Orthaea

  • Authority

    Smith, Albert C. 1952. Plants collected in Ecuador by W. H. camp. Vaceiniaceae. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 8 (1): 41-85.

  • Family

    Ericaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Orthaea

  • Description

    Species Description - (shrub 4 m.; leaves shining on both sides, somewhat paler beneath; corolla pale pink below, apically white).

  • Discussion

    The cited specimen differs from 0. secundiflora in its congested inflorescences (rachis 5-8 mm. long; pedicels about the same length), and its stamens with free filaments and slightly shorter anthers. It may be referable to 0. abbreviata Drake, from southern Ecuador, but the inadequate description of that species (Jour, de Bot. 3: 75. 1889) implies that its leaves are somewhat broader ( 7 x 3 cm.) and its pedicels are 2 cm. long. Number 757 cannot be positively identified without comparison with the type of O. abbreviata.

  • Distribution

    Santiago-Zamora: Eastern slope of the cordillera, valley of the Rios Negro and Chupianza (on the trail from Sevilla de Oro to Mendez), region of Tambo Pilas, near mouth of Rio Patos, 6,500-7,500 ft. elev., Camp E-757.

    Ecuador South America|