Notes on Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) from Ecuador

Fieldwork, examination of herbarium specimens and photographic images, supported by molecular sequencing have resulted in the re-interpretation of a number of species of Ipomoea L. found in Ecuador and the recognition of four new species. Ipomoea ophiodes Standl. & Steyerm. is shown to be a distinct species from I. regnellii Meisn. and their contrasting distribution is mapped. An unusual variation in I. setosa Ker Gawl. is discussed and illustrated. It is shown that, whereas I. velardei O'Donell is present in the south of Ecuador, records of I. jujuyensis O'Donell are probably all errors for I. quitensis J.R.I.Wood & Cerón, which is described as a new species endemic to Ecuador. Three other endemic species all known from single locations, I. ceronii J.R.I.Wood & P.Muñoz, I. condorensis J.R.I.Wood & Scotland and I. papyrifera J.R.I.Wood & Scotland are described as new. The full distribution of I. aequatoriensis T.Wells & P.Muñoz is mapped as a result of recent fieldwork and I. amazonica (D.F.Austin & Staples) J.R.I.Wood & Scotland is recorded from Ecuador for the first time. Taxonomic notes, information on habitat and distribution, maps, line drawings and photographs illustrate the species discussed. A key to all 57 species of Ipomoea recorded from Ecuador is provided to facilitate identification.