Spirotheca elegans (Malvaceae: Bombacoideae), a New Species from Bahia, Brazil

Spirotheca elegans, a new species of Malvaceae subfamily Bombacoideae from the state of Bahia, Brazil, is described and illustrated. It is considered to be endemic to an area of Caatinga vegetation bordering the Chapada Diamantina mountain range, in the central region of the state. Notes on its distribution, ecology, phenology, and comments on its conservation status are given. Furthermore, a discussion of the relationship of the new taxon to other species of Spirotheca and an updated key are provided.