A new species of Dendropanax (Araliaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Abstract. Dendropanax fluminensis, a new species of Araliaceae from the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, is here described and illustrated. It is compared with morphologically similar species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, especially D. monogynus, from which it can be distinguished by the inflorescences with 2–5 secondary axes, shorter pedicels in flower and in fruit, and 3- or 4-carpellate ovaries. The new species has been found in lowland rainforests from sea-level to about 200 m elevation in the central portion of Rio de Janeiro state. Information on the geographic distribution, habitat preferences, and conservation status according with IUCN Red List categories and criteria are also presented.