A new species of Nototriche (Malvaceae, Malvoideae) from the high Andes of Ecuador

Abstract

A new species of Nototriche (Malvaceae, Malvoideae) growing in the high Andes of Ecuador is described. Nototriche antisanensis E.J.Trujillo, Muriel, Espinel-Ortiz & Romol. is a cushion plant known only from the Antisana volcano in northeastern Ecuador. Morphologically, it is most similar to N. jamesonii A.W.Hill, but it differs in its cushion habit and vegetative characters, such as indumentum, corolla tube size, stamen head morphology, and the number of mericarps per fruit. Photographs of living plants and a scientific illustration of the new species are provided. In addition, a distribution map, an identification key, and a table comparing the habit, morphology, and distribution of all Nototriche species known from Ecuador are included.