A Monographic Revision of the Neotropical Genus Macrocarpaea (Gentianaceae) in Ecuador

Abstract

The genus Macrocarpaea is a group of woody Gentianaceae that occurs in mountainous regions of the Neotropics. The majority of species occur in the Andes, with a high percentage in the Amotape–Huancabamba zone that straddles southern Ecuador and northern Peru. Rapid diversification in several species groups in this area has led to the formation of numerous isolated and sometimes cryptic species. Here, a revision of the species that occur in Ecuador is presented, where 35 taxa (34 species, one natural hybrid) are recognized, including 28 published taxa M. angelliae J.R. Grant & Struwe, M. apparata J.R. Grant & Struwe, M. arborescens Gilg, M. bubops J.R. Grant & Struwe, M. claireae J.R. Grant, M. dies-viridis J.R. Grant, M. elix J.R. Grant, M. ericii J.R. Grant, M. gattaca J.R. Grant, M. gondoloides J.R. Grant, M. harlingii J.S. Pringle, M. innarrabilis J.R. Grant, M. jactans J.R. Grant, M. jensii J.R. Grant & Struwe, M. lenae J.R. Grant, M. luna-gentiana J.R. Grant & Struwe, M. × mattii J.R. Grant (M. noctiluca × M. subsessilis ), M. micrantha Gilg, M. neillii J.R. Grant, M. noctiluca J.R. Grant & Struwe, M. opulenta J.R. Grant, M. pringleana J.R. Grant, M. quizhpei J.R. Grant, M. sodiroana Gilg, M. subsessilis Weaver & J.R. Grant, M. voluptuosa J.R. Grant, M. xerantifulva J.R. Grant, and M. ypsilocaule J.R. Grant. An additional seven species have yet to be described formally, but are included here for complete coverage, these being M. “catherineae,” M. “cortinae,” M. “illuminata,” M. “lilliputiana,” M. “pacifica,” M. “umbellata,” and M. “zumbae”. Description, illustration, documented distribution, and discussion of each species is included.