A new Malaxis (Orchidaceae: Malaxidinae) from the Campos de Altitude of the Atlantic rainforest in southern Brazil

Malaxis ybytus is proposed as a new species from the wetlands of the Campos de Altitude of the Atlantic rainforest of south Brazil, Serra do Aracatuba\Papanduva mountain chain. It is described, illustrated, and compared with other similar species. The new species is similar to Malaxis cipoensis and Malaxis sertulifera, but it is recognised by its flat to slightly conduplicate leaves, densely congested inflorescence with small flowers bearing free lateral sepals and four foveas in the lip. Due to the high degree of endemism in this environment, the few collection records and the anthropic pressure in the region, we infer that the species is critically endangered (CR) based in criterium D of the IUCN.

Automated summary

In this study, a new species called Malaxis ybytus is proposed from the wetlands of the Campos de Altitude in the Atlantic rainforest of south Brazil. The new species is similar to other species but can be distinguished by its leaf shape, inflorescence density, and certain characteristics of its flowers. Due to the limited collection records, human impact, and high endemism in the region, it is inferred that the species is critically endangered.