A new dwarf Spathiphyllum species (Araceae) from Ecuador

Abstract

Spathiphyllum pygmaeum from Ecuador is described as a species new to science and illustrated. Only 10 - 15 cm tall, it is the smallest species in the genus and it is characterised by leaf blades 7 - 10 cm long and c. 2 cm wide, with 3 - 5 primary lateral veins on each side of the midrib, a white spathe with green apex and a two-locular ovary with one ovule in each locule; the chromosome number is 2n = 30; the pollen, formerly considered as inaperturate for Spathiphyllum, is actually polyaperturate. It is compared with the closely related S. minor, which is also illustrated. © 2011 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem.