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Corunastylis species produce some of the smallest, fly-pollinated flowers of Australian orchids to offer liquid rewards. We observed and collected pollinarium vectors of four Corunastylis species (C. filiformis, C. fimbriata, C. rufa and C. ruppii) with overlapping flowering periods during the summer–autumn months at five sites in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The most common pollinarium vectors of all species were females of a single morphotype in the genus Conioscinella (Diptera: Chloropidae). This morphotype was less than 3 mm in length and carried dorsal depositions of pollinaria on its thorax. A chloropid could carry as many as two pollinaria and 25–50% of attached pollinia showed erosion, suggesting previous contact with receptive stigmas. Bagging experiments on three species showed low rates of mechanical self-pollination and no fruit set in C. filiformis, C. fimbriata and C. ruppii. The conversion rate of insect-pollinated flowers into fruit varied from 35 to 91% among these three species in NSW versus C. ciliata in Victoria. Seed development also varied with > 42–70% of seeds in the three species in NSW containing fully developed embryos. High levels of reproductive success in these three species in NSW and C. ciliata in Victoria were the same as for fruit sets in other orchid species in other genera with nectar-secreting flowers. As flowering periods, distributions and primary pollinators of four Corunastylis species in NSW overlapped so broadly there appears to be a lack of pre-zygotic interspecific isolation mechanisms. This study provided important pollination and reproductive information towards future conservation management of these orchid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchidaceae is among the largest plant families in the world; that is why it is notoriously difficult to identify species using traditional taxonomic methods. This problem is especially apparent in the Andean region of South America, a global hotspot for orchid diversity. Plant DNA barcoding has been proposed to help with orchid species discrimination. However, the utility of the rbcL and matK DNA barcode markers to discriminate between orchid species still needs investigating. The goal of this study is to determine the utility of the rbcL and matK DNA barcode markers to discriminate orchid species from a localized Andean montane forest in Ecuador. A total of 174 samples from the Siempre Verde Preserve, Ecuador, were sequenced, returning 51 unique rbcL and 81 unique matK barcode gene region sequences. Similar rates of sequencing success, rbcL (76%) and matK (75%), were found for both gene regions. Sequences were then queried to GenBank, where top matches were compared to the taxonomic identification of samples. Analysis of 132 unique orchid sequences indicated that, overall, the matK gene region was more robust for species (63%) and genus level (78%) discrimination compared to the rbcL gene region (species: 29%; genus: 36%). However, for 11 of 29 genera, rbcL and matK had similar success at genus level discrimination. Collectively, results emphasize the utility of the matK DNA barcode for the discrimination of orchid taxa and the importance of incorporating taxonomic and genetic methods when investigating the identity of plant species from complex groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lepanthes is one of the most species-rich genera of angiosperms in the neotropics. Here, we describe and illustrate two new species of Lepanthes from Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. Lepanthes crucitasensis,sp. nov. resembles L. confusa, from which it can be distinguished by longer and wider leaves and flowers with entire margin sepals, longer lateral sepals, longer upper lobe and lip with glabrous appendix. Lepanthes adenophorasp.nov. is similar to L. crucitasensis, but it is distinguished by the narrower leaves, always green, shorter inflorescences, pink scarlet petals with a yellow center and with the upper and lower lobe of different lengths, lip not surpassing the column, appendix with glandular trichomes and obovoid-elliptic pollinia. Micromorphologically, the petals of L. adenophora are pubescent or papillose–hispid. Both new species conform a clade closely related to two species from montane forests, suggesting that some lineages can potentially survive or adapt to warmer habitats. Our results demonstrate that alpha-taxonomic studies are pivotal for uncovering phylogenetic relationships in poorly sampled neotropical orchid groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charles Darwin correctly predicted the existence of an extraordinarily long-tongued hawkmoth in Madagascar, based on the length of the floral spur of an Angraecum orchid. This hawkmoth, Xanthopan morganii, is also the longest-tongued hawkmoth on the African mainland, but its ecological role as a pollinator has been virtually unknown outside of Madagascar. We investigated whether X. morganii pollinates Bonatea steudneri, an orchid with floral spurs that vary from 10 to 21 cm in length among populations. At a forest locality in central Kenya, we observed X. morganii individuals with tongues ca. 16 cm in length pollinating B. steudneri plants with spurs ca. 15 cm in length. At other localities in Kenya, we observed visits by the hawkmoths Agrius convolvuli (tongue c. 12 cm) and Coelonia fulvinotata (tongue ca. 10 cm). Pollinaria of B. steudneri are attached to the eyes of hawkmoth visitors. Flowers of B. steudneri show several adaptations for hawkmoth pollination, including anthesis at dusk and nocturnal emission of scent dominated by the volatile compound linalool. This study highlights the potential for predicting certain highly specialized interactions among species by matching of their respective morphological dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motion-activated cameras ("camera traps") are useful for recording plant–animal interactions that are difficult to observe using conventional means. We used camera traps to document interactions between animal flower visitors and the orchid Satyrium neglectum subsp. woodii and used mesh exclosures which selectively exclude access of larger animals to flowers to test the importance of bird visits for pollination. Camera footage revealed that the orchid is visited by two sunbird species (amethyst and greater double-collared) which carry pollinaria on the upper mandible of their beaks. Plants which could only be accessed by bees and other small insects had few pollinaria removed and set very few fruits relative to plants which could also be accessed by larger animals such as sunbirds. The sturdy inflorescence stem, and thick fleshy perianth tissue, orange–red colour of the flowers, low scent production and large viscidia, are traits shared with other, distantly related bird-pollinated Satyrium species and can therefore be considered likely to play a functional role in bird pollination. We previously made anecdotal observations of sunbird visits to this orchid species in south-central Africa, and this study conducted in populations in South Africa confirms that sunbird pollination is consistent across the highly disjunct distribution of the taxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the variation in the pollinarium and pistil of Epidendroideae and reconstructed the ancestral states of the characters (pollinia number, pollinium orientation, pollinium with suture, and pollinium texture). The pollinarium is complete (formed by pollinium, caudicle, stipe, and viscidium) in Vandeae, Epidendreae, and Cymbidieae, but the caudicle is absent in some Aeridinae and the viscidium in Laeliinae and Pleurothallidinae. Neottieae, Arethuseae, Sobralieae, Epidendreae, and Xerorchideae included some genera having sessile pollinia. The more frequent state in the family is to have two pollinia, followed by four, eight, and six pollinia. The pistil is unilocular, although it seems to have experienced reversals several times within Epidendroideae because intermediate states were observed (e.g. Vanda and Angraecum). In these cases, a prolongation of the placental tissue is developed that in Huntleya and Peristeria make contact but do not fuse. Most members of the subfamily have pistil composed of three carpels divided into six emerging valves, but only three are fertile. In Cattleya and Sophronitis the sterile valves are much reduced and the pistil seems to have only three valves. We have generated useful and valuable information to understand the evolution of the reproductive organs in Epidendroideae. Probably, these transformations in the pollinarium and pistil have co-evolved in tandem with pollinators to make the pollination more efficient. Our results suggest that the common ancestor of Epidendroideae had a complete pollinarium, formed probably of four juxtaposed granular pollinia without suture, bearing caudicle, tegular stipe and viscidium, but several early transformations occurred during the Epidendroideae diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deceptive plants represent a strategy that promotes outcrossing and protects against facilitated selfing. However, deception does not eliminate the possibility of autonomous self-pollination when pollinators are scarce or absent. Spontaneous autogamy is widespread in Orchidaceae, but the scale, mechanism, time of appearance and effectiveness remain underestimated. Using field and laboratory observations and experiments, for the first time, we documented the possibility of autonomous self-pollination in the deceptive orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii, which might occur through the previously unspecified mechanism in the tribe Orchideae of caudicle reconfiguration. Self-pollination occurred through the pollinarium twisting to the side and downwards, which was different than caudicle bending forward on the body of pollinators. Caudicle reconfiguration was continuously distributed during anthesis and was common in the studied populations. This mechanism was independent on the flower position in the inflorescence, but was sensitive to pollinator activity. (The frequency of caudicle reconfiguration increased when more pollinaria in the inflorescence were untouched.) This process was effective (self-pollination leading to autogamous fruits and seeds) only when a full caudicle rotation occurred and the pollinium touched the stigma. However, most caudicle reconfigurations were completed before the stigma was reached, resulting in less than 1% of autogamous pollination in the studied populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, the endangered terrestrial orchid Codonorchis canisioi was only known from two collections at its type locality. This plant has not been collected since 1935 and is currently considered as Critically Endangered in the Brazilian list of threatened flora. We recently found two small populations about 174 km from the type locality. We thus seized the opportunity to make a complete record of morphological traits, aiming to fill the gaps of the short and non-illustrated protologue. Plant, flower (including details of column and pollinarium) and fruit features are here illustrated and discussed in detail. Overall, plant and flower features are similar to those of the widespread Patagonian C. lessonii. Yet, both species can be separated by a number of vegetative and floral features. Female Augochlorine Halictidae bees were recorded as pollinators. Fruits mature quickly (15-19 days after pollination). Plants wither by middle October, resting underground as very small (3-5 mm diameter) roundish tubers. The two newly found populations are in privately owned areas and prone to both fire and cattle grazing. Due to the small size of each population (estimated in less than 200 individuals), it is likely that this species would still be considered as CR (Critically Endangered) when formally and properly surveyed under the IUCN criteria. Since plants are small and strongly seasonal, more field surveys are necessary to locate other potentially overlooked populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qualitative micromorphological characters of seeds were analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy for 95 species of 34 genera, belonging to the subfamilies Vanilloideae, Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae (Orchidaceae) from the Gulf of Guinea countries. Three genera (Dinklageella, Platylepis and Rhipidoglossum) and 69 species were studied for the first time. Vanilla shows a pattern of seed coat distinct to the rest of the studied taxa. Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae show variation in several features: seed shape, orientation of testa cells, morphology of anticlinal walls, cell corners, shape and ornamentation of the periclinal walls and presence of waxes. Two main patterns have been observed: one with parallel medial cells along the longitudinal axis, thin and straight anticlinal walls, with no raised and no thickened cell corners, wide periclinal walls and lack of waxes, for the terrestrial orchids of the subfamily Orchidoideae, the tribes Tropidieae, Nervilieae, Collabieae, Cymbidieae and the subtribe Malaxidinae (Epidendroideae); the other one showed twisted medial cells, thickened anticlinal zone with prominent ridges, raised and thickened cell corners, narrow-to-not visible periclinal walls and presence of waxes, in epiphytic orchids of Vandeae, Podochileae and Dendrobiinae (Epidendroideae). In the epiphytic genera Ansellia and Graphorkis (Cymbidieae) and in Liparis epiphytica (Malaxideae), thickened anticlinal walls and presence of waxes also occurred but parallel medial cells along the longitudinal axis and wide periclinal walls have been observed. This study confirms the diagnostic value of the qualitative features of the seed coat in Orchidaceae and suggests a probable relation with adaptations to habitat for seed dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Encyclia adenocarpos complex is restricted to the Pacific slopes of Megamexico, from Sonora, Mexico, to northern Nicaragua. It is characterized by pyriform to suborbicular pseudobulbs, (1-)2-3(4) thickly coriaceous, narrow leaves (> 15 times longer than wide), thin, verruculose inflorescences, and a verruculose ovary. The column is broad and wingless, fused to the labellum at its proximal 1/4. The flowers of the Encyclia adenocarpos complex feature what is here dubbed the Tupperware© labellum-column morphology, where the columnar ventral face is concave and fits tightly around the rim or upper margins of the callus, similar to the seal of this plasticware. All species grow on dry forests at low elevations from sea level to ca. 1500 m; most populations occurring below 500 m. The complex consists of six species, two of which are newly described herein: E. acapulcensissp. nov., from southern Guerrero and E. enriquearcilaesp. nov., from western Oaxaca and neighboring Guerrero, Mexico. Encyclia rodolfoi is the correct name for populations of the Tehuantepec Isthmus whereas E. × nizandensis is here regarded as a natural hybrid between E. rodolfoi and E. parviflora; the evidence is presented and discussed. Encyclia schaeferi is treated as a morph of E. papillosa and included in its synonymy. A neotype is selected for Epidendrum adenocarpos and Epidendrum crispatum is rejected as a synonym thereof. All species are illustrated and discussed, and a key to the species is presented. Furthermore, the conservation status of each species is analyzed under the IUCN methodology. Other aspects of the biology of this complex are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disperis tomaszii (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae) from Cameroon is described and illustrated in this study. The new species is morphologically similar to Disperis nitida and Disperis thomensis. Phylogenetic analyses of selected DNA regions (ITS, matK) indicate a possible relationship between the new species and Disperis anthoceros and Disperis dicerochila. The taxonomic affinity between D. tomaszii and the aforementioned species is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phylogenetic study of Sobralia (Orchidaceae) confirmed the polyphyletic character of the genus. Sobralia also appears to be highly heteromorphic in the morphology, especially considering the position and architecture of inflorescence, lip form and kind of its outgrowths, length and form of stelidia of column. The infrageneric relationship of Sobralia species was revealed by analyses of three DNA markers (nuclear ITS, xdh and plastid matK). The nominal section of the genus appears to be more related with Elleanthus and other genera of Sobralieae than with the remaining species of Sobralia. Sobralia section Sobralia differs from other representatives of the genus by the position and architecture of inflorescence, smaller floral bracts and the morphology of the flowers. We propose a generic rank to the group despite its paraphyletic nature. Nomenclatural consequences of this proposal are briefly discussed. Appropriate transfers to the newly erected genus Brasolia are proposed. A new species, Brasolia floribunda, previously detected by Reichenbach, but never formally described, is validated. Lectotypes for five species and a neotype for the other one are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new orchid species and one variety from the cerrado and campos rupestres of central and south-eastern Brazil are described and illustrated: Habenaria brachydactyla, H. irwiniana, H. minuta, H. pansarinii, and H. pansarinii var. minuscula. Habenaria campylogyna is proposed as a new name for the illegitimate H. humilis Cogniaux. The five species differ from other Neotropical taxa by being small, slender plants with linear leaves concentrated at the base of the stem. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear and plastid DNA sequences revealed that they are not closely related, and do not belong to any of the previously identified Neotropical subclades. All of the new taxa were recovered in isolated positions, branching from basal nodes of larger subclades, suggesting that these morphological characters represent plesiomorphic traits in the Neotropical clade. Habenaria brachydactyla is genetically distinct and represents an early lineage of the Neotropical Habenaria clade. All taxa are considered threatened because of their small numbers of populations with few individuals and/or restricted distributions. Detailed descriptions, photographs, illustrations, notes, and a key to the species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elaiophores seems to be uncommon in Orchidaceae; however, the number of known species with floral oil glands has increased in recent years, principally in Oncidiinae. Oil rewards are used by bees of the tribes Centridini, Tapinotaspidini and Tetrapediini. Our aims were to identify the presence of elaiophores and to describe their structure in species of Gomesa, Grandiphyllum and Trichocentrum, and to compare our results with other studies of elaiophores in Oncidiinae. We selected a set of characters presumably associated with oil production in flowers of Oncidiinae, which were evaluated using a cluster analysis to identify different floral morphologies of the oil flowers. The correlation between morphological types of oil flowers and species of pollinators was examined. The cluster analysis distinguished two groups of species, one of them principally linked with pollination by bees of genus Centris and the other type associated to species of Paratetrapedia and Tetrapedia. The evaluation of these results into a phylogenetic framework of the Oncidiinae, adding more evidence that species of this subtribe with similar floral morphology associated with floral oil secretion arise in many independent clades, in parallel evolution with the oil-bee pollination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orchid genus Pachites, endemic to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, comprises two rare and poorly studied species which, despite several morphological differences, are considered congeneric based on a few shared characters. Here, we quantify previously undocumented floral traits related to pollination ecology including rewards, scent, and breeding system and include the species in a molecular phylogenetic and dating analysis to reconstruct the evolution of trait similarity and variation. Flowers of P. bodkinii produce oil and are characterised by a scent bouquet comprising 59 compounds including aliphatics, benzenoids and isoprenoids. 3,5-Dimethoxytoluene, prominent among these, is also produced by flowers of several distantly related species pollinated by oil-collecting Rediviva bees and is known to elicit antennal responses in these insects. We found that flowers of P. appressus are capable of autonomous self-pollination, produce neither nectar nor oil, and their 500-fold weaker scent includes fewer than ten compounds. Separate phylogenetic analyses of plastid and nuclear data partitions both strongly supported a monophyletic Pachites in which the two species diverged approximately 12 million years ago. Of the features that characterise this genus, the long column part is clearly derived, whereas the subequal sepals and petals may be derived or plesiomorphic. Together, these results suggest that general floral trait similarity between Pachites species reflects common ancestry, whereas differences in floral morphology, rewards and scent chemistry likely reflect adaptations for different pollination strategies, which evolved during the long time since divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations at the margins of a species' distribution range are often smaller and more spatially isolated compared to centrally located populations. Therefore, a decline in within-population genetic variation and increased differentiation among populations towards range edges is expected. The edge effect can be enhanced by historical range expansions following glaciations in populations located at high latitudes. We investigated the level and distribution of genetic variation between 17 populations (collected from six countries) of the terrestrial orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis, using AFLP markers. Our study revealed no decline in genetic diversity in disjunct populations in Estonia at the northern border of the distribution area of this species, nor in the populations located at the southern edge of the range, on the island of Cyprus. Similarly, edge populations were not more differentiated from each other than the central populations in Slovenia and in Spain. Our results suggest that the degree of genetic variation is determined by the size of populations rather than geographic location of this species and underlines the impact of long-distance gene flow on the maintenance of genetic diversity in connection with major range shifts in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species delimitation within Angraecum section Dolabrifolia is problematic due to morphological variability coupled with overlap in many of the characters traditionally used to distinguish species. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies of the genus included three of the five currently described species of the Dolabrifolia group, placing them as sister to continental African species of Angraecum sect. Pectinaria. In preparation for a taxonomic revision of section Dolabrifolia, we analyzed morphological and molecular data to re-assess the circumscription of each of the five currently described species, examined the relationships among members of the section, and assessed their position within the genus. We used 172 alcohol-preserved specimens to perform multivariate analyses on 15 morphological characters. We also collected molecular sequence data from 16 taxa including all members of the section using six DNA regions, and analyzed these data with parsimony and Bayesian methods. The morphometric study revealed five distinct groups, of which four correspond to currently recognized species, while the fifth represents a taxonomic novelty. Angraecum podochiloides is the most distinctive morphologically, recognizable by its narrow leaves bearing white-yellowish flowers. The often confused species Angraecum distichum and Angraecum bancoense are clearly distinguishable by flower size. Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicated that section Dolabrifolia forms a well-supported clade related to the continental African members of section Pectinaria. Four species are well delimited, while the accessions of Angraecum aporoides formed two well-supported clades corresponding to two subclusters revealed by the morphometric study. The recently published Angraecum poppendickianum is shown to be a synonym of A. distichum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a taxonomic revision of species of the genus Sobralia (Orchidaceae) in the Guyanas (Guyana, Suriname & French Guiana) based on an extensive study of herbarium material. Descriptions of their morphology, ecology and distribution are included and supported by illustrations of their habits and floral parts. A determination key is provided. Sobralia agnieszkae Baranow and Sobralia romeroana Baranow & Szlach.-two new species of the genus discovered among material collected in Guyana-are described. Including the newly described taxa, 14 species of the genus occur in the study area and, based on literature data, two further species ( S. crocea (Poepp. & Endl.) Rchb.f. and S. fimbriata Poepp. & Endl.) are expected to be found there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concepts of the generic delimitation in the Odontoglossum complex are revised. Comparative morphology of previously recognized genera: Cochlioda, Collare- stuartense, Odontoglossum, Solenidiopsis, and Symphyglossum is presented. Differences between those taxa are compared with the results of molecular studies. A new combination within Collare- stuartense is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new insight into the orchid genus Heteranthocidium is presented. The specific composition of the taxon is clarified. Eighteen new combinations within Heteranthocidium are proposed. Four of the species initially included in the genus, i.e. Oncidium boothianum, O. exalatum, O. fuscans and O. pollardii, should be no longer included in Heteranthocidium as they do not correspond to the morphological concept of the genus. The results of the conducted studies are compared with the molecular data on Oncidiinae. Seven new Heteranthocidium species are described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many terrestrial orchid species have undergone a serious decline in their ranges in Estonia and in other countries, mainly due to land-use changes. Some species have found a suitable habitat in anthropogenically disturbed areas, such as abandoned quarries and gravel pits. Using AFLP, we studied genetic variation and its structuring on a fine scale in three recently established and three old populations of Orchis militaris (L.) in Estonia. Our aims were to determine whether the colonization process resulted in a decline of genetic variation due to a created bottleneck or an increased spatial structuring due to seedling establishment around maternal plants. To evaluate plant reproductive success, the fruit set and the proportion of seeds containing embryos were measured. Our results revealed that O. militaris maintained high levels of genetic variation in recently colonized areas, even outside of the main distribution area, with a limited number of potential source populations. Similarly, no differences in reproductive success were observed between old and recently established populations. The extent of fine-scale genetic structure showed substantial variation: significant spatial structure was detected in all of the recently established populations and in one mature mainland population, whereas very weak genetic structuring on a fine scale was detected in two old populations in the main distribution area. Our results suggest that the conservation of recently established populations in anthropogenic areas should be considered in addition to the protection of indigenous calcareous grasslands to prevent the further decline of this species in Estonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-altitude Southeastern Brazilian Cattleya coccinea clade includes two taxonomically challenging species, Cattleya coccinea and Cattleya mantiqueirae, the latter considered restricted to the mountain range of Serra da Mantiqueira. To hypothesize the existence of evolutionary independent lineages corresponding to these species, we inferred phylogenetic relationships and described patterns of population genetic diversity and structure of populations from six localities based on ISSR and cpDNA sequence data. Results do not support the species C. coccinea and C. mantiqueirae as previously circumscribed. Most analyses recovered southwestern and northeastern groups along the two mountain ranges, suggesting geography rather than morphology as an important criteria for species delimitation. However, due to the lack of information on the type locality of C. coccinea and the topological complexity of the southwestern area, the taxonomic circumscription of C. coccinea and C. mantiqueirae must be evaluated by additional population sampling. We also propose that the northeastern group comprise at least one distinct species. Also, specimens from Lima Duarte from Serra da Mantiqueira clearly do not belong to neither of the two groups and demand further investigation concerning a possible hybridization scenario of C. coccinea/C. mantiqueirae and C. brevipedunculata. Population genetic patterns of variation are in agreement with pollination observations for this group and with a drift-selection model of speciation. Owing to the high genetic differences among populations, with low levels of variation within populations, conservation priorities should favour protecting as many populations as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of the Neotropical subtribe Cranichidinae comprising mostly terrestrial orchids is still discussed by numerous taxonomists. The actual number of species classified in the genera of this group seems to be underestimated in the light of the recent revisions of the herbarium material. In this paper the taxonomic affinities of three controversial species considered as representatives of Cranichis: Pseudocranichis thysanochila, Ocampoa mexicana and Exalaria parviflora are discussed. Three new combinations, one within Pseudocranichis and two within Ocampoa are proposed. Results of the taxonomic revision of Colombian Cranichis are presented together with a key to the national representatives of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species from Bulbophyllinae are generally regarded as fly-pollinated: myophilous or sapromyophilous. The section Cirrhopetalum is characterized by umbellate inflorescence and elongated lateral sepals. The aim of the floral anatomical investigation (micromorphology, histochemistry, ultrastructure) in Bulbophyllum wendlandianum (section Cirrhopetalum) was the detection of secretory activity. The appendages of dorsal sepal and petals function as osmophores. The exudation is transported inside vesicles via granulocrine secretion. The cuticle stretches and forms swellings on the entire cell surface. Such swellings of cuticle on the appendages of dorsal sepal and petals were not previously described in Bulbophyllum species. The nectary is located in the central groove on the adaxial lip surface. It comprises epidermal epithelial cells and few subepidermal layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sobralia minutiflora Baranow, sp. nov, a new species of the section Abbreviatae Brieger from Colombia is described and illustrated. All Colombian representatives of the section are characterized. A key for their determination is followed by detailed descriptions of their morphology. Figure showing the floral parts for each species is provided. An epitype for Sobralia biflora Ruiz & Pav. and lectotypes for S. biflora, Sobralia buchtienii Schltr., Sobralia klotzscheana Rchb.f., Sobralia lowii Rolfe, Sobralia violacea Linden ex Lindl. have been selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight new species of the genus Gomphichis from Colombia are described. Each species is illustrated, and detailed habitat and distribution data are provided. A distribution map of the new species is presented. A dichotomous key for determination of the Gomphichis species in northern South America is provided. Conservation status assessments are provided for each species; current International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categories and criteria are listed. A brief discussion of spiranthoid orchids taxonomy, conservation status of species, endemism in the Andes and paramo are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neotropical subtribe Pachyphyllinae comprises orchids distributed mainly along the Andes and characterized by the monopodial type of growth. The systematic position of this taxon within Orchidaceae and its generic composition was intensively discussed, but so far no comprehensive morphological study on the group was conducted. In this paper the morphological descriptions of all genera included in Pachyphyllinae are provided and the key to their identification is presented. In addition, the taxonomic position of Raycadenco is discussed. The research revealed the existence of two distinctive species which were classified until now within Pachyphyllum or Fernandezia. Since neither the flower morphology of those two species nor the gynostemium structure fulfils the concept of any known orchid taxon, the new genus is described here under the name Valdiviesoa. The two representatives of the new taxon are illustrated and the photographs of the plants are provided. The information about their distribution and ecology are provided. The morphological characters of all Pachyphyllinae representatives are compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrobium nobile Lindl., is an orchid species of immense biopharmaceutical and horticultural importance. The knowledge of its existent genetic variations within wild accessions is crucial for formulation of sustainable utilization strategies. It is distributed in a large landscape area and can grow at altitudes ranging from 800 to 2,000 m. Given that Orchidaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants, reports on their existing genetic diversity are extremely limited. Molecular study on D. nobile can provide valuable information about the genetic diversity level and genetic relatedness of this important medicinal orchid species. Knowledge of genetic structure of a species also provides resources of a species with its current feature and future evolutionary potential. The genetic structure of D. nobile from Northeast India was investigated using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD).The PIC value of RAPD primers was 0.74 and Rp values ranged between 6.80 and 13.23. Overall the Shannon Index, Global coefficient of genetic differentiation ( G), showed that relative genetic diversity of the populations was fairly high. However, the low value of gene flow ( Nm = 0.27) was revealed by the RAPD marker. The results of analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that variation amongst the populations was significantly higher than within the populations. A combination of UPGMA and STRUCTURE analysis was employed to estimate the genetic relationships of D. nobile germplasm; interestingly, both the methods presented similar grouping pattern with few differences. Results revealed that 60 individuals belonging to six natural populations in Northeast India were clustered into two major groups. The data represented in this study suggested that the RAPD method was a valuable tool for estimation of genetic diversity and genetic relatedness of the D. nobile germplasm. The present findings are useful outcomes for germplasm conservation and formulation of new breeding strategies for this extremely important medicinal orchid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural hybridization is widespread among food-deceptive orchids, whereas hybridization between deceptive and rewarding species is less common among Mediterranean species and its evolutionary consequences remain under-investigated. Here, we examine the morphological variation in floral traits, pollination success and demographic dynamics of natural hybrids between the widespread nectar-rewarding Anacamptis fragrans and the Mallorca endemic, food-deceptive A. robusta. We confirmed the status of hybrids using ribosomal DNA and assessed their maternal contribution using length polymorphism in the plastid tRNA intron. Genetic analyses confirmed that hybridization occurred in both directions, but the hybrids were morphologically closer in floral metric characters to A. fragrans and exhibited reduced among-individual variation in floral traits. No obvious secreting papillae were present in the hybrid spur, which more closely resembled the spur of non-rewarding A. robusta, reinforcing field observations that hybrids were probably nectarless. Compared with both rewarding and deceptive parents, the hybrids were less attractive for pollinators, most likely because of the absence of significant reward and of their combination of contrasting parental floral advertisements. In spite of its low pollination success, the hybrid population is presently expanding alongside the endemic A. robusta, suggesting that it follows the demographic dynamics of the parental species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the Andean genus Aa (Orchidaceae, Spiranthoideae) are described: Aa lozanoi Szlach. and S. Nowak, and Aa figueroi Szlach. and S. Nowak. They are restricted in distribution mainly to Cordillera Oriental in the department of Cundinamarca, however, A. lozanoi was also collected in Cordillera Central and A. figueroi in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, in northern part of Colombia. Each species is described and illustrated, detailed habitat and distribution data are provided. A distribution map of the new species is presented. A dichotomous key for determination of the Colombian species of Aa is provided. Brief discussion about the most important threats for plants in Andes is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several species of Orchidaceae, one of the largest plant families, are considered endangered throughout South America and legal protection policies are needed so they can be preserved. Inter simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) markers are a potential tool to be used in the phylogenetic reconstruction of closely related species. In this study, we evaluate the polymorphic information content (PIC) and optimum number of ISSR markers (ONM) for five Laeliinae orchids in order to assess genetic diversity. The phylogenetic relationships between Cattleya granulosa, an endangered Brazilian orchid, and four other native Brazilian species ( Brassavola tuberculata, Cattleya bicolor, Cattleya labiata and Cattleya schofieldiana) were analyzed for genetic diversity and differentiation. The 11 selected primers generated 166 unambiguous loci (PIC = 0.354; ONM = 156). Of the five studied species, C. bicolor exhibited the highest level of genetic diversity ( H = 0.219), while C. labiata exhibited the lowest level ( H = 0.132). The percentage of genetic variation among species (analysis of molecular variance) was 23.26 %. The principal component analysis (PCA) of ISSR data showed that unifoliate and bifoliolate species are genetically divergent. Additionally, PCA indicated a close relation between C. granulosa and C. schofieldiana, a species considered to be a variety of C. granulosa by many researchers. Thus, we conclude that ISSR genetic markers are effective in detecting genetic differentiation among orchid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sobralia vallecaucana, section Abbreviatae from Valle del Cauca, Colombia, is described and illustrated on the basis of morphological and molecular study. The analyses of the ITS and matK reveal close relationship between the new species and Sobralia klotzscheana. However, S. vallecaucana can be easily distinguished by its large leaves compared to its very short stem, leaves and leaves' sheaths strongly hispid underside and lip with two basal ridges and without thickening along its central nerves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf undulation is used as a diagnostic feature in the taxonomy of different taxa of the Epipactis (Orchidaceae) genus. It is considered a specifically important trait, apart from the column (gynostemium) structure, in the identification of E. muelleri. However, leaf undulation is a common developmental phenomenon in various plants, including orchids, thus the main goal of the research presented was to validate the usefulness of this feature in Epipactis taxonomy. In the course of this study, the leaf structure of six Epipactis species was analyzed, i.e., E. albensis, E. atrorubens, E. helleborine, E. muelleri, E. palustris and E. purpurata. The leaf margin outline and the cellular pattern of the leaf surface, as well as the presence of papillae, were examined in detail. The results obtained showed that in all taxa analyzed, representing different groups of the Epipactis genus, leaf undulation was present. The phenomenon was related to leaf blade development and the local differential growth of leaf sectors rather than to the taxonomic position of the species. Therefore, leaf undulation studied in Helleborines does not have a diagnostic value as a non-programmed intrinsic feature and should not be applied to taxa identification. The valid trait in Epipactis classification (including E. muelleri) is the column structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral phenotypic traits are expected to reflect evolutionary changes and are used as a reliable basis for species delimitation. However, when traits overlap among populations of newly emerging species, this confounds identification of evolutionarily distinct lineages and reduces taxonomic stability. In this study, we quantified variation in ten floral traits and plastid DNA sequences across 26 populations of Platanthera dilatata (Orchidaceae) in North America to determine geographic structure among populations and to evaluate support for three varieties recognized in the current taxonomy. k-means clustering analysis, in the absence of a priori designation of groups, indicated two morphologically distinct groups. Spur length was the most distinctive character between groups. The group containing larger flowers with longer spurs corresponds to the var. leucostachys and most samples in this group are from western North America. The vars. albiflora and dilatata could not be distinguished within the second group, which exhibited flowers with short to intermediate spurs and include samples from eastern and western North America. Morphological variation in P. dilatata may reflect pollinator-mediated selection, particularly in spur length, which is known to vary in association with pollinators across Platanthera. Significant genetic divergence was observed between the two groups ( F = 0.15; P ≤ 0.001), but we did not find corresponding phylogenetic structure, which may reflect recent divergence and retention of ancestral polymorphisms. Based on these results, we suggest preserving the current intraspecific taxonomy until further studies determine the origin of floral variation and the extent of gene flow between morphologically divergent populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Scuticaria from the Colombian Amazon region, S. guainiana, is described and illustrated. The new species resembles S. steelei from which it differs in flower size and structure of the lip callus. The taxonomic affinities of the new species are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amitostigma hemipilioides is an endangered terrestrial orchid endemic to China. In the Southwestern China, the species is found restricted growing in the karst limestone or rock in the edge of farmland, moist hillsides or river. In the present study, the genetic diversity and differentiation was estimated within and among habitats, populations and groups of this species by ISSR markers. Using 13 polymorphic primers, an intermediate level of genetic diversity was found at the species level and population level with the percentage of polymorphic bands ( P) of 64.7 and 50.9 %, Shannon index of diversity ( I) of 0.3873 and 0.2949, respectively. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that the high level of population differentiation was presented with 45.63 % relative to the total genetic variation residing among eight populations. It was noteworthy that as much as 69.17 % of the total diversity was most likely attributed to the difference among the populations in fragmentation habitat conditions, while 16.32 % of the total diversity could be attributed to the difference among the populations in stable and favorable habitat conditions. The in situ conservation is a top strategy, thus the mycorrhizal fungi and pollinators are protected by protecting habitat and avoiding fragmentation which is helpful to the cycle of this endangered orchid species and recovery of its wild populations. In addition, to maintaining the germplasm bank of this species, the ex situ conservation by habitat simulation and reintroduction has been considered in the living collection at Kaili University ecological garden and Yuntai Mountain scenic spot using the plants collected in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Scaphyglottis from Colombia is described, illustrated and placed within the key for the determination of national Scaphyglottis species. Its taxonomic affinity is briefly discussed and the information about its distribution and ecology are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of sampling strategy on detection of morphological variation were studied in the epiphytic orchid Oberonia hosseusii in Thailand. We compared the different effects of local versus regional sampling on the one hand and the size of local samples on the other. A local data set was collected by sampling a natural population on Doi Inthanon, during which process a preservation experiment was made. A regional data set was established by measurement of 18 preserved specimens from 12 different localities. Based on the preservation experiment, data from the regional sampling were calibrated (whenever needed) to make the two data sets more directly comparable. Heat drying and spirit preservation significantly influenced measurements for two mutually exclusive sets of characters. Increasing the local sample size from 18 to 52 individuals had no statistically significant effect on the mean value of any character. In contrast, local versus regional sampling significantly influenced the mean value of every character, virtually irrespective of local sample size. In the regional data set only, a difference was found in overall variability in vegetative versus floral characters. Three cluster analyses with equal representation of individuals from the local and regional samples were performed using different clustering techniques. Only in the analysis using neighbour-joining did pure 'local clusters' prove to be significantly larger than pure 'regional clusters', suggesting that this clustering technique is particularly sensitive to effects from sampling strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diverse epidendroid orchid tribe Neottieae is characterized by multiple transitions between autotrophy and mycoheterotrophy, allogamous and autogamous mating systems, pollen released as tetrads or monads, and pollen exine tectate or semitectate. We use transmission and scanning electron microscopy on pollen of ten species of Neottieae to investigate whether the differences in pollen aggregation and exine micromorphology and ultrastructure reflect phylogenetic relationships, or whether this variation is subject to ecological constraints. Our results showed that differences in exine micromorphology are mostly concordant with phylogenetic relationships in Neottieae, i.e. an ascending tendency of pollen ornamentation from tectate ( Cephalanthera) to semitectate (e.g. Neottia). In contrast, pollen aggregation, when plotted on the most recent phylogeny, shows repeated transitions between monads and tetrads that could be related to ecological constraints. Tetrads are present in species that are nectar rewarding, whereas monads are common in deceptive species. Cephalanthera is characterized by recalcitrant pollen, including the frequent occurrence of collapsed pollen. In this genus, the observed shifts from allogamous to autogamous or cleistogamous mating systems could help to reduce pollen damage caused by exposure to dry habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Character intercorrelation was studied in a natural population of the epiphytic orchid Liparis resupinata in northern Thailand, and patterns of morphological variation in relation to the local growth environment of individual plants were mapped. Massive occurrence of character intercorrelation was detected, but clone size only influenced few characters of individual flowering shoots. Variation in vegetative and floral organs was largely independent, but two cases differed from the general pattern: (1) the only character not defined by size (distance between apices of lateral sepals) exhibited largely independent variation; (2) ovary length was positively correlated with nearly all other characters. Major groups of vegetative and floral characters were found to covary with different combinations of ecological parameters. Although our study does not document the existence of phenotypic plasticity in L. resupinata, the overall patterns observed would be congruent with a scenario involving phenotypic plasticity. No positive correlation between variability and apparent morphological susceptibility to environmental influence was found; but floral characters were generally less variable and covaried with more ecological parameters than vegetative characters. Based on our observations, we make a few methodological recommendations for morphometric studies of species complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calanthe discolor is a Japanese terrestrial orchid that is cultivated for its beautiful flowers arranged in racemose inflorescences. Although its propagation for horticultural purposes has been studied extensively resulting in the successful production of seedlings, little is known about the pollinators and breeding system of C. discolor in its natural habitat. The current study, which combined field observations and pollination experiments, was conducted to gain further insight into the reproduction of this important orchid species. Three bee species: Eucera nipponensis, Osmia cornifrons and Apis cerana japonica, were found to be effective pollinators, transferring the pollinaria on their heads. Pollination experiments also revealed that this species was self-compatible, although it was neither autogamous nor apogamous. The fruit set for the open-pollinated flowers was less than 10 %, suggesting a high degree of pollinator limitation, possibly as a result of the deceptive nature of this species. These results provide evidence that pollinator specificity is the primary mechanism of reproductive isolation between C. discolor and its close relative Calanthe striata, because the latter species is known to be exclusively pollinated by carpenter bee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological differences between orchid genera synonymized recently under the name Erycina, i.e., Psygmorchis, Stacyella and Erycina s.str. were evaluated. The results of the revision complemented with the available molecular data support the traditional recognition of three different genera. The morphological description of the taxa included in Erycina-complex and artificial keys to the subordinate taxa are provided. Two new species of Psygmorchis are described and illustrated based on Colombian material and their taxonomic affinities are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the genus Malaxis are described and illustrated based on the Colombian material. Their taxonomic affinities are briefly discussed and the relevant floral elements of the most similar species are illustrated. The differences between genera Malaxis and Micorstylis are compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the morphological and histochemical properties of Himantoglossum robertianum (Orchidaceae) seeds were investigated. According to the morphological studies, the testa cells are dead and show reticulations. According to the histochemical tests, mature embryos were globular and covered with cuticular sheath in especially on the embryo parts of the seed. Furthermore, high amounts of soluble carbohydrates, lipid and protein bodies were found in mature embryos; but very little of starch was found. Consequently, the present results are important for both European-Mediterranean terrestrial orchids and present taxon, H. robertianum; thus they are discussed from the point of view of seed germination physiology and orchid embryology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vexillabium yakushimense is a rare, terrestrial orchid which occurs in east and southeast Asia. In spite of its inconspicuous appearance, several new populations were discovered in central Honshu, Japan. Because these populations are geographically isolated at its northern range limit of distribution, they were suspected to have distinctive genetic characteristics. Given this hypothesis, we quantified the genetic variation of V. yakushimense for populations of central Honshu, and the Nansei Island chain, which represent the most southern locality in Japan. Leaves were collected from nine populations in central Honshu ( n = 48) and two populations from the Nansei Island chain ( n = 29). We examined genetic variation using cpDNA (1,205 bp) and ITS (511 bp) markers. Based on the cpDNA variation, a total of seven haplotypes were recovered; populations in central Honshu were clearly differentiated from those in the Nansei Island chain. Relatively high allelic richness and haplotype diversity were found in the pooled population of central Honshu. These populations likely maintained an adequate population size for a long period despite a markedly different ecological niche compared to that in the Nansei Island chain. In contrast to cpDNA, little variation was detected in ITS. Further studies on geographic occurrences, reproductive biology and mycorrhizal association are encouraged for its conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Rhetinantha from Colombian department of Antioquia is described, illustrated and placed within the key for the determination of national Rhetinantha species. The taxonomic affinity of the new entity is briefly discussed and the information about its distribution and ecology is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of Ponthieva, P. camargoi, P. castanedoi, and P. cesarensis are described and illustrated based on Colombian and Venezuelan material. The comparisons of the floral characters of the new entities and closely allied species are illustrated. The information about habitat and ecology of all three species is provided and their distribution map is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological study of the herbarium material representing Epistephium (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae) led to the discovery of two groups of specimens that significantly differ from all known species of the genus. The results of literature data study and of comparative analysis of those and other specimens suggest that these collections represent new taxa that we describe as E. garayi and E. kubiyuense. The distinguishing features of the species are indicated. As both new species are reported from Colombia ( E. garayi, also from Guyana), the key for the determination of all Colombian representatives of the genus is included. Information on the ecology and distribution of newly described taxa is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type of reproduction has an important effect on the maintenance of particular populations and species persistence in time and space. This trait significantly influences the ecological and genetic structure of populations, and in consequence the evolution of species. The primary objectives of this study were: to estimate genetic diversity within and among populations of clonal species Goodyera repens from different populations in northeastern Poland, and to amount factors shaping the genetic structure of this orchid. Based on 451 rosettes of G. repens from 11 localities in northeastern Poland, we conducted a genetic population analysis using allozymes. We included information on population size, flowering, fruit set and seed dispersal to elucidate their influences on genetic diversity of this species. Populations differed according to demographic properties. The majority of seeds (86.4-94.8 %) were found at a distance of 0.2 m. We observed a high level of genetic ( P = 50 %, A = 1.68, H = 0.210, H = 0.204) and genotypic diversity ( G = 163, G/ N = 0.66, G = 30.2 %), and low but statistically significant genetic differentiation among populations ( F = 0.060; P < 0.001). We suggest that the genetic diversity of G. repens is mainly an effect of the abundance of pine and spruce forest communities suitable for this species in NE Poland and the high level of sexual reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the Neotropical genus Cranichis are described: Cranichis carlos- parrae Szlach. & Kolan. and Cranichis zarucchii Szlach. & Kolan. Both species are known exclusively from the Colombian Andes, where they were found growing in montane forests and paramo above 2,550 m of elevation. Each species is described and illustrated, and the habitat and distribution data are provided. A distribution map of the new species is presented. A dichotomous key for identification Colombian species of Cranichis is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]