Lychnophora (Compositae: Vernonieae), a genus Endemic to the Brazilian Planalto

Distribution maps, specimen citations, synonymies, descriptions, taxonomic commentaries and a key are provided for the 11 species of Lychnophora Mart. (Vernonieae: Compositae). One new species, Lychnophora diamantinana Coile & Jones, is described and several are excluded from the genus. Chromosome counts of n = 17 for four species of Lychnophora are reported together with field observations for many species. The genus is remarkable for its morphological adaptation to fire and xeric habitats and for its elaborate speciation in limited geographical area.