A new endemic tree species, Ormosia neillii, has been described in the Cordillera del Cóndor region of Ecuador in 2025. The species is named in honor of botanist David A. Neill, recognizing his extensive work on Ecuadorian flora. David Neill passed away on February 22, 2025.
Researchers from the Universidad de las Américas (UDLA), the Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INABIO), and the Marie Selby Herbarium identified the tree. Ormosia neillii is characterized by its reddish-brown, velvety leaves and distinctive jet-black or dark purple flowers.
This unique pigmentation may be an evolutionary strategy to attract specific pollinators. The distribution of Ormosia neillii is limited to a few locations on the eastern slope of the Cordillera del Cóndor, growing on sandstone soils in the Andean tepui ecosystem. Due to its restricted range and habitat pressures, it is proposed to be classified as "Endangered" according to IUCN criteria.