A new species of Oritrophium (Compositae, Astereae) from the páramo of Ecuador

The new species Oritrophium acerosum (Compositae, Astereae) is described from the páramo de Patococha at the border between the provinces of Azuay and Morona-Santiago, southern Ecuador. Among other features, the species is characterized by its reduced size, rosettes composed of 20–35 leaves much shorter than the scape, and linear, strongly revolute leaves with a glabrous adaxial surface, and pseudopetioles longer than the lamina. A taxonomic discussion of similar species is provided, as well as detailed pictures of living plants and a dichotomous key to the species of the genus in Ecuador.