New Tree Species Discovered in Panama After Two Decades of Research

A new tree species, *Phragmotheca prolifera*, has been discovered in Panama after more than two decades of research by José Luis Fernández Alonso of the Real Jardín Botánico-CSIC. This species, belonging to the Malvaceae family, is a type of mountain sapote found exclusively in the tropical forests of the Americas. The name 'prolifera' refers to the unique presence of branches with nodes covered in numerous flowers, located on short, dichotomously arranged twigs. This discovery, published in the 'Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales', includes information on other species, such as *Phragmotheca siderosa* subp. *siderosa*. *Phragmotheca prolifera* is currently known only from four locations in central Panama, growing in well-preserved primary forests. Its description will aid in assessing its conservation status according to IUCN criteria.