Columnea pygmaea (Gesneriaceae) a new species from northwestern Ecuador

Recent expeditions to the northwestern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes and revisionary work of Columnea (Gesneriaceae) have resulted in the discovery of a new plant species. The new species, Columnea pygmaea, is distinguished from other congeners by small flowers (< 1 cm), erect shoots, and an obligate epiphytic habit. A discussion that includes a dichotomous key and digital images is presented to provide a better understanding of and to differentiate Columnea pygmaea from C. parvtflora, C. herthae, C. minutiflora, and C. lehmannii.