An Unusual New Species of Persea (Lauraceae) from Ecuador

Abstract

A new species of Lauraceae from Ecuador is described as Persea calva Rohwer & van der Werff. Among the known species of Persea Mill., it is characterized by stubby twigs with apically somewhat aggregated leaves; small, externally glabrous and glaucous flowers; (sub)equal tepals that are adaxially pubescent at or near the tip only; and stamens with comparatively short filaments. In previous phylogenetic analyses, the type collection had been placed as sister to P. sphaerocarpa (H. J. P. Winkl.) Kosterm., from which it differs by smaller, apically obtuse to rounded leaves with shorter petioles.