Taxonomic Circumscription of Columnea lophophora (Gesneriaceae) Supports the Recognition of Two New Species from the Andes of Ecuador and Peru

Abstract

Abstract— Two new species of Columnea are described from the Andes of Ecuador and Peru. Columnea machupicchuensis J.L.Clark & J.F.Sm. is a subwoody subshrub with tubular purple flowers and is endemic to the forests surrounding the Machu Picchu Inca citadel in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru. Columnea flavostriata J.L.Clark is a subwoody subshrub with tubular yellow flowers with purple striations from southern Ecuador. A broad circumscription was initially published that included Columnea lophophora Mansf. and the two newly described species here. The updated circumscription of three species from what was previously considered one species is based on the first collection of Columnea lophophora since the early 20th century, helping to resolve the circumscription and taxonomic boundaries of collections previously considered conspecific. Morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nrDNA ITS are presented that strongly support the circumscription of these three taxa as separate species. Based on IUCN guidelines, a preliminary conservation status is assigned as Endangered (EN) for Columnea flavostriata, Vulnerable (VU) for Columnea machupicchuensis, and Vulnerable (VU) for Columnea lophophora.