Barjonia furlanii (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), a New Species from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and a Key to Genus

This paper provides descriptions and illustrations of a new species, Barjonia furlanii (Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae), from Serra da Canasta National Park, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This species is similar to B. laxa, especially in its frondose thyrsoid inflorescence, compound corona, and linear leaves. It is, however, distinguished from B. laxa by internodes (up to 4 cm long), peduncles (4.2-5mm long) and much shorter pedicels (4-6 mm long), erect leaves, attenuated at the base, and partial inflorescences that alternate with 2-4 flowers. B. furlanii is proposed for Endangered status under IUCN guidelines (EN B2abiii), and a key to all Barjonia species is included in this study.