Three new endemic species of Lepanthes (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) from the highlands of Ecuador

By

Tobar Suárez, Diego Francisco
Lopez, María Fernanda
Gavilanes, María José
Monteros, Marco
Santander, Tatiana
Graham, Catherine

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2021

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

180

Pages

111--132

Subjects

El Oro , endemism , evergreen montane forest , Imbabura , Lepanthes caranqui , Lepanthes microprosartima , Lepanthes oro-lojaensis , Páramo , Pichincha

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.180.62671

 

Abstract

Three new species of Lepanthes from Ecuador are described and illustrated. These additions to the Ecuadorean flora were recorded in evergreen montane forest and páramo as part of three different research projects conducted during the last five years (2016–2021). Lepanthes oro-lojaensis was discovered in the southwest of El Oro province and is similar to L. jimburae, differing mainly in the much smaller plants, inflorescences and floral parts. Lepanthes microprosartima from the western slopes of Pichincha volcano in northern Ecuador resembles L. obandoi but differs in the coloration of the leaves, the inflorescence that are shorter than the leaves and the smaller floral appendix. Lepanthes caranqui, found in eastern Pichincha and Imbabura, is most similar to L. pachychila but differs from it in its much larger plants and different shape of the petals and the floral appendix. Preliminary assessments of the conservation status of the three taxonomic novelties are provided, using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.