The recently described Ruellia taboleirana (Acanthaceae) found in Maranhão, Brazil: new data on morphology, ecology and conservation

Ruellia taboleirana (Acanthaceae) was originally described from specimens restricted to the tabuleiros litorâneos on the Northeast Brazilian coast. Here, we expand its geographic distribution to coastal areas with Amazonian influence and make important contributions on its morphology and ecology. We also present the first photos in vivo that evidence its morphological variation, along with scanning electron micrographs of pollen grains, an updated conservation status assessment, and a detailed line drawing of this species for the first time. Finally, we provide an identification key for all species of Ruellia that occur in the state of Maranhão.