Abstract
Muellera fragiliflora, a new species from the states of Bolívar and Cojedes, in Venezuela, is here described and illustrated. Information on its distribution, conservation status, flowering and fruiting as well as their morphological relationships with its closest relatives, M. sanctaemarthae and M. tubicalyx, is provided. This new species is distinguished by its flowers, bracts, and bracteoles without glandular pellucid dots, flowers with pedicel 5-6 mm long, bracteoles opposite and situated on the upper third part of the pedicel, as well as in having fragile flowers and turgid fruits. A dichotomous key is provided to the recognition of the Venezuelan species of Muellera.
Key words:
endemism; Fabaceae; South America; taxonomy
