Abstract

The convoluted species complex surrounding Passiflora foetida and its segregates has overshadowed many new and interesting species. It was found in particular that the South American Passiflora foetida var. nigelliflora exhibited two different forms, found in very different habitats without a lateral distribution present. An in-depth study of the original source material was needed to identify the true identity of the plant belonging to the given taxon, as well as uncover a new species restricted to the south Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. True Passiflora foetida var. nigelliflora was found to be native to mainly Argentina and Paraguay, with only questionable records found in southern Brazil, whereas the new species, here assigned as Passiflora coroniforma sp.nov., is endemic to the coastal regions of south-eastern Brazil. Both taxa are herein further described and illustrated, and their interim relation discussed.