Studies in Neotropical Araliaceae. XIV. Revision of the Violaceum Group of Sciodaphyllum in Ecuador

A taxonomic revision is presented of the Ecuadorian species of Sciodaphyllum P. Browne (Araliaceae) belonging to the Violaceum group, characterized by leaves that often dry with a distinctive purplish or brownish-purple cast, the presence of a long, clawlike, generally adaxially incurved stipular ligule, and flowers borne in umbellules. Analysis of herbarium material supplemented by field observations has revealed a total of 11 species, all but one of which are described as new. This brings the total number of published Sciodaphyllum occurring in Ecuador to 47. An identification key is provided; each species is mapped and illustrated by scans of the type collection, accompanied by color photos taken in the field of four of the new taxa. Preliminary extinction risk assessments conducted using the IUCN Red List criteria indicate that one species is Critically Endangered (CR), four are Endangered (EN), and three are Vulnerable (VU), while three are regarded as Least Concern (LC).