Mandevilla laxa Woodson, Ann.

Mandevilla laxa (Ruiz & Pav.) Woodson, Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 19:68. 1932. Echites laxus Ruiz & Pav., Fl.Peruv. 2:19, pl. 134. 1799. TYPE: PERÚ. Huancavélica: Chancahuasi, 1787 (fl), H. Ruiz & J. PavÓn 11/55 (HOLOTYPE: MA barcode #814490, photo F neg. 29219). Distribution. — Southwestern Perú, Bolivia, and northern Argentina [but cultivated in many countries], at 1700–3100 m. Discussion. — Potgieter and Zarucchi (1999) cited this species as native based on Steyermark 53292. However, this specimen was obtained from a market, as stated on the label [‘cultivada y vendida en un mercado’/cultivated and sold in a market]. I have not seen any other specimens to confirm that M. laxa is native to Ecuador. In Perú, gatherings from this species have been collected in the southwestern area of the country. Based on the available evidence, M. laxa should be excluded from the native flora of Ecuador. Specimen examined: ECUADOR. Azuay: Cuenca,cultivada y vendida en un mercado, 1 Jul 1943 (fl), Steyermark 53292 (NY, US).