Data from: Tricky Morphology: A new species of Chamaecrista (Leguminosae) shows strong morphological convergence among not closely related species found in similar habitat

Plants from Brazilian campos rupestres usually present morphological
strategies that allow them to survive in extreme environments. However, in
Chamaecrista (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae), one of the most diverse
genera in the campos rupestres, needle-like leaflets are rare. Reviewing
the species that present such leaf morphology, we describe Chamaecrista
acicularis, a new species, from the Canastra Range, in the southwestern
region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Phylogenetic analyses
revealed that C. acicularis is not closely related to other quite
similar needle-like leafleted species and that this trait evolved
convergently. We also present comments on the phylogenetic relationships
of needle-like leafleted species as well as the evolution of the leaflet
amplitude, and a detailed description of C. acicularis alongside
illustrations, photos, geographical distribution, a key to the needle-like
leafleted species and taxonomic notes on similar species. Additionally, we
expand the description of Chamaecrista strictifolia and present a
conservation status for all needle-like leafleted species.