Increasing knowledge on the diversity of canelas-de-ema in the campo rupestre: two new species of Vellozia (Velloziaceae) from the southern Espinhaço Range, Brazil

Background and aims – Two new species of Vellozia (Velloziaceae) are here described and illustrated, Vellozia albohexandra and V. mellosilvae. These new species are morphologically similar to Vellozia armata, V. luteola, and V. inselbergae, probably belonging to the same informal group. Material and methods – Morphological and anatomical descriptions were based on herbarium specimens and in situ observations. Standard taxonomy and plant anatomy practices and methods were applied. Key results – Vellozia albohexandra can be easily distinguished from the other species of the group of V. luteola by its sessile flowers with white and smaller petals and sepals, six stamens, and smaller style and stigma. The species is endemic to the Cristália municipality, Minas Gerais state, and has been classified as Data Deficient according to IUCN criteria. Vellozia mellosilvae shares morphological affinities with V. armata, but it is distinguished by the leaves with serrate margin and abaxial furrows, longer and evident pedicel, and larger petals and sepals. This species is endemic to the Itacambira municipality, and should be considered Critically Endangered.