Misionella (Iridaceae: Tigridieae) a new genus from Campos eco-region of Southeast South American grasslands

It is proposed the new genus Misionella belonging to the tribe Tigridieae. Misionella is closely related to thegenera Cypella, Kelissa and Onira, and vegetative and anatomically also resembles Herbertia. Misionella isconstituted by two species, Misionella Hauthalii and Misionella opalina (with two subspecies: opalina andminuticristata). Misionella is endemic on grassland areas occurring in northeast Argentina (Corrientes andMisiones provinces), center and northwestern Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil and southern Paraguay (Itapuãand Paraguari departments ). The genus Misionella is taxonomically revised, and its species are described andillustrated in detail and its geographic distribution is represented on a map. Data on etymology, geographicdistribution, habitat, phenology, conservation, uses and vernacular names are provided, as well as discussionsof taxonomic relationships of Misionella with related taxa. A dichotomous key for distinguishing the genera ofIridaceae-Tigridieae from South America is presented.