Lankesteriana: International Journal on Orchidology
LANKESTERIANA, International Journal on Orchidology, is an international scientific journal published by the Lankester Botanical Garden Research Center – University of Costa Rica. The journal is globally recognized for its specialization and contributions to the knowledge of the orchid family. In addition to research articles, LANKESTERIANA is dedicated to facilitating scholarly communication and exchange by publishing a comprehensive array of content, including book reviews, checklists, comments, conference proceedings, correspondence, corrigenda, obituaries, opinions, reviews, and special issue contributions. LANKESTERIANA maintains rigorous academic standards as a peer-reviewed journal, ensuring that only the highest quality research articles are published. Through this rigorous review process, the journal maintains its reputation for excellence and reliability, providing readers with access to credible, authoritative scientific information on orchids. Furthermore, LANKESTERIANA values contributions from authors worldwide, with English as the official language of the journal. Through Early View, LANKESTERIANA is committed to reducing the time to effective publication of scientific, peer-reviewed papers, for the benefit of both authors and the journal's readers. The papers in this section of Lankesteriana receive an individual DOI and are published online as soon as the editorial process is concluded positively. They represent early views of the final papers exactly as they will appear in the hard-printed, complete issue of the journal. The effective date of publication of each paper is established by the date of its first publication online, which is recorded on the front page of the paper, both in its online and hard-printed versions. The printed version of LANKESTERIANA is published periodically in volumes by the Lankester Botanical Garden, University of Costa Rica. Each volume is made up of three issues published in April (covers the period from January to April), August (covers from May to August), and December (covers from September to December). LANKESTERIANA is indexed by Clarivate Biosis, SciELO, Scopus, Scirus, WZB, Redalyc, DOAJ, PERIODICA, BIBLAT, The Latindex Directory, and it is included in databases such as E-journals, Ebookbrowse, FAO Online Catalogues, CiteBank, Mendeley, WorldCat, Core Electronic Journals Library, and Biodiversity Heritage Library, and in the electronic resources of the Columbia University, the University of Florida, the University of Hamburg, and the Smithsonian Institution, among others. The Lankester Botanical Garden is a research center of the University of Costa Rica, LANKESTERIANA´ s publishing institution, which holds the copyright and publishing rights for every contribution under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 3.0 Costa Rica license (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 CR). Postmaster: Lankester Botanical Garden Research Center, University of Costa Rica, P.O. Box 302-7050 Cartago, Costa Rica, C.A. jardin.lankester@ucr.ac.cr ISSN-e: 2215-2067 | ISSN 1409-3871
According to the Open Access policy promoted by the University of Costa Rica, all the papers published by Lankesteriana are licensed under the Creative Commons copyright and can be downloaded free of charge. The journal holds copyright and publishing rights under the CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 CR license. Before the publication of the materials submitted by the author(s) in LANKESTERIANA, the author(s) hereby assign all rights in the article to the Lankester Botanical Garden.
Female orchid bee Euglossa dilemma visits the perfume orchid Coryanthes panamensis in Florida
Male orchid bees gather fragrance chemicals from the surfaces of about 700 species of neotropical orchids and pollinate them in the process. The males display the collected chemicals during their courtship, and female orchid bees will mate only with males, displaying a species-specific blend of collected chemicals. Given this reality, the discovery of a female Euglossa dilemma dead in the bucket trap of a flower of the perfume orchid Coryanthes panamensis bearing the orchid’s pollinarium is extraordinary. There are no previous reports of female orchid bees visiting a perfume orchid and picking up pollinia of the orchids. Bearing a pollinarium indicates that this female bee made at least two visits to the flowers and that these visits were unlikely to be accidental. The flower in which the bee was found was on a cultivated plant grown in a residential garden in Coral Gables, Florida. Neither the orchid nor the orchid bee are native to Florida and occur in different areas of tropical America. Why this female orchid bee visited this orchid is considered, including the possibility that it may be a gynandromorph. Despite being a morphological female, the bee may have had neurological anomalies that caused it to exhibit a male-like attraction to this perfume orchid.
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A new species of Catasetum (Cymbidieae: Catasetinae) from the Colombian Amazonia
A new species, Catasetum caquetense from the Caquetá department of the Colombian Amazonia, is described and illustrated. Catasetum caquetense is morphologically distinct from similar species such as C. tuberculatum in its rectangular, entire, denticulate, prominent apiculate basal callus surrounded by inconspicuous crown-shaped protrusions with an extra callus towards the apex that partially narrows towards the mid-lip. Information about its distribution, ecology, habitat, and taxonomic comments on morphologically similar species is also provided. With this addition, the genus comprises eight species in the department of Caquetá.
Copyright (c) 2023 Lankesteriana: International Journal on Orchidology https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/cr/
Catasetum tavaresii (Catasetinae), a new species from Central Brazilian Amazon
A new Catasetum species from Brazilian Amazon, more specifically from the “Floresta Nacional de Saracá-Taquera” (State of Pará), is proposed, described and illustrated. This new taxon belongs to the subgenus Catasetum, section Isoceras, subsection Isoceras, whose representatives have symmetrical and parallel antennae. It is compared with C. nhamundaense, C. garnettianum and C. barbatum, all with the same antennae characteristics and belonging to the "C. cristatum alliance". Among related species, C. tavaresii differs mainly in the lip structure. We also give data on geographical distribution, habitat, phenology, flower visitors, and preliminary conservation status.
Sheylla Susan Moreira da Silva de Almeida
The fragrant orchid Vanilla chamissonis: an appraisal of the genetic structure of wild populations from Osununú Natural Reserve (Misiones, Argentina)
Due to diverse factors the commercial crops of vanilla are highly vulnerable to genetic erosion. The species Vanilla chamissonis Klotzsch has been shown to produce interesting bioeconomic compounds that could diversify the market. In Argentina, the distribution of this fragrant orchid is restricted to specific north-eastern regions, like the Osununú Natural Reserve (at San Ignacio, Misiones), where it grows wildly in sectors (nuclei). This germplasm represents a locally adapted endemism, and thus is a valuable resource worth preserving. Herein, the genetic characterization of unexplored V. chamissonis´ germplasm was accomplished; as well, the specimens´ molecular identification was assessed in a phylogenetic context using nuclear and chloroplastidial markers. The genotyping exposed that, at least, four gene pools contribute to the genetic diversity of these plants, and that ca. 81% of total genetic variation is allocated within populations. Present results suggest a predominance of sexual reproduction, that population N1 emerges as a candidate unit worth conserving, and that a genetic discontinuity was evidenced between northeastern and southwestern nuclei due to their different genetic constitutions. In concurrence, a tenuous isolation by distance was also unveiled. Our phylogenetic results suggest that it is appropriate to consider the vanilla germplasm surveyed as V. chamissonis. The basic knowledge generated in this work will aid in guiding the in-situ conservation and management initiative, ongoing at the Osununú´s reserve.
Additions to orchid flora of Bhutan III: Paphiopedilum × pradhanii
Paphiopedilum × pradhanii, a natural hybrid between P. fairrieanum (subgenus Paphiopedilum, section Ceratopetalum) and P. venustum (subgenus Paphiopedilum, section Barbata), is reported for the first time from Bhutan. Detailed geographical distribution, ecology, and conservation status, and dichotomous keys to all Paphiopedilum species found in Bhutan are provided. A brief description of the parents of this hybrid is also provided.
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Floral visitors of three species of Corallorhiza in Monte Tláloc, Texcoco, Estado De México, Mexico
Corallorhiza is a genus of mycoheterotrophic orchids that includes 12 species, most of them restricted to North and Central America. In Mexico, there are seven taxa, distributed throughout the country, except for seven of the 32 Mexican states; in Estado de México all of them are present. The Orchidaceae is known for its diversity of pollination syndromes; however, for the more than 200 species of mycoheterotrophic orchids, little has been studied about their floral visitors and pollinators, and for the Mexican species of Corallorhiza nothing is known to date. Our goal was to document photographically and identify all the floral visitors of three sympatric species of the genus in Monte Tláloc, municipality of Texcoco, Estado de México. We observed individuals of Araneae, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, and Hymenoptera visiting flowers of Corallorhiza macrantha, C. macrantha × C. maculata, C. maculata, and C. striata. Only Ocyptamus coeruleus and Platycheirus sp. (Diptera: Syrphidae) were found carrying pollinaria on their thorax. These are the first records of potential pollinators for the genus Corallorhiza in Mexico.
new species of Brachionidium (Pleurothallinidae) from the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park, Pasco, Peru
A new Brachionidium from Peru is described and illustrated based on living plants. Information on distribution, ecology, etymology, and phenology is also included. The new species, B. montieliae, was discovered in one of the highest mountains of the Oxapampa-Ashaninka-Yanesha Biosphere Reserve (BIOAY), situated above the forests of the Humid Puna of the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park at 3590 m in elevation. It is similar to Brachionidium vasquezii but differs in the oblong-elliptic, denticulate, and semi-erect leaves, somewhat lanuginose abaxially; the purple lanuginose adaxially and papular abaxially, entire, acuminate lateral sepals; the purplish oblong-ovate dorsal sepal, lanuginose on the adaxial surface, papular abaxially; the purple petals with scalloped edges, acuminate to obtuse apex ending in a thin, slightly abbreviated tail; the lip with apiculate lateral angles and with a central, trapezoid verrucose callus on the disc. Brachionidium montieliae is a terrestrial species that thrives in the humid Puna forests at elevations around 3400–3600 meters. The ecosystem is characterized by a sclerophyllous forest with a diverse range of tree species. The species typically blooms between July and August. There are potential threats from annual burning practices in the region. Given the potential risks, it is imperative to undertake immediate conservation measures and promote environmental awareness to safeguard this species.
biosphere reserve Oxapampa–Ashaninka–Yanesha
new endemic species of Polystachya (Polystachyinae) from eastern Tanzania
Polystachya nguruensis, a new endemic species from the isolated Nguru Mountains of eastern Tanzania, is described here, and its affinities and conservation status are discussed. Polystachya nguruensis differs from P. lukwangulensis in having much longer, more obviously several-noded pseudobulbs, shorter, narrowly oblong-elliptic, coriaceous leaves, and a longer, more densely many-flowered, branching inflorescence with smaller flowers and ecallose lip with a narrowly oblong a midlobe with a broadly obovate to subcircular, apiculate, lip midlobe. Unlike most allied species, it is a lithophyte, growing on sloping slabs of crystalline rock, a highly vulnerable habitat that has already been partly destroyed by fire. Consequently, it is assessed to be Critically Endangered and in need of immediate conservation attention.
Orchids of the Southern Cone (1830–2000) – Part IV. Maevia Noemí Correa’s Flora Patagonica
Maevia Noemí Correa (1914–2005) will always be remembered as the director and editor of an outstanding work, Flora Patagonica, in which she assumed the treatment of several plant families, among them the Orchidaceae. Published between 1969 and 1999, the work was the product of 30 years of dedicated research and fieldwork, resulting in the publication of eight volumes and extraordinary plant collections, now housed in Argentinian and foreign herbaria. Popularly known as The Dame of the Orchids, Correa must be considered one of the most relevant Argentinian botanists of the 20th century. In honor of her birth on February 14th, the day has been designated as "The Day of the Orchidophile”.
Telipogon pillaropatatensis (Oncidiinae): a new species from the East-Central Andes of Ecuador
A new species, Telipogon pillaropatatensis, is described from the highlands of east-central Ecuador. It is morphologically similar to T. octavioi but differs by having a corolla with longitudinal thick vein lines without reticulations and a column with three dense bundles of equally sized setae. Also, our phylogenetic analyses suggest that they are not closely related. Interestingly, among the analyzed taxa, T. pillaropatatensis appears to have a closer phylogenetic relationship with the highly distinct T. pulcher and T. hausmannianus than with the morphologically similar T. octavioi. The new species has been found in a relatively small area, covering just a few square kilometers in east-central Ecuador. Additionally, we documented remarkable variation in the coloration and size of the corolla. Information regarding the species' habitat, ecology, phylogenetic relationships, and conservation status is also provided.
Sarcoglottis wernerherzogii (Spiranthinae), a new species from Cusco, Peru
A new species of Sarcoglottis from the department of Cusco, Peru is described and illustrated as S. wernerherzogii. It is similar to eastern South American S. fasciculata but distinguished by its contrasting habitat (high-Andean montane cloud forest as 2050−2500 m a.s.l. vs. Atlantic rain forest near sea level), flowering after the shedding of the leaves (vs. flowering with leaves present); homogeneous green or yellow flowers (vs. whitish or pale green with contrasting reddish veins); rigidly conduplicate-concave lateral sepals that, when spread out are strongly falcate (vs. slightly concave, not rigid, obliquely lanceolate lateral sepals); strongly cymbiform, obovate hypochile as wide as long when spread out (vs. broadly channeled, oblanceolate hypochile about twice longer than wide or longer when spread out); ovate, strongly deflexed epichile provided with a central longitudinal thickening throughout its length (vs. erect or gently arcuate epichile with a thickening only at the apex); and apical anther beak truncate (vs. apical anther beak rounded). The strongly cymbiform hypochile that, when spread out is as wide as long, is unique in the genus. The differences between S. fasciculata, the new species, and other Peruvian species of Sarcoglottis are contrasted in a table. Sarcoglottis wernerherzogii is known from less than a dozen plants in two populations, both under nominal protection in the Machupicchu Historical Sanctuary and the Area of Conservación Regional Choquequirao, respectively. The status “DD” (data deficient) is suggested until an objective assessment of its risk status can be carried out.
Odontoglossum crispum: a tale of love, loss and scientific discovery
This is the story of Odontoglossum crispum (Oncidium alexandrae), from the 19th century to the present day. It is a love story because Odontoglossum crispum was considered by many to be the most beautiful of all orchid species. It was collected by the hundreds of thousands from the cloud forests of its native Colombia and exported to Britain, the rest of Europe and the USA. Vast numbers were lost in transit. When they arrived many perished due to a lack of understanding of its needs in cultivation. Only the ‘best’ forms were grown, and the remainder discarded. Today much of its native habitat has either disappeared or been despoiled due to human actions. Few plants remain in cultivation in the UK. It was one of the first species to be grown commercially from seed, most notably in the UK by Charlesworth & Co., following the scientific discovery by Noël Bernard that orchid seeds required the participation of a suitable fungus to germinate under natural conditions.
Studies on Costa Rican Vanilloideae: the return of Cleistes rosea and a reaffirmation of Epistephium ellipticum
Subfamily Vanilloideae represents a small fraction of the orchid flora of Costa Rica, and yet our knowledge of this predominantly South American group has significantly increased in the last two decades. Until recently, Vanilloideae was represented in Costa Rica by just two genera: Cleistes and Vanilla, with one and seven species, respectively. Today, up to 13 species of Vanilla are shown to occur in the country, we evidence the presence of a second species of Cleistes and confirm the presence of a third genus Vanilloideae in Costa Rica: Epistephium. The rare Cleistes rosea and Epistephium ellipticum are fully illustrated on the basis of Costa Rican materials with Lankester Composite Digital Plates (LCDP). The typification of Cleistes rosea is discussed and a color illustration is provided of C. costaricensis for comparison.
Notes on the correct identity of Ceratostylis siamensis (Epidendroideae: Podochileae) from India
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.
Copyright (c) 2024 Lankesteriana: International Journal on Orchidology https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/cr/
Lepanthes chalalensis (Pleurothallidinae), a new species endemic to the Santander department in Colombia
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.
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.
Bulbophyllum lampadion (section Monanthes), a new species from New Guinea
Bulbophyllum lampadion from New Guinea is herein described and illustrated based on herbarium specimens and cultivated material. This high-elevation species belongs to section Monanthes, of which sect. Oxysepala is here considered to be a synonym.
A new species of Dendrobium sect. Crinifera (Dendrobieae) from Thailand
A new species of Dendrobium sect. Crinifera is described from Thailand. The late Peter O’Byrne is appropriately credited for his important preparatory work for our study and for coining the name of the new species, D. krabiense. Apparently endemic to southern Thailand, D. krabiense is similar to D. pardalinum but differs in the lip mid-lobe being distinctly clawed and in the lip ornaments only consisting of two lateral keels that extend from near lip base to claw of mid-lobe. Dendrobium krabiense is also similar to D. phuketense but differs in having larger, spotted flowers with a proportionally longer mentum. The material here referred to D. krabiense was previously misidentified as Flickingeria pallens (now considered a synonym of D. pardalinum).
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Corybas geminigibbus, a new addition to the orchid flora of Sumatra
Corybas is an orchid genus of 154 species distributed from India to South China, the Western Pacific, and New Zealand. Sumatra is home to eight species, five of which are endemic. However, the true diversity is likely underestimated due to limited exploration in some parts of the island. During a recent exploration in the northern Gayo Plateau near the northern tip of the island, a Corybas species was discovered that did not match any previously known species. Further identification through specimen comparison and literature review confirmed that the species is Corybas geminigibbus. It was found growing in montane bogs. This discovery marks the second bioregion in Indonesia where this species has been recorded and the ninth Corybas species on the island. The finding also provides additional evidence of floristic similarities, suggesting past geological connections between northern Sumatra and mainland Asia. A detailed description, discussion, and photographs are provided.
Addition of five orchid species to the flora of Bhutan
Bhutan, situated in the eastern part of the Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot, is renowned for its rich flora and fauna. This biodiversity is attributed to the country’s multiple biogeographic origins, diverse topo- graphy, ecological complexity, and varied climatic and soil conditions. However, much of the flora remains under-collected, with many taxa yet to be discovered. From June 2022 to March 2024, floristic studies were conducted in Bhutan, leading to the discovery of five orchid species not previously recorded in the country: Bulbophyllum crabro, B. rigidum, Cymbidium tortisepalum var. longibracteatum, Galeola cathcartii, and Liparis kumokiri. These species are scientifically documented for the first time in Bhutan. Detailed descriptions, type information, updated global distribution, ecology, and colour plates of the recorded species are provided.
Mormodes benelliana (Catasetinae), a new species from Mato Grosso, Brazil
In the present study, we describe and illustrate Mormodes benelliana, a new species found in the southwest region of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. This species occurs as an epiphyte in the transition between the Amazon and Cerrado domains. Mormodes benelliana is similar to M. hoehnei, but differs by having smaller pseudobulbs, inflorescences longer than the pseudobulbs, conspicuous peduncle, yellowish-brown and brown-vinous striped flowers, with a large-elliptic to ovate, glabrous lip.
new green-flowered Aa (Cranichideae) from Peru
A new species from the Peruvian Andes, Aa olivacea, is described and illustrated. Information concerning distribution, habitat, ecology, and conservation status is provided. The new species is similar to A. hieronymi by its dense spikes of dark green and brown flowers with translucent whitish floral bracts; but differs from it by its elliptic to lanceolate leaves, 60 to 100-flowered spikes, glabrous rachis, lateral sepals with the margin entire to occasionally minutely erose near the apex, petals with slightly erose to sinuate apical margin, lip unlobed with lacerate to erose margin, and ovary with scarce hairs. Furthermore, A. tenebrosa is proposed as a synonym of A. hieronymi, A. nigrescens is recognized as a distinct species from A. leucantha, and A. lehmannii is confirmed to be an illegitimate, superfluous name for A. leucantha.
new species Telipogon (Oncidiinae) from Bolivia
Telipogon minutus, from the Carrasco National Park in the Bolivian Yungas, is proposed as a new species. Plants of T. minutus, which reach up to 4 cm in height, are the smallest known Bolivian Telipogon. The new species is characterized by its oblong to ovate labellum, which is weakly sub-auriculate and retuse at the base, with a semi-circular stigma, a column with two lateral lobes and a mammillary protuberance at the apex, and two tufts of setae with trifurcate apices. A description, figures, and a distributional map of the new taxon are provided, along with a discussion of the differences between the new species and morphologically similar Telipogon species.
The rostellum, a small structure located above the stigma in the gynostemium of monandrous orchid flowers, separates the pollinia from the stigma, can prevent self-pollination, and plays an important role in pol- lination. It secretes a sticky exudate before and after anthesis, to which the pollinia are attached. Additionally,the viscidium, a sticky disk at the base of the stipe, also connects to the rostellum. This structure varies among species and holds taxonomic significance. For example, in Catasetum, the rostellum extends into antennae-like projections. After pollination, emasculation, or injury, the plant hormone ethylene is produced, triggering various post-pollination, post-emasculation, and post-injury processes, including changes in perianth color, senescence, and, ultimately, the death of floral segments that have completed their functions. Although the rostellum plays a significant role, it remains understudied, and many aspects of its function are still unknown. This review high- lights current knowledge and explores speculative hypotheses that may invite differing opinions and perspectives, which will likely be revised as future research deepens our understanding of its biological and ecological roles.
Ten new orchid records from the Indonesian archipelago
Orchidaceae is one of the most diverse plant families in Indonesia, yet many species remain poorly documented across the archipelago. Here we report ten orchid species as new national records for Indonesia: Bulbophyllum nematocaulon, Bulbophyllum sanguineomaculatum, Cleisomeria lanatum, Corybas calopeplos, and Corybas holttumii from Sumatra; Acanthophippium bicolor and Anoectochilus papuanus from Java; Dendrobium teretifolium from the Lesser Sunda Islands, Bulbophyllum thiurum from Kalimantan; and Aerides agustiana from Sulawesi. For each species, we provide taxonomic notes, distributional data, type information, phenology, ecological observations, line drawings, and photographs. These new records extend the known geographic ranges of the species and confirm the importance of field exploration and herbarium study for documenting Indonesia’s remarkable orchid diversity.
Florida’s naturalized orchids are mostly terrestrials (10/15, 5/10 epiphytes), horticultural escapes (14/15), native to Asia (10/15), tropical American (4/10), and Africa (1/15). Only 3 species are widespread in Florida, Eulophia graminea, Eulophia maculata, and Zeuxine strateumatica, and can be considered invasive based on their spread beyond the areas of their initial establishments. Most of the other orchid species occur in one or two counties and have spread little so are considered naturalized but not invasive. The longest naturalized orchids (5/15) escaped more than 50 years ago, another group (5/10) more than 20 years ago, while the most recently naturalized species (5/10) less than 20 years ago. The 15 naturalized orchids comprise 12% (15/117 species) of Florida’s orchid flora, which is higher than most other places except for Hawaii’s (18/21) which has only 3 native orchids. Most orchids naturalized in Florida (10/15) have also naturalized elsewhere in the world. Failure to reproduce is the reason why most orchids don’t naturalize. To attempt to understand how Florida’s 15 naturalized orchids have overcome this barrier, the literature was examined to learn what their breeding systems and pollinators are in their native areas. This enabled predictions to be made about how these orchids reproduce in Florida. Four of the orchids need no pollinators because they are autogamous or apomictic. The native region pollinators of two of the orchids occur in Florida, five of the orchids are probably pollinated by congeneric species of their native area pollinators (Apis, Centris and Xylocopa), Two of the orchids are pollinated by close analogues of their native area pollinators (butterflies and hummingbirds). Overcoming other barriers to their naturalization, such as the lack of suitable mycorrhizal fungi or the inability to deal with abiotic limitations, has occurred but are poorly known and understood.
The genus Encyclia Hook. (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae) in Maranhão state, Brazil: new morphological data and extent of distribution
In this study, we report the diversity, geographical distribution, and ecology of the Encyclia species from the state of Maranhão, Brazil. For each species treated, we present morphological descriptions, geographic distribution maps, taxonomic and ecological comments, an identification key for the species occurring in the state and photographic plates. Three species were recorded: E. gonzalezii, E. granitica, and E. linearifolioides, with E. gonzalezii being endemic to Brazil. Encyclia granitica has been locally rediscovered approximately 93 years after its only known collection in Maranhão. We also included new morphological data for this species, for which a description of the fruits had not been available until now. We found that the epicarp of the three species exhibited significant morphological differences, which may aid in their identification and delimitation. Given the complicated taxonomy of the genus, further studies focused on the epicarp may determine the extent to which it can assist in distinguishing additional species and in assessing its phylogenetic signal.
More than a century later: first modern record of Pteroglossa macrantha (Orchidaceae: Spiranthinae) in Argentina, with notes on its morphology, distribution, habitat, and conservation implications
Abstract. Pteroglossa macrantha (Orchidaceae: Spiranthinae) was previously known in Argentina only from a historical collection made by Ekman in 1908 in the province of Misiones, with no subsequent records confirming its presence in the country. During recent botanical surveys in the province of Corrientes, a new population was discovered, representing the first modern record for Argentina after more than a century and one of the southernmost confirmed occurrences of the species in the country. Detailed morphological observations confirmed its identity and revealed slight variations in leaf proportions compared with specimens from Brazil and Paraguay. The plants of this species grow in seasonally flooded alluvial grasslands on sandy substrates near the Paraná River. The regional conservation assessment, based on IUCN criteria, indicates that P. macrantha should be considered Critically Endangered (CR) in Argentina due to its extremely small area of occupancy, its occurrence in a single locality, and ongoing habitat degradation. This finding highlights the importance of the riparian grasslands of Corrientes as biodiversity refuges and priority areas for the conservation of rare and threatened orchids of the Southern Cone.
A new species of Pleurothallis (Pleurothallidinae) from the P. talpinaria complex, with notes on comparative floral morphology and pollination ecology
A new species of Pleurothallis subgenus Talpinaria, discovered in the department of Tolima, Central Andes of Colombia, is described, illustrated, and discussed. The new species, Pleurothallis vallejoi is compared with P. talpinaria from Colombia and Venezuela, P. trimeroglossa from Peru and Ecuador, P. jostii, presumed to occur in Ecuador, and P. gracilicolumna from Colombia. The new species is distinguished from the previous ones by a lip with subquadrate lateral lobes, with narrowly elliptical basal auricles, and a callus that is elongated, thin, and slightly elevated, with the median lobe occupying almost half of the total lip length. Additionally, the pollination mechanism of the P. talpinaria complex is described and discussed.
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Addition of Five New Species to the Orchid Flora of Bhutan IV
Five orchid species belonging to four genera, namely, Bulbophyllum deergongense, Bulbophyllum nepalense, Liparis sootenzanensis, Spiranthes himalayensis and Zeuxine gracilis, are reported for the first time from Bhutan. These findings are based on systematic native floristic diversity field surveys carried out between 2023 and 2025. We provide descriptions, along with information on type, distribution, phenology, habitat, notes, and colour plates to facilitate accurate species identification and support practical conservation efforts.