Grias portillae (Lecythidaceae): A new tree species from northwestern Ecuador

Abstract

Grias portillae, a new tree species of Lecythidaceae from the evergreen lower montane Andean slopes at environs of Lita, in northwestern Ecuador, is here described and illustrated. It is characterized by the leaf blades with short-caudate apex, flowers with dark-purple petals, androecium creamish-white, fused in a developed staminal tube, stamens 18–21, arranged in one level on top of rim, and anthers with expanded, cucullate connectives with lateral flaps that encloses most of the thecae. Grias portillae is assessed provisionally as Endangered, and an updated key to all species of this genus is provided. The presence of colleters on the margins of the leaves is reported here for the first time as a new generic character in Grias.