Abstract
Leaf and bract morphology of ten species of Aphelandra R. Br from Rio de Janeiro state were studied. Emphasis is placed on leaf venation, epidermis and hairs. Both glandular and non-grandular hairs are present on the bract epidermis. The glandular hairs are of two types: subsessile with globose head, or stalked. A dichotomous key for species identification in presented. A new synonym of Aphelandra neesiana Wassh. is established and Aphelandra ornata (Nees) T Anderson is recorded for the first time in Rio de Janeiro state.