Synopsis of Chionanthus (Oleaceae) from Colombia and neighboring countries, with description of a new species

Abstract

A synoptic review of Chionanthus species (Oleaceae) from Colombia and neighboring countries is presented, in which new information, taxonomic and chorological, is disclosed, and a new species, Ch. vargasii , from the Central Cordillera of Colombia. This species resembles Ch. abriaquiensis , but has coriaceous leaves, with shorter petioles and woolly domatia along the veins of the underside, and shorter inflorescences. Chionanthus guianensis and Ch. panamensis are cited for the first time in Colombia and the known distribution in Colombia of Ch. compactus, Ch. implicatus , and Ch. pubescens is extended. In addition, the reviewed material of Ch. avilensis, Ch. colonchensis, Ch. ligustrinus , and Ch. wudackii , all present in neighboring countries, is also commented. Finally, a key is included to facilitate the identification of the species of the north of South America.