Amanoa condorensis (Phyllanthaceae), a new shrubby species from the Cordillera del Condor in southern Ecuador

A new species of Amanoa (Phyllanthaceae) is described from the sandstone Nangaritza Plateau in the Cordillera del Condor Region in southern Ecuador. Amanoa condorensis J.L.Clark & D.A.Neill is a small tree, 4 m tall that is only known from the type collection. The new species is distinct by a shrub habit, presence of coriaceous leaves with an acuminate apex, and congested inflorescences. The relatively high elevation of the type locality, presence of an androphore, and the habit as shrub or low tree are an unusual combination for Amanoa. The conservation status of A. condorensis is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR), based on IUCN Criteria.

Automated summary

A new species of Amanoa, called Amanoa condorensis, was discovered in the sandstone Nangaritza Plateau of the Cordillera del Condor Region in southern Ecuador. It is a small tree that reaches a height of 4 meters and is only known from the type collection. This new species is distinguished by its shrub habit, coriaceous leaves with an acuminate apex, and congested inflorescences. The unusual combination of its relatively high elevation, presence of an androphore, and shrub or low tree habit makes A. condorensis unique among Amanoa species. The conservation status of A. condorensis is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) based on IUCN Criteria.