A new tall and exceptional species of Lepanthes from north-west Ecuador (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae)

Abstract

A new and spectacular species of Lepanthes from north-west Ecuador is presented here. Lepanthes tulcanensis belongs to the Marsipanthes subgenus and is similar to L. niesseniae in the same subgenus, with an inflorescence that does not reach the tip of the leaves, and flowers with shallower synsepal compared to the rest of the species in the subgenus. Nevertheless, the plants of L. tulcanensis are, by far, the largest among the species of the subgenus and aming the largest in the genus.
 Keywords: EcoMinga, Lepanthes lucifer, Lepanthes niesseniae, Marsipanthes, Reserva Dracula

Platystele finleyae (Pleurothallidinae), a new species from northwestern Ecuador

“…Although not yet evaluated, we suggest classifying this species as "Critically Endangered" following (UICN 2012) criteria B2ab(iii): area of occupancy estimated to be less than 10 km 2 ; known to exist in no more than one locality, even though constant explorations have been carried out in this region during the last five years (Baquero & Monteros 2020, Baquero & Zuchan 2017, Jiménez et al 2018, Monteros et al 2021) and continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in area, extent, or quality of habitat. The main threats to this species are abrupt microclimate variations, habitat loss, and mining projects in the region (Fig.…”