Zamia incognita (Zamiaceae): the exciting discovery of a new gymnosperm from Colombia

Colombiais home to the majority of known South American species of Zamia (Zamiaceae). Although Zamia is now the only recognised genus of extant Cycadales inSouth America, it shows some complex ecological adaptations that have resulted in several evolutionarily divergent sections within the genus. The recent publication of Flora de Colombia listed 16 species, of which seven are endemic and five were newly described in the very same treatment. Although this treatment was current at the time of publication, recent collections and additional material of little-known species have made an update and further clarification necessary. A new species, Zamia incognita is described here and its relationships are discussed.