Draba laegaardii (Brassicaceae), a New Species from Cotopaxi (Ecuador), with Notes on the Distribution of Draba Species in South America

Abstract

Draba laegaardii Al-Shehbaz (Brassicaceae), a new species from Cotopaxi (Ecuador), is described and illustrated. It is readily distinguished from the related D. hemsleyana Gilg by having erect and self-supporting stems, densely overlapping ciliate leaves, 24- to 28-ovuled ovaries, and linear-lanceolate to lanceolate fruits 1.2–1.8 cm with a distinct midvein. The diversity of Draba L. and its distribution in South American countries are briefly discussed.