The majestic canopy-emergent genus (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae), including a new species endemic to the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo.

Since its description, almost 100 years ago, the genus has been treated as monospecific, comprising the single canopy-emergent species Ducke which grows in non-flooded Amazonian forests of Guyana, Suriname and seven states of northern and central-western Brazil. G. P. Lewis & G. S. Siqueira, which grows in a restricted area of semi-deciduous Atlantic rain forest in Espírito Santo state, Brazil, is described as a new species in the genus. The new species is also a canopy-emergent of impressive stature. We provide descriptions for both species, a key to species identification, a distribution map and the new species is illustrated. Fossil leaves, inflorescences and fruit provide evidence for a -like ancestor occurring in south-eastern North America during the Eocene. In contrast to where pollen is dispersed in tetrads, the pollen of is shed in monads. is considered critically endangered following IUCN conservation criteria, whereas is assessed to be of least concern. A lectotype is designated for .