Two taxonomic novelties in Paepalanthus subg. Platycaulon (Eriocaulaceae) from the highland tropical peatlands in Brazil

Recent floristic studies in the peatlands from the highlands of the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, brought to light novelties in Paepalanthus subg. Platycaulon. Here, we reestablish the name P. consanguineus as a valid species from the synonym list of P. planifolius and describe the new species P. turficola, both being rare and associated with the peatlands in the Espinhaço Range. Paepalanthus consanguineus is reestablished mainly due to the leaf indumentum and the ovate to orbiculate external involucral bracts that differ from its relatives. Paepalanthus turficola is described having the conduplicate leaves as the diagnostic character, which is rare in the subgenus, besides the dark-cupreous color of its flowers, reported for the first time in the subgenus. Morphological and ecological comments, illustrations, and distribution maps are provided for both species.