A new species of Psidium from western Ecuador

Abstract

Psidium guayaquilense from western Ecuador is described and illustrated. It is most similar to P. acidum, having in common with it non-angular, rounded seeds, anthers with a few subequal glands and peduncles with wings. Psidium guayaquilense differs from P. acidum in various ways, most notably in the principal marginal veins mainly 1–3 mm from margin (versus 3–10 mm or more from margin in P. acidum); closed calyx with a prominent apiculum (versus without an apiculum or with only a weak apiculum); ovules per locule 12–40 (versus 50–70); style 8–10 mm long (versus 12–16 mm); fruit 1.5–3 cm in diameter (versus 2–5 cm); fruit wall 0.5–2.5 mm thick (versus 4–13 mm); seeds usually 4–6 (versus 20–60 or more).