<i>Vitex oreadica</i> and <i>V. umbellata</i> (Lamiaceae): two new species from Cerrado and Atlantic forest of Brazil

Vitex L. is a pantropical genus of Lamiaceae comprising 209 taxa. Brazil harbors 35 species, representing nearly 50% of the genus richness in the Neotropics, with the Amazon showing the highest richness, followed by the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado domains. Nevertheless, most taxonomic studies of the genus have been conducted in Africa and Asia. After herbaria consultation and literature review, we propose two new species: Vitex oreadica , from Cerrado, and Vitex umbellata , from Atlantic Forest. Vitex oreadica can be distinguished by the dense hirsutullous indument, large flowers (corolla tube 12–13 mm long), and calyces with triangular and acute lobes. Vitex umbellata has a unique synflorescence, consisting of a congested umbel formed by two cymes with a long peduncle (9–10 cm long) and surrounded by elliptic bracts. We provide full descriptions, a digital plate, illustrations, distribution maps, and preliminary conservation assessments based on IUCN Red List guidelines. Both species are assessed as threatened, being provisionally categorized here as ‘Endangered' (EN). Our findings reinforce the need for continued studies on Brazilian Vitex and highlight the importance of documenting and conserving the flora of the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest.