Cynanchum brevipedunculatum (Apocynaceae), a new species from Menghai, Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. It is compared with two morphologically similar species, Cynanchum decipiens and C. longipedunculatum. Cynanchum brevipedunculatum differs from the preceeding species in having much bigger leaves, adaxially sparsely strigillose, abaxially glabrous or sparsely strigillose on veins, shorter peduncle and the very distinctive bowl-shaped corona. A comprehensive morphological description of C. brevipedunculatum is provided, together with photographs, and a conservation assessment for this rare vine species.