Ecuadendron (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae: Detarieae): A New Arborescent Genus from Western Ecuador

Resumen

A new genus and species of trees from mesic forests of lowland western Ecuador, Ecu- adendron acosta-solisianum, is described. The new taxon is a canopy tree and is known from only three localities separated by a gap of 350 km. Ecuaden- dron is placed in the Brownea group of the tribe Detarieae (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae), and its closest relatives appear to include the monotypic Brachycylix from north-central Colombia, and Het- erostemon and Elizabetha from the Guayana Shield area. With its long pendent inflorescences and par- ticular suite of floral features, Ecuadendron appears to be adapted to pollination by bats. The lowlands of western Ecuador, between the