Ceratostema limonensis (Ericaceae), a new species from the Province of Morona-Santiago, Ecuador

A new species of Ceratostema (Vaccinieae) from south-eastern Ecuador is here described and illustrated. Ceratostema limonensis is distinguished by the singular, subflexuous young branches. The new species is compared to the morphologically similar C. gualaquizensis, which differs by the subterete, longer rachis and shorter corollas with narrower monochromatic corolla lobes.

A brief history of the species from the tribe Vaccinieae in Ecuador is provided. Further taxonomic discussions, distribution and conservation status for the new species are provided in this paper.