Apopetala , una nueva sección de Vochysia (Vochysiaceae)

The section Apopetala is described and proposed as a new section of Vochysia Aublet. Species of the new section are morphologically distinct in having opposite leaves to 5-verticillate, blades glabrous to pilose, lacking petals, ovary glabrous and stamen pilose in one or both sides. This morphological revision of the new section is presented with keys of the all sections, the species of the section Apopetala, also descriptions with its diagnostic characters and illustrations of all nine recognised species: Vochysia apopetala Ule, V. bautistae Marc.-Berti, V. majuscula Pilg., V. megalophylla Stafleu, V. ortegae Marc.-Berti & Bautista, V. penae Marc.-Berti, V. poncy-barrieri Marc.-Berti, V. punctata Spruce ex Warm. and V. tilletii Marc.-Berti.