A new species of Mucuna (Fabaceae: Faboideae: Phaseoleae), endemic to Costa Rica, is described and illustrated. Mucuna tapantiana is distinguished by its small, essentially glabrous leaflets, conspicuous filiform peduncle and pedicels, inflorescences with few green or yellowish-green flowers; fruits with softly villous, yellowish or brownish pubescence on the outer surface (when fresh), but without urticating trichomes, turning dark brown or blackish when dry, 1 - 2-seeded; seeds oblong and laterally compressed Ver menos