A new species of Blakea (Melastomataceae: Pyxidantheae) from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia

Abstract Blakea graciliflora , a new species of Melastomataceae from the western slopes of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, is described and illustrated, along with comments on its etymology, distribution, phenology, conservation status, and taxonomic affinities. Blakea graciliflora is a species readily distinguished by its obovate to obovate-elliptic leaf blades with acuminate apices, abaxial leaf surfaces that are densely covered with tiny lepidote trichomes, basally fused outer floral bracteoles free inner floral bracteoles, both pairs of which are equal to shorter than calyx lobes, isomorphic stamens that form a complete ring around the style, and anther connectives that are dorso-basally prolonged into a triangular spur. The new species is endemic to a relatively small area with an important anthropogenic influence, so it is preliminarily categorized as Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List. The discovery of this new species underscores the state of the Andean forests in this region and the importance of their exploration and conservation.