Passionflower trees of Ecuador: revising the presence of Passiflora subg. Astrophea (Passifloraceae) and including resolution to the P. putumayensis and P. macrophylla taxonomic complexes

This study presents a comprehensive revision and evaluation of all species of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea found in Ecuador, with a focus on several key findings. The distribution of P. putumayensis has been closely examined, revealing its restriction to northern Ecuador through comparison with type material from the Putumayo, Colombia. Additionally, three new species exhibiting an arborescent and free-standing habit have been identified and are here described and illustrated under the proposed names of P. dendroidea, P. kyathantha and P. panguiensis. The longstanding conundrum surrounding the synonymy and type designation of P. macrophylla has been addressed, with a proposed solution offered by designating neotypes and lectotypes coherent with the matching species found in specific habitats. Furthermore, P. gigantifolia has been studied in the field and is now recognized as a distinct species. For surveying purposes, the most recent specimen of each species found within Ecuador has been identified and documented. Notes on its distribution, ecology and botanical relationships is provided.