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

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.

Blossoming Legacies: Eight New Lepanthes (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) Species from Los Farallones de Cali National Park Named in Honor of Colombian Women

“…26B), Lepanthes mirador Luer & Hirtz, and Lepanthes microprosartima (Fig. 26C) (Tobar et al, 2021). It can be distinguished from Lepanthes dunstervilleorum by its petals with the upper lobe lanceolate, falcate and the lower lobe ovate-lanceolate, strongly falcate (vs. the upper lobe oblong with the apex variable from rounded to contracted on the medial half and the lower lobe obtuse triangular).…”

“…Paola has carried out several projects related to the establishment of orchid nurseries in the department of Valle del Cauca.Lepanthes paolaalzateana is a new species that can be easily identify by its strongly falcate lobes of the petals with the upper lobe much longer than the lower, as stated in the diagnosis. The most similar species are Lepanthes dunstervilleorum Foldats (Fig.26B), Lepanthes mirador Luer & Hirtz, and Lepanthes microprosartima (Fig.26C)(Tobar et al, 2021). It can be distinguished from Lepanthes dunstervilleorum by its petals with the upper lobe lanceolate, falcate and the lower lobe ovate-lanceolate, strongly falcate (vs. the upper lobe oblong with the apex variable from rounded to contracted on the medial half and the lower lobe obtuse triangular).…”