Incadendron : a new genus of Euphorbiaceae tribe Hippomaneae from the sub-Andean cordilleras of Ecuador and Peru

Resumen

<i>Incadendron esseri</i> K.Wurdack & Farfan, <b>gen. & sp. nov.</b>, from the wet sub-Andean cordilleras of Ecuador (Cordillera del Cóndor) and Peru (Cusco, Oxapampa) is described and illustrated. This recently discovered large canopy tree with a narrow elevational range presents an unusual combination of rare morphological characters in Hippomaneae including mucilage-secreting sheathing stipules, conduplicate ptyxis, and large, woody fruits. The broader significance of these characters in Hippomaneae is discussed. The morphology and anatomy of <i>Incadendron</i> were investigated, highlighting its fruit similarities with Guiana Shield endemic <i>Senefelderopsis</i>, and the systematics value of ptyxis variation, which remains poorly studied for the family.