New species of Lessingianthus (Asteraceae, Vernonieae) from Central Brazil

Two additional species of Lessingianthus (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) from the Brazilian highlands are described and illustrated. One of the new species, Lessingianthus barrosoanus, is characterized by the presence of solitary heads disposed in relatively long, flexuous branches. It has certain resemblance to L. ligulifolius (Mart. ex DC.) H. Rob., which has short, commonly erect branches of the inflorescence, and capitula geminate or disposed in groups. Lessingianthus minimus is closely related to L. reitzianus (Cabrera) H. Rob., but differs in having acuminate phyllaries, glabrous corolla lobes and lanceolate leaves, cuneate at the base.