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. 2025 Sep 17:263:37-47.
doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.263.159645. eCollection 2025.

 Ceratostema limonensis (Ericaceae), a new species from the Province of Morona-Santiago, Ecuador

Marco M Jiménez  1 , Gabriel A Iturralde  1 , Diego Gutiérrez Del Pozo  2   3 , Nadia Lapo-González  3   4 , J R Kuethe  5 , Henry X Garzón-Suárez  3   6   7
Affiliations

 Ceratostema limonensis (Ericaceae), a new species from the Province of Morona-Santiago, Ecuador

Marco M Jiménez et al. PhytoKeys. .

Abstract

A new species of Ceratostema (Vaccinieae) from south-eastern Ecuador is here described and illustrated. Ceratostema limonensis is distinguished by the singular, subflexuous young branches. The new species is compared to the morphologically similar C. gualaquizensis, which differs by the subterete, longer rachis and shorter corollas with narrower monochromatic corolla lobes. A brief history of the species from the tribe Vaccinieae in Ecuador is provided. Further taxonomic discussions, distribution and conservation status for the new species are provided in this paper.

Keywords: Amazon; Andes; premontane forest; rainforest; taxonomy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Lankester Composite Dissection Plate (LCDP) of Ceratostema limonensis. A. Lignotuber; B. Fertile branch with a close-up of the node (B1) and rachis of the inflorescence (B2); C. Complete flower with a ventral view of the corolla lobes (C1); D. Flower with a longitudinal section of the corolla showing stamens and the corolla without stamens (right); E. Calyx, pedicel and style with a close-up of the ovary (E1) and the bracteole (E2); F. Stamens with a close-up of the pores of the tubule (F1), anther thecae (F2) and external surface of the filament (F3). Prepared by N. Lapo-González from photographs of the holotype.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Leaves of Ceratostema limonensis with close-ups of the indumentum. A. Adaxial view with a close-up of the margin (A1) and mid-vein (A2); B. Abaxial view with a close-up of the basal portion of the leaf (B1). Prepared by N. Lapo-González from photos by H.X. Garzón-Suárez.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Distribution of Ceratostema limonensis in the south-eastern region of Ecuador.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Ceratostema limonensis in situ. Photos by Henry X. Garzón-Suárez.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Cornejo X, Luteyn JL. (2024) Three new epiphytic species and a new variety in Ceratostema (Ericaceae: Vaccinieae) from Southeastern Ecuador. Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas 18(2): 321–332. 10.17348/jbrit.v18.i2.1369 - DOI
    1. Cornejo X, Tello-Hidalgo G, Luteyn JL. (2024) Ceratostema loucianae and Disterigma chriscanadayi (Ericaceae: Vaccinieae)—new epiphytic species from eastern Ecuador. Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas 18(1): 87–93. 10.17348/jbrit.v18.i1.1340 - DOI
    1. Doucette A, Medina H, Portilla J. (2024) New species of Ceratostema (Ericaceae) from Ecuador. The Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia Nomenclature Note 9: 1–5. https://www.orchidspecies.com/vol912024.pdf
    1. Doucette A, Medina H, Portilla J. (2025a) Ceratostema alexportillae (Ericaceae: Vaccinieae), a new epiphytic shrub from the Andean cloud forests of Ecuador. Andreettana 1(2): 11–13. https://faaec.org/andreettana/andreettana-tropical-andes-biodiversity-an...

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