Taxonomy of the <i>Vernonia rubricaulis</i> complex (Vernonieae, Asteraceae)

Abstract

Vernonia rubricaulis Humb. & Bonpl. and their related species have been considered alternatively like a single variable species and as different entities by different authors. In this study the four recognised species of the V. rubricaulis complex are described, including a new taxon from northeastern Argentina and Paraguay. Vernonia pusilla, the new species, is distinguished from the remaining entities of the complex by its low height, leaf shape and head size.