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| Monopyle glutinosa J.L.Clark & Keene, in Clark, Tobar & Keene, 2022. |
Abstract
Exploratory field expeditions to the western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes resulted in the discovery of a new species of Monopyle (Gesneriaceae). Monopyle glutinosa J.L.Clark & Keene, sp. nov. is described as a narrow endemic from lowland forests along the border of the Reserva Ecológica Los Illinizas in the Province of Cotopaxi. The new species is unique for the presence of glutinous or sticky trichomes on the calyx lobes and outer surface of the inferior ovary. Based on IUCN guidelines, a preliminary conservation status is assigned as Critically Endangered (CR).
Keywords: Ecuador, Gesneriaceae, Monopyle, taxonomy
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| Monopyle glutinosa J.L.Clark & Keene A lateral view of flower B front view of flower C inferior ovary and calyx lobes adhering to a finger from the sticky trichomes D dorsiventral habit (A–D from J.L. Clark 16489). Photos by J.L. Clark. |
Monopyle glutinosa J.L.Clark & Keene, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Similar to Monopyle ecuadorensis, differing in larger calyx lobes that reach 1.5 cm in length (vs. 0.5–1.0 cm long in M. ecuadorensis), larger campanulate corolla tube that exceeds 3.0 cm in length (vs. corolla tube less than 3 cm in M. ecuadorensis), and a uniformly dark purple corolla tube (vs. broad range of corolla tube colors from uniformly white to white suffused with blue in M. ecuadorensis).
Etymology: The trichomes on the calyx lobes and inferior ovary allow the flower to cling to an upside-down finger (Fig. 1C). This specific epithet reflects the sticky trichomes on the outer surface of the inferior ovary and calyx lobes.
John L. Clark, Franciso Tobar and Jeremy Keene. 2022. Monopyle glutinosa (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from the western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. PhytoKeys. 210: 15-21. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.210.89520
Resumen: Las expediciones a los bosques de las laderas noroccidentales de los Andes de Ecuador dieron como resultado el descubrimiento de una nueva especie: Monopyle glutinosa J.L.Clark & Keene, sp. nov., la cual es endémica de una reducida área en el borde de la Reserva Ecológica Los Illinizas en la provincia de Cotopaxi. La nueva especie es única por la presencia de tricomas glutinosos o pegajosos en los lóbulos del cáliz y la superficie externa del ovario ínfero. Basados en los criterios de la UICN, se asigna un estado de conservación preliminar de En Peligro Crítico (CR).
