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Magnolia llanganatensis (Subsect. Talauma, Magnoliaceae), a new species from tungurahua and a key to species of magnolia of Ecuador

Abstract:

Magnolia llanganatensis A.Vázquez & D.A.Neill (Magnoliaceae, Subsect. Talauma), a new species from the Cordillera de los Llanganates region of central Ecuador, near the Tungurahua-Pastaza border, is described and illustrated. It is distinguished from all other species of Magnolia Subsect. Talauma in having an oligocarpic (4-) 5-6-carpellate fruit and minute ellipsoid stamens. It differs from Bolivian M. madidiensis A.Vázquez in having larger tree size, shorter terminal twig internodes, smaller leaf blades with acute apex vs. obtuse; larger number of foliar secondary veins per side, hypsophylls pubescent vs. glabrous; smaller number of carpels, and styles acute vs. apiculate. The new species is only known from the Zuñac river watershed on the Tunguarahua side of the Cordillera de los Llanganates, while the latter is known only from Madidi National Park, La Paz, Bolivia. An updated key to Ecuadorian species of Magnolia is provided.