Studies in Neotropical Araliaceae. XV. Sciodaphyllum neillii, a New Species from the Cordillera del Cóndor in Southeastern Ecuador, Honoring David A. Neill (1953–2025)

Porter P. Lowry II; Gregory M. Plunkett; M. Marcela Mora; Peter H. Raven

doi:10.3417/2025979

Porter P. Lowry II Missouri Botanical Garden https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8047-5019
Gregory M. Plunkett New York Botanical Garden https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0751-4309
M. Marcela Mora Missouri Botanical Garden https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9366-5471
Peter H. Raven Missouri Botanical Garden

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3417/2025979

Keywords: Andean tepuis, Andes, conservation status, Neotropics, Schefflera, Sciodaphyllum patulum

Abstract

Sciodaphyllum neillii Lowry, G. M. Plunkett & M. M. Mora (Araliaceae) is described as a new species in honor of David A. Neill. It is restricted to dwarf scrub vegetation, growing exclusively at 2100–2460 m elevation in the Cordillera del Cóndor of southeastern Ecuador. It is known from only three localities, at least one of which is threatened by recurring wildfires. A provisional risk of extinction assessment indicates that S. neillii is Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List criteria.