Rayleya nov. gen. (Sterculiaceae - Byttnerieae) is proposed with one species R. bahiensis from Bahía, Brazil. The new genus is characterized by its 2-celled anthers as in Byttneria, by the presence of androgynophore, the claw shape of the petals, and the staminodes as in sorne species of Ayenia, and by a peculiar gland at the bottom of the petaIs. Two figures and a key are given