Monopyle glutinosa (Gesneriaceae), a new species from the western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes

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 Ecologica 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).

Automated summary

A new species of Monopyle (Gesneriaceae) was discovered during exploratory field expeditions on the western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. Monopyle glutinosa J.L.Clark & Keene, sp. nov. is a narrow endemic found in lowland forests along the border of the Reserva Ecologica Los Illinizas in the Province of Cotopaxi. Notably, this new species is characterized by the presence of glutinous or sticky trichomes on the calyx lobes and outer surface of the inferior ovary. Based on IUCN guidelines, the preliminary conservation status of this species is assigned as Critically Endangered (CR).