A new endemic Magnolia species (M. sect. Talauma, Magnoliaceae) from the south-western montane forest remnants of Ecuador

Abstract

Magnolia buenaventurensis is described from the upper Buenaventura Reserve in El Oro Province, south-west Ecuador. This species is characterised by its glabrous features, long stipular scars, obovate-elliptic leaves, 8–10 cm in diameter flowers with 8 petals, 50–53 stamens, 12–15 carpels and ellipsoid fruits. Photographs of the new species and a distribution map are provided. Relationships with other species are discussed.