A new tree species from seasonally dry tropical forest in southern Ecuador, <i>Spirotheca zapotillana</i> sp. nov. (Malvaceae), resolves a putatively disjunct distribution.

ABSTRACT: A new species of Malvaceae, Spirotheca zapotillana, is described from the Equatorial Pacific region of South America. The species occurs in seasonally dry tropical forests of El Oro and Loja provinces in southern Ecuador. It is characterized by a strictly tree-like habit, elliptical leaflets with acute apices, glandular floral receptacles, glabrous styles, oblong capsules, and reniform seeds. A morphological description of the new species is provided, along with data on its habitat and distribution, an assessment of its conservation status, and an updated key for the genus.

SUBMITTER: Armijos-Barros J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12595510 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature