Two new species of Besleria (Gesneriaceae) from Reserva Natural Mesenia-Paramillo in Colombia’s Cordillera Occidental

Recent field expeditions to the Mesenia-Paramillo Nature Reserve in Colombia’s Cordillera Occidental resulted in the discovery of two new species of Besleria (Gesneriaceae). These species are described, illustrated with field images, and compared with morphologically similar taxa. The new species are Besleria purpureovenosa J. L. Clark, sp. nov., characterized by prominent purple venation, and Besleria roseocalyx J. L. Clark & Clavijo, sp. nov., distinguished by reddish-pink calyx lobes contrasting with a yellow corolla.

The Mesenia-Paramillo Nature Reserve protects critical Andean cloud forest at the intersection of three Colombian departments (Antioquia, Caldas, and Risaralda), a region of exceptional biodiversity and endemism that underscores its importance as a key conservation priority in Colombia’s Cordillera Occidental.