Increasing the diversity of “black-spathed” Anthurium (Araceae) in Central America: Anthurium paradoxum, a taxonomic novelty from Panama

Background: Anthurium is the largest genus within Araceae, notorious for its diverse spathe coloration, which plays a key role in taxonomy and horticulture. Dark purple to black spathed species are uncommon and highly valued but remain understudied, particularly in Central America. Question: Does the morphologically distinct population of Anthurium from the Ngäbe-Buglé region of Panama represent an undescribed species and how does it differ from other closely morphologically related taxa within the genus? Studied species: Anthurium, Anthurium paradoxum. Study site and dates: Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé, Panama, January and February 2023. Methods: We prepared herbarium specimens from natural populations and morphological measurements were taken from living plants and herbarium specimens. Results: We describe Anthurium paradoxum O. Ortiz & M. Cedeño, a new species from the humid lowland forests of Panama, distinguished by its deflexed spadices and striking black-purple spathes. Known only from a single locality on the Caribbean slope, this species occupies secondary forest habitat threatened by ongoing degradation and fragmentation. Conclusions: Given its highly restricted distribution and continuing habitat loss, we classify A. paradoxum as Critically Endangered, according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. This discovery highlights the critical need for continued taxonomic research and conservation efforts in Neotropical ecosystems.