Nicotianaknightiana is recorded for the first time for the flora of Chile. A new species of Nicotiana, endemic to the coast of the Coquimbo region is described and illustrated. Molecular analysis placed the new species within the N.sect.Paniculatae, as sister to N.cordifolia, an endemic to Juan Fernandez islands. The new species can be considered critically endangered (CR) according to the IUCN categories due to its restricted and fragmented distribution, small population number, and the threat that urbanization and mining activities represent for the conservation of the biodiversity of the area.
Keywords: Coquimbo; Nicotianoidae; endemism; exotic species; systematics; taxonomy.
Ludovica Santilli, Fernanda Pérez, Claire de Schrevel, Philippe Dandois, Hector Mondaca, Nicolás Lavandero.