ABSTRACT The Quadrilátero Ferrífero (Iron Quadrangle [IQ]), in Minas Gerais, Brazil, exhibits high geological and geomorphological diversity, reflected by its high heterogeneity of vegetation. Its rock outcrops, particularly ironstone, harbor endemic-rich plant communities and contribute substantially to the biodiversity of the biomes they are embedded within the Atlantic Rainforest and Cerrado region. The aim of this study was determining the distribution, phenology and state of conservation of one new species for science with occurrence in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero. Random walks were carried out in the areas of potential occurrence of the species and individuals were collected to allow description. The plant species was identified and categorized as being new to science and known only from this location: Agalinis marianae (Orobanchaceae). This new species is morphologically similar to A. itambensis but can be recognized by the smaller pedicels and the shape of the corolla. The distinct geographic distribution of these species is an additional factor that supports this separation. Here, we describe and illustrate A. marianae, and provide notes on its distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status. We also present a key to the species of Agalinis from Minas Gerais.

SuMMARY Background and aims : Bacopa (Plantaginaceae) represents the genus with the largest number of species in the Gratioleae tribe, occupying a great diversity of humid environments in South America. The objective of this study is to contribute to the morphological and taxonomic knowledge of Bacopa from Paraguay, providing an identification key for the accepted taxa, morphological descriptions, botanical illustrations, distribution maps, observations and conservation status to country level. M&M : The data obtained is based on fieldwork to Paraguay and examination of herbarium specimens. The conservation status of the species was evaluated in Paraguay taking its distributions into account (criterion B), according to the IUCN guidelines. Results & Conclusions : Fifteen species and two varieties are recorded from Paraguay. Bacopa australis and B. stricta are cited for the first time in the country. Preliminarily conservation status of the species and Paraguayan distribution assessments are presented. Of the 15 species confirmed from Paraguay, 13 are under a threatened category, 12 are endangered (EN), and B. verticillata in critically endangered (CR). The species are distributed in five ecoregions and the largest number of species (12) is found in the Humid Chaco region.

Resumen Introducción y objetivos : Bacopa (Plantaginaceae) representa el género con mayor número de especies de la tribu Gratioleae, ocupando una gran diversidad de ambientes húmedos en Sudamérica. El objetivo de este estudio es contribuir al conocimiento morfológico y taxonómico de las especies de Bacopa de Paraguay, aportando una clave de identificación para los taxones aceptados, descripciones morfológicas, ilustraciones botánicas, mapas de distribución, observaciones y estado de conservación a nivel de país. M&M : Los datos obtenidos se basan en el trabajo de campo y el examen de especímenes de herbario. El estado de conservación de las especies se evaluó en Paraguay, teniendo en cuenta sus distribuciones (criterio B), de acuerdo con las directrices de la UICN. Resultados/Conclusiones : Se registran para Paraguay 15 especies de Bacopa, una con dos variedades. Se citan los primeros registros de Bacopa australis y B. stricta para el país. Se presentan preliminarmente los estados de conservación de las especies y evaluaciones de distribución paraguaya. De los 15 taxones confirmados para Paraguay, 13 se encuentran con categoría de amenaza, 12 están en peligro (EN) y B. verticillata en peligro crítico (CR). Las especies se distribuyen en cinco ecorregiones, de las cuales el mayor número de especies (12) se encuentra en la región del Chaco Húmedo.