Summary Varronia fluviatilis Tamagawa & J.I.M.Melo (Cordiaceae), a new species restricted to the semiarid region of north-eastern Brazil, is described and illustrated. Varronia spinescens (L.) Borhidi, previously known in Brazil only from Pará State, was recorded for the first time in Amazonas State, both situated in northern Brazil. A provisional conservation assessment for V. fluviatilis is provided, as well as a key to dist...