title: A new species of Solanum named for Jeanne Baret, an overlooked contributor to the history of botany.
abstract: We describe Solanum baretiaesp. nov., a new species of Solanum section Anarrhichomenum, named in honor of Jeanne Baret, who sailed as the assistant to botanist Philibert Commerson on Louis Antoine de Bougainville's global circumnavigation (1766-1769). The species is similar to Solanum chimborazense, but differs in having larger flowers, more flowers per inflorescence, and different patterns of pubescence on the filaments (pubescent adaxially and glabrous abaxially) and style (papillose to sparsely pubescent). A description, illustration, photos, and comparisons to similar species are included. Also included is a preliminary conservation assessment, along with a brief account of the important role played by Baret during the expedition. The new species appears to be restricted to the Amotape-Huancabamba zone, an area of southern Ecuador and northern Peru known for its exceptional biodiversity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA.
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Tepe
authors.forename: Glynis
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ridley
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bohs