A new species and a new combination in stelis (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) from ecuador

A new orchid species in Stelis is described and illustrated. It was discovered in semi-deciduous montane forest in Southwestern Ecuador. The new species is named Stelis rostriformis. Information about its distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status is provided. The new taxon is a member of Crocodeilanthe, a group that has previously been considered as a different genus or as a subgenus of Pleurothallis, but the available evidence indicates that it turns out to be non-monophyletic. The new species is compared with other morphologically similar, such as S. batillacea, S. cyathiflora, S. galeata and S. gargantua. Additionally, Stelis sagittata is proposed as a new name for Pleurothallis jamesonii since the combination of it in Stelis proved be illegitimate because the earlier existence of Stelis jamesonii.