A herbarium-based revision is provided for Paepalanthus
pilosus and allies, five commonly confused species of cushion plants native to Andean paramo. These are placed in the recircumscribed Paepalanthus
subsect.
Cryptanthella Suess. The group includes Paepalanthus
pilosus, Paepalanthus
dendroides, and Paepalanthus
lodiculoides. An additional two species and one variety are newly described: Paepalanthus
caryonauta, Paepalanthus
huancabambensis, and Paepalanthus
pilosus
var.
leoniae. The latter two are Peruvian endemics, while Paepalanthus
caryonauta is known from four countries, and has long been confused with other species. An additional, possibly undescribed taxon is noted from the Serrania de Perijá, Colombia. Five new synonyms and three lectotypes are proposed, and the common misapplication of some names is noted. Within the Paepalanthus
pilosus complex, species differences were found in timing of peduncle elongation, sex ratio, and leaf, perianth, diaspore and nectary morphology. Ecological differences are suggested by specimen data and a review of ecological literature. Descriptions, photographs and maps are provided for all species, as is a key to the groups of eriocaulaceous cushion plants from Andean South America.