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The Ericaceae occurring in Ecuador are revised. Twenty-one genera, 218 species, and six varieties are documented by Ecuadorean collections. Keys, descriptions, and full specimen citations are provided for all taxa; 30 species are illustrated by line-drawings and 31 by colour photos. Thirty-five species (16% of the recognized Ecuadorean Ericaceae) and one variety are herein described as new to science; in addition, there are nine new combinations. Two genera and 22 species are newly placed into synonymy. Thirty-four lectotypes and five neotypes are designated. One hundred twenty-three Ecuadorean species (i.e., 56%) are recognized as endemic or nearly so. Twenty-five species are herein reported as new records to Ecuador from adjacent southern Colombia or northern Peru. Two species are given uncertain status. The largest genera (with 20 or more species) are: Ceratostema (28 spp.), Psammisia (26 spp.), Macleania (24 spp.), Cavendishia (21 spp.), and Disterigma (20 spp.). The family is clearly Andean-centred and the Ecuadorean species have close relationships with those of Colombia and Peru. It is felt that many new species are yet to be discovered, principally in the Oriente.