. Crece en los estados de Guerrero, Morelos y Puebla a altitudes de 450 a 1850 m en bosque tropical caducifolio. Pertenece a Croton sect. Cascarilla. Las especies mexicanas de esta sección por lo general son parecidas y C. balsensis se distingue por tener ovarios y frutos equinados.

Abstract. A new species, Akrosida floribunda, is described from the Dominican Republic. This arborescent genus is now known from two species, the other being Akrosida macrophylla, from Brazil. Both have very limited distributions.

Resumen. Se describe la especie nueva Akrosida floribunda de la República Dominicana. Este género arborescente actualmente se conoce de dos especies, la otra Akrosida macrophylla de Brasil. Las dos tienen distribuciones que son bien restringidas.