Eriope (Lamiaceae) is a Neotropical genus primarily found in Brazil's Campos Rupestres and extending to other South American regions. It was confirmed as monophyletic in recent molecular studies and includes over 30 species. Originally described with 13 species, the genus expanded through further classifications and revisions. Recent fieldwork in Monte Azul, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, led to the discovery of a distinct new tree species of Eriope , occurring in the seasonal dry forests. Although morphologically similar to E. exaltata and E. latifolia – the only other two known tree species within the genus – this new species is distinguished mainly by its carpels densely covered with trichomes. This unique character, reported for the first time in the genus, names the new species: Eriope carpotricha . The new species is described here alongside taxonomic notes, detailed illustrations, and a preliminary conservation assessment.
Zavatin et al. (Thu,) studied this question.