New species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) and identification key for the genus in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

From the first collection to formal description, many new species remain forgotten in herbaria for decades. In the case of Microlicia, a large genus in the Melastomataceae family, this delay is likely due to the high number of species and their remarkable morphological diversity. In this context, we describe Microlicia badiniana, which took more than 80 years to be recognized as a new species. This species occurs in the district of Lavras Novas, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We compare M. badiniana with M. cuspidifolia, M. elegans, M. sublaevis, M. tetrasticha, and M. warmingiana, morphologically similar species. The new species is assessed as "Data Deficient" (DD), since information about its distribution remains scarce. An illustrative plate and photographs of leaves and floral buds of M. badiniana and closely related species are also provided. Additionally, we present an identification key for the 34 Microlicia species found in the municipality of Ouro Preto.