A new species of Dioscorea (Dioscoreaceae) for the Yungas of northwestern Argentina

Abstract

A new species of Dioscorea endemic to the Yungas of the northwestern Argentina, is here described as Dioscorea ayardei. This new species is characterized by the presence of a single anther inserted in a navicular structure with three dendriform projections. The new species is morphologically similar to D. haumanii and both inhabit mountain areas at the Sierras of Calilegua in the Jujuy province. A description of D. ayardei, together with illustrations, a distribution map, habitat description, conservation assessment, a comparative table with the related species and a diagnostic comparison with D. haumanii is presented.