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Phylogenetic studies based on molecular data indicated that the Neotropical genus Anisacanthus Nees (Acanthaceae), as traditionally circumscribed, is not monophyletic. Based on the priority of the description of Thyrsacanthus ramosissimusMoric. versus the description of ThyrsacanthusNees, we are reinstating the name Thyrsacanthus(Art. 42.1 of the ICBN) to include the South American species traditionally assigned to Anisacanthus. DrejeraNees is included in the synonymy of Thyrsacanthus, a new species (T. microphyllusA. Côrtes & Rapini) is described, three new combinations are proposed, two new taxonomic synonyms at the species level indicated and three lectotypes designated. The positions of Anisacanthus trilobusLindau and A. pohliiLindau are uncertain, requiring further investigations.