A new species of Scaphosepalum (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) from eastern Ecuador

Herein, we describe and illustrate <i>Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi</i>, as new species discovered in the Andean-Amazonian piedmont of eastern Ecuador. This taxon was initially misidentified as <i>S. medinae</i> based on photographic records. It is compared with <i>S. pleurothallodes</i> and <i>S. medinae</i>, from which it is distinguished by its maroon to yellow-maroon flowers and the rhombic-spathulate shape of the petals. This denotes a marked difference to the yellow flowers spotted with red and the obovate petals of <i>S. pleurothallodes</i> or the lavender with white cells and light brown flowers and the narrowly obtuse petals of <i>S. medinae</i>. The new species is currently known from three localities in the Quimi and Talag River basins. Due to its restricted distribution, small population size and threats from cattle grazing and mining activities, we propose its classification as Critically Endangered under the B criterion of the IUCN.