Three new species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) from Diamantina and Itacambira municipalities, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and a new synonym for the genus

Here, we describe three new species of Melastomataceae from the Serra do Espinhaço in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Microlicia diamantinensis and M. sublaevis are endemic to Diamantina municipality, whereas M. reptans is endemic to Itacambira municipality. We provide descriptions, illustrations, field images, an occurrence map, and comparisons with morphological relatives for the species. Microlicia diamantinensis and M. reptans were recently discovered, while M. sublaevis was proposed as new by Célestin Alfred Cogniaux in the eighteenth century but never validly published. Additionally, we synonymize M. piranii under M. cogniauxiana.