A new species of Benth. (Solanaceae) from the eastern Andes of Colombia.

A.Orejuela & S.D.Sm., (Solanaceae) is described from the Andean forests of Cundinamarca in the eastern cordillera of Colombia. was first collected by the eminent Spanish priest and botanist José Celestino Mutis in the late part of the 18 century, but the specimens have lain unrecognised in herbaria for over 200 years. The species shares many features with its closest relative, S.D.Sm. & S.Leiva, but it differs from it in having small flowers with five corolla lobes and few inflorescences per branch, located near the shoot apex with 1 to 4 (-8) flowers, fruits that are greenish-yellow when ripe and its restricted geographic distribution. A description of is provided, along with a detailed illustration, photographs of live plants, a comparison with closely-related species and a key to all Colombian species of Benth. In closing, we emphasise the value of historical collections for the knowledge of biodiversity.