Abstract A new species from Venezuela, Matelea sanojana (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Gonolobinae), is described and illustrated. The species has affinities to the M. squiresii complex in Matelea s. l., but is easily distinguished by its lanceolate leaves and densely pubescentringed gynostegium. The new species is currently only known from Municipio Caroni, Estado Bolivar. A key and illustrations to identify the pubescent-flowered members of the complex are provided.