Lankesteriana: International Journal on Orchidology

Notes on the correct identity of Ceratostylis siamensis (Epidendroideae: Podochileae) from India

2024-02-28T11:37:51-06:00

While conducting taxonomic studies on the tribe Podochileae (Orchidaceae) for the Flora of India, two species, Ceratostylis siamensis and Ceratostylis himalaica have been examined using types, protologues, fresh specimens, and authentic herbarium collections. Ceratostylis siamensis was previously reported and documented in Arunachal Pradesh, India. However, we determined upon closer examination that this record was based on erroneous identification. The correct identity of this species is C. himalaica. Consequently, Ceratostylis siamensis is excluded from the flora of India.

Lepanthes chalalensis (Pleurothallidinae), a new species endemic to the Santander department in Colombia

2023-09-11T11:42:35-06:00

We propose Lepanthes chalalensis as a newly identified species confined to the north-east Andes of Colombia. We randomly placed 341 sampling plots across the Eastern Cordillera, including transformed and natural habitats. Here, we provide a detailed description, illustrating images, ecological discussions, a taxonomic key for the new entity, and a conservation status analysis. The species is highly geographically restricted (in 2 out of 341 sampling plots) and has a low population size (26 adult individuals). While L. chalalensis shows a resemblance to L. velosa from Ecuador, it can be distinguished by the wide lower lobe of the petals, which is long ciliated, the lip laminae, which are reduced and bear stiff cilia, and the appendix length, which appear to be twice as long as the lip blades. The species should be considered a conservation concern due to its high rarity.

New species and records of Orchidaceae from Costa Rica. IV.

2024-06-27T09:07:07-06:00

The fourth release of the series “New Species and Records of Orchidaceae from Costa Rica” documents and illustrates 17 taxa of the Costa Rican orchid flora. The new species records belong to the subtribes Pleurothallidinae (9 spp.), Maxillariinae (3 spp.), and Oncidiinae (2 spp.), including the description of two new species in Pleurothallis and Telipogon. Two new forms are described for Isochilus latibracteatus (Ponerinae) and Masdevallia striatella(Pleurothallidinae), and their differences from the typical forms are discussed. Additionally, the first record of a naturalized population of Phalaenopsis stuartiana(Aeridinae) in Costa Rica is discussed. Detailed descriptions, based on selected Costa Rican material, are included for all taxa, along with illustrations and/or Lankester Composite Digital Plates (LCDP). Information on their etymology, distribution, habitat, phenology, and distinguishing features compared to morphologically similar species is also provided. Finally, following the publication of the most recent Costa Rican orchid catalogue, we have identified some omissions and other new species described, which are discussed here. The orchid flora of Costa Rica now includes 1695 species and nine forms.