New species of Lessingianthus (Asteraceae, Vernonieae) from Brazil and Paraguay

Two new species of the genus Lessingianthus (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) from Brazil and Paraguay are described and illustrated. Lessingianthus cipoensis is characterized by the presence of solitary heads disposed in short branches and ovate to elliptical leaves. It has a certain resemblance to L. vestitus, which has more branched inflorescences, with long branches, and lanceolate to obovate-lanceolate leaves. Lessingianthus paraguariensis is closely related to L. asteriflorus and L. mollissimus, but it can be distinguished by the broadly elliptical leaves and the large size of the outer phyllaries.