[Botany • 2024] Maxillaria andina (Orchidaceae: Maxillariinae) • A New Species from the northern Andes

Maxillaria andina Pisso-Florez, J.S.Moreno, P.A.Harding & Baquero,  

in Pisso-Florez, Moreno, Harding et Baquero, 2024.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.15517/lank.v24i1.56756

Abstract

Maxillaria andina, a new orchid species from high-Andean ecosystems of southwestern Colombia and northern Ecuador, is described. The new species is distinguished by having long and narrowly linear white sepals and petals with revolute margins, lip with mucronate epichile, and callus without hairs or trichomes. Distinguishing characters are provided to differentiate it from morphologically similar species, along with ecological and taxonomical notes. Additionally, Maxillaria sibundoyensis is synonymized with Maxillaria floribunda.

Keywords: Colombia, Ecuador, high-Andean ecosystems, Neotropical flora, taxonomy

Maxillaria andina Pisso-Florez, J.S.Moreno, P.A.Harding & Baquero.
A. Habit. B. Flower. C. Dissected perianth, not flattened. D. Ovary, column and lip, lateral view. E. Adaxial view of lip. F. Column, oblique, ventral, and lateral views. LCDP by G.A. Pisso-Florez and J.S. Moreno based on the holotype.

Maxillaria andina Pisso-Florez, J.S.Moreno, P.A.Harding & Baquero, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Maxillaria andina is most similar to M. floribunda and Maxillaria caveroi D.E.Benn. & Christen-son. It is distinguished from M. floribunda by having the entirely white sepals and petals (vs. yellow, white and brownish petals), the longer and narrower sepals (6.08–6.55 × 0.26–0.57 vs. 5.3 × 1.0 cm), the smaller lip (0.78 × 1.14 vs. 1.3 × 1.8 cm), with the mid-lobe apex verrucose (vs. scabrous), and the base of the lip scabrous (vs. slightly verrucose or spiculate). The new species differs from M. caveroi by having narrower, linear sepals and petals (vs. lanceolate) and the absence of sparse trichomes on the lip.

Etymology: Named in reference to the Andean region of Colombia and Ecuador in South America, where the new species was found. The Andean region is a key area for conserving the diversity of Maxillariinae species.

 Gustavo Adolfo Pisso-Florez, Juan Sebastián Moreno, Patricia A. Harding and Luis E. Baquero. 2024. A New Species of Maxillaria (Maxillariinae) from the northern Andes and a new synonym of Maxillaria floribunda. Lankesteriana. 24(1); 79-91. DOI: doi.org/10.15517/lank.v24i1.56756 [2024-04-22]

#NuevaEspecie #PlantasColombia  

Etymology: its name refers to the Andean region between Colombia and Ecuador, where this species is distributed.

[Botany • 2024] Thrixspermum yei (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Aeridinae) • A New Species from Xizang, China

Thrixspermum yei M. K. Li, Z. Xing & Y. Luo, 

in Li, Pang, Chen, Deng, Wang, Xing et Luo, 2024. 

叶氏白点兰 | taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1988

Abstract

A new species Thrixspermum yei M. K. Li, Z. Xing & Y. Luo is described and illustrated from Xizang, China. It is similar to T. fantasticum and T. duplocallosum but differs from them in having a yellowish, ovate, indistinctly 3-lobed lip, disk with 4 yellow papillary front calli densely covered with yellow powder, and base with a cone-like appendage.

Keyword: Thrixspermum fantasticum, Thrixspermum duplocallosum, taxonomy, Xizang, China

Thrixspermum yei M. K. Li, Z. Xing & Y. Luo  
 A-B. plant and inflorescence; C. inflorescence; D-F. flower; G-H. split flower; IK. close-up of lip; L. lip and column. M-N. column and ovary; O-P. anther cap; Q. pollinia. (Photos: by Shen-shen Pang).

Thrixspermum yei M. K. Li, Z. Xing & Y. Luo
A. plant and inflorescence; B. inflorescence; C. flower; D. split flower; E1-E2. Column. F1-F2. close-up of lip; G. anther cap; H. pollinia.

 (Drawn by Jian-ping Deng).

Thrixspermum yei M.K.Li, Z.Xing & Y.Luo, sp. nov. 

 Type: CHINA. Xizang, Mêdog County, Dexing village, 95°14'42.89"E, 29°13'48.19"N, 1184 m, epiphytes on tree trunks in evergreen broad-leaved forest, 08 June 2022, M. K. Li 2022160 holotype: T000167542 (TAAHUC!); isotype: 022016 (XZE!). 

Diagnosis: Thrixspermum yei is morphologically similar to T. fantasticum and T. duplocallosum, but can be clearly distinguished from them by having a yellowish, ovate, indistinctly 3-lobed lip, disk with 4 yellow papillary front calli densely covered with yellow powder, and base with a cone-like appendage.

  

Etymology: The specific epithet "yei" is in honor of Mr. De-Ping YE (1977-2020), who dedicated over twenty years to the botanical surveys and conservation of wild orchids in China. 

Vernacular name: Ye Shi Bai Dian Lan, 叶氏白点兰

Meng-Kai Li, Shen-Shen Pang, Xue-Da Chen, Jian-Ping Deng, Wei Wang, Zhen Xing and Yan Luo. 2024. Thrixspermum yei (Aeridinae, Vandeae, Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae) - A New Species from Xizang, China. Taiwania. 69(2); 138-141. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2024.69.138

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1988 

[Botany • 2022] Cymbidium purpureisepalum (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species from China: evidence from Morphological and Molecular Data

Cymbidium purpureisepalum M.J.Zhu & S.R.Lan, 

in Zhu, Ke, Zhao, Wang, ... et Lan, 2022. 

紫萼兰  ||  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.538.3.5 

 Researchgate.net/publication/359082326 

 

Abstract

A new orchid species, Cymbidium purpureisepalum, from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular analyses. Detailed comparison of the newly discovered orchid with other members of Cymbidium indicated the new orchid is distinct from all other recognised species in Cymbidium. Molecular analyses based on nuclear (nrITS) and plastid DNA (matK) sequence data also support the status of C. purpureisepalum as a new species, which is sister to C. tortisepalum and C. serratum.

Keywords: Yunnan Province, Chinese orchids, Cymbidium, Cymbidium subgenus Jensoa

Cymbidium purpureisepalum M.J.Zhu & S.R.Lan, 
 A. Flowering plant. B. Tepals. C. Pollinarium, front view. D. Column, front view.

Drawn by Wenqi Hu.

Cymbidium purpureisepalum M.J.Zhu & S.R.Lan,
A. Flowering plant. B. Flower, front view. C. Flower, back view. D. Structure of the flower.  
E. Flower of C. serratum. F. Flowers of C. tortisepalum.

Cymbidium purpureisepalum M.J.Zhu & S.R.Lan

(紫萼兰)

Etymology:— Referring to a flower with purple sepals, from the Latin purpureus (purple) and the Greek sepalum (sepal).  

Meng-Jia Zhu, Shijie Ke, Xuewei Zhao, Qian-Qian Wang, Guizhen Chen, Zhong-Jian Liu and Siren Lan. 2022. Cymbidium purpureisepalum (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae), A New Species from China: evidence from Morphological and Molecular Data. Phytotaxa. 538(3); 225-233. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.538.3.5  

Researchgate.net/publication/359082326_Cymbidium_purpureisepalum_a_new_species_from_China

[Botany • 2026] Telipogon vasqueznunezii (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) • A New Species for Northern Peru

 

Telipogon vasqueznunezii C.Martel, Chamaya & Iberico,
  

in Martel, Chamaya Gonzáles, Ibérico Vela, Edquén, Rodríguez et Iturralde. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.15517/j4h3bb59 

 facebook.com/JamesChamaya 

Abstract

Telipogon is a highly diverse genus in the Andes, yet it remains incompletely documented in northern Peru. Telipogon vasqueznunezii is morphologically similar to T. hystrix but differs in the oblong-ligulate lip, the two small lobes at the lip base, the absence of a protrusion on the lip, and the tuft of acicular setae on the columnar appendix. A detailed description, illustrations, a distribution map, and a conservation assessment are provided here.

Keywords: Andes, miniature Telipogon, montane forest relic, Telipogon embreei, Telipogon hystrix

Telipogon vasqueznunezii.
 A. Habit. B. Portion of inflorescence with flowers. C. Flower, lateral view. D. Flower, ¾ view. E. Details of setae with stellate apices. F. Anther cap with pollinarium and tuft of setae on the columnar appendix, ventral view. G. Pollinarium, ventral view.

Based on J.Chamaya 106 (holotype CPUN). Drawn by Juan F. Montoya Quino.

Telipogon vasqueznunezii.
 A. Habit. B. Portion of inflorescence with flowers. C. Leaves. D. Bract of the inflorescence. E. Flower bud. F. Flower, frontal view. G. Flower, lateral view. H. Dissected flower. I. Details of the lip trichomes. J. Ovary and column, lateral view. K. Column, frontal view. L. Column, ventral view. M. Anther cap, frontal and dorsal views. N. Pollinarium.

Based on W. Tafur 131 (UNACH). Plate prepared by Jose D. Edquén.

Telipogon vasqueznunezii.
 A. Plant in situ. B. Vegetative plant. C. Two plants with sub-erect inflorescences. D. The same individual shown in the background in C, with the inflorescence becoming pendant during further development.

Photos by James A. Chamaya G.

Comparison of flowers of Telipogon vasqueznunezii and T. hystrix. 
A. Flower of Telipogon vasqueznunezii, ¾ view. B. Flower of T. vasqueznunezii , lateral view.
C. Flower of T. hystrix, ¾ view. D. Flower of T. hystrix, lateral view.

Photos by James A. Chamaya G. (A–B) and Gabriel Iturralde (C–D).

Telipogon vasqueznunezii C.Martel, Chamaya & Iberico, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Telipogon vasqueznunezii is most similar to Telipogon hystrix (Dodson) N.H.Williams & Dressler but is distinguished by the larger flowers (9–11 × 8–13 mm vs. 5 × 5 mm), the obovate to sub-oblong petals (vs. narrowly ovate), the oblong-ligulate lip (vs. elliptical to oblong), the sub-auriculate lip base with a pair of small lobes (vs. the sagittate base with two long lobes), the absence of a protrusion on the lip (vs. a hump-like protrusion on the lower half), and one tuft of acicular setae on the columnar appendix (vs. one tuft of setae with a stellate apex on the columnar appendix).

Eponymy: The species is named after Dr Leopoldo Pompeyo Vásquez Núñez, a Peruvian botanist and professor at Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo. Professor Vásquez has dedicated his life to better understanding the plant diversity of northern Peru with a focus on potentially useful plants.

Carlos Martel, James Alexander Chamaya Gonzáles, Gustavo Ibérico Vela, José D. Edquén,

William Tafur Rodríguez and Gabriel A. Iturralde. 2026. A New Species of Telipogon (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) for Northern Peru. LANKESTERIANA. 26(2): 83–92. DOI: doi.org/10.15517/j4h3bb59 [29 May 2026] 

 facebook.com/JamesChamaya/posts/10242235437720353

 

[Botany • 2025] Phalaenopsis quadridentata (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Aeridinae) • A New orchid Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

 Phalaenopsis quadridentata M.Khanal & Kumar,

in Khanal, Ari, Lendo, Singpho, Sarkar, D. Kumar et P. Kumar. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.7  

  facebook.com: Madhusudhan KHANAL

Abstract   

Phalaenopsis quadridentata is described as a new species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Morphologically, this species looks similar to, Phalaenopsis mirabilis and Phalaenopsis putaoensis. However, the new species is a leafy plant bearing up to 4 flowers; sepals and petals bent backwards; labellum almost cochleate with ovate to elliptic midlobe, midrib not prominent, margin entire and ovate apex; lateral lobes of the labellum triangular, raised and arched above convergently with tips touching each other; 4 tooth-like triangular appendages at the junction of labellum and column, conical spur with densely pubescent inner surface and anther cap that is ovoid, entire, rounded. Whereas, P. mirabilis is a leafy plant bearing more than 5 flowers; sepals and petals bend forwards; labellum midlobe diamond-shaped, non-cochleate, midrib prominent and raised along its length, margin undulate and acute apex; lateral lobes truncate, erect parallelly; a high-raising linear appendage with a pointed triangular tip at the junction of labellum and column, deeply saccate spur without any hairs or ornamentation at the inner surface and anther cap ovoid with three triangular teeth at apex. Phalaenopsis putaoensis is a leafless plant bearing more than 5 flowers on one inflorescence; sepals and petals erect and spreading, labellum midlobe rhomboid and yellowish white; lacking spur; 2 raised calli from the base till apex; 2 minute slender, antenna-like appendages at the junction of labellum and column. A detailed taxonomic description, photos and notes on phenology, habitat and conservation assessment have been provided. 

Aeridinae, Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, Flora of India, moth orchids, taxonomy, Monocots

Phalaenopsis quadridentata 

Madhusudhan KHANAL, Veeresh Huchappa ARI, Pakgam Ngulom LENDO, Jaseng SINGPHO, Shuvadip SARKAR, Devendra KUMAR and Pankaj KUMAR. 2025. Phalaenopsis quadridentata (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae), A New orchid Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Phytotaxa. 704(2); 196-202. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.7 [2025-06-06]

  facebook.com/MadhusudhanKHANAL18/posts/4904190649805989

 

[Botany • 2026] Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New Species from eastern Ecuador

Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi N. Lapo-Gonzalez & M.M.Jiménez, 

in Lapo-Gonzalez, Iturralde, Uyaguari, Medina, Kuethe, Garzón-Suárez, Baquero et Jiménez, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e176579

Abstract

Background: The genus Scaphosepalum comprises a group of epiphytic orchids, distinguished by their non-resupinate flowers and prominent osmophores located on the distal portion of the synsepal. With over 60 recognised species, Scaphosepalum is distributed throughout the tropical Americas, with its highest diversity in Colombia and Ecuador. Recent explorations in the Eastern Andes and the Cordillera del Cóndor in south-eastern Ecuador led to the discovery of several new orchid species, including an endemic Scaphosepalum taxon. Many regions remain underexplored, leaving the orchid flora to continually reveal previously undocumented diversity.

New information: Herein, we describe and illustrate Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi, as new species discovered in the Andean-Amazonian piedmont of eastern Ecuador. This taxon was initially misidentified as S. medinae based on photographic records. It is compared with S. pleurothallodes and S. medinae, from which it is distinguished by its maroon to yellow-maroon flowers and the rhombic-spathulate shape of the petals. This denotes a marked difference to the yellow flowers spotted with red and the obovate petals of S. pleurothallodes or the lavender with white cells and light brown flowers and the narrowly obtuse petals of S. medinae. The new species is currently known from three localities in the Quimi and Talag River basins. Due to its restricted distribution, small population size and threats from cattle grazing and mining activities, we propose its classification as Critically Endangered under the B criterion of the IUCN.

Keywords: Cordillera del Cóndor, rainforest, Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi, Scaphosepalum pleurothallodes, south-eastern Ecuador

Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi N. Lapo-Gonzalez & M.M.Jiménez.
A Habit; A1 Close-up of the junction between the ramicaul and the inflorescence; B Flower; B1 Close-up of the tails of the synsepal; B2 Close-up of the osmophore; C Dissected perianth; C1 Close-up of the basal margin of the synsepal; C2 Close-up the petal apex; D Column, ovary and lip, lateral view; D1 Close-up of the lip adaxial surface; E Lip, adaxial view; E1 Close-up of the margin the lip; F Anther and pollinia.

Plate by N. Lapo-Gonzalez, based on photographs of the holotype taken by M.M. Jiménez.

Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi N. Lapo-Gonzalez & M.M.Jiménez, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This species is similar to Scaphosepalum pleurothallodes Luer & Hirtz, but it differs by having a sub-horizontal inflorescence (vs. erect), maroon to red flowers with yellow or red osmophores that are longer and narrower, 3.8 × 1.3 mm (vs. yellow flowers with red spots, with shorter and thicker osmophores, 3.0 × 1.5 mm), petals rhombic-spathulate, apex broadly obtuse and shortly apiculate (vs. obovate petals with acute and 3-toothed in the apex) and a lip with a clawed, obovate-sagittate, rounded, covered by papillose trichomes increasing in length from the middle towards the margin (vs. truncate at the base, obovate-pandurate and pubescent throughout).

Etymology: The specific epithet honours Lester Lapo, an outstanding orchid grower from El Pangui, Zamora-Chinchipe Province, southern Ecuador and who first discovered this species.

 Nadia Lapo-Gonzalez, Gabriel A. Iturralde, Johny J. Mendoza Uyaguari, Jefferson Medina, J. R. Kuethe, Henry X. Garzón-Suárez, Luis E. Baquero and Marco M. Jiménez. 2026. A New Species of Scaphosepalum (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) from eastern Ecuador. Biodiversity Data Journal. 14: e176579. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e176579 [17 Mar. 2026] 

[Botany • 2023] Gastrochilus linzhiensis (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) • A New Species from Xizang, China

 

Gastrochilus linzhiensis M.K.Li, Y.Luo & Z.Xing, 

in Li, Yu, Ma, Chen, Deng, Liu, Luo et Xing, 2023. 

林芝盆距兰  ||  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1941   

Abstract 

A new species Gastrochilus linzhiensis M.K.Li, Y.Luo & Z.Xing from Linzhi City, Xizang, China is described and illustrated here. It is morphologically similar to G. prionophyllus and G. distichus, but can be distinguished from them in having no awned leaf, smaller flowers, semicircular epichile, cushion with 2–3 round papillary projection, and conically elongated hypochile.  

Keyword: Data Deficient, Gastrochilus distichus, Gastrochilus prionophyllus, section Microphyllae

Gastrochilus linzhiensis M.K.Li, Y.Luo & Z.Xing.
A. plants and habitat; B–C. branches with inflorescence; D. inflorescence; E1–E4. flowers (E1–E2. front view; E3. side view; E4. upward view); F1–F2. sepals and petals; G1–G2. close-up of lips (G1. top view; G2. side view); G3–G5. front view of epichile; H. column and ovary; I1–I2. anther caps; J. pollinia; K. fruit. (Photos: A. by Ying-Peng Yu in Bomi; B-K. by Meng Kai Li).

Gastrochilus linzhiensis M.K.Li, Y.Luo & Z.Xing, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Gastrochilus linzhiensis is similar to G. prionophyllus H. Jiang, D.P. Ye & Q.Liu and G. distichus (Lindl.) O.Kuntze in having pendulous and branched stem with slightly twisted leaves, but differs from them by having longer stem, no awned leaf, more smaller flowers, the semicircular epichile, cushion with 2–3 round papillary projection, and conical hypochile.

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘linzhiensis’ refers to the type locality where the new species occurs, Linzhi City, Xizang, China.

Vernacular name: Lin Zhi Pen Ju Lan, 林芝盆距兰

. Morphological differences between Gastrochilus linzhiensis and its two closely related species.
A1-A2. G. linzhiensis; B1- B2. G. prionophyllus; C1-C2. G. distichus.

(Photos: A1-A2. by Meng-Kai Li; B1-B2, C2.by Qiang Liu; C1. by Ji-Dong Ya).

Meng-Kai Li, Ying-Peng Yu, Peng-Yue Ma, Xue-Da Chen, Jian-Ping Deng, Qiang Liu, Yan Luo and Zhen Xing. 2023. Gastrochilus linzhiensis (Aeridinae, Vandeae, Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae), A New Species from Xizang, China. Taiwnaia.68(3); 314-317. taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1941 

[Botany • 2025] Gastrodia biruensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species from East Java, Indonesia

Gastrodia biruensis Dwitara, Fatih, Yudistira & Mustaqim,

in Dwitara, Fatih, Yudistira et Mustaqim, 2025. 

openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/TEL

Abstract

Gastrodia biruensis Dwitara, Fatih, Yudistira & Mustaqim, a new mycoheterotrophic orchid species from the eastern part of Java, Indonesia, is described and illustrated. It is similar to two other Javan endemics G. crispa J.J.Sm. and G. selabintanensis Tsukaya & A.Hidayat, but differs in several morphological details, as well as flower colour. Information on its distribution and ecology, photographs and illustrations are provided.

Keywords: biodiversity, herbs, orchids, conservation, taxonomy, mycoheterotrophic orchids, terrestrial

Morphology of Gastrodia biruensis.
A. Plant habit, B. Rhizome, C. Scale, D. Flower frontal view, E. Dorsal view, F. Flower lateral dissection, G. Sepals and petal adaxial view, H. Sepals and petal abaxial view, I. Pedicel, ovary, column and labellum lateral view, J. Column with ovary, K. Column stelidia, L. Column dorsal view, M. Labellum adaxial surface, N. Labellum abaxial surface, O. Anther-cap, abaxial and adaxial view, P. Pollinarium, Q. Floral bract, adaxial (ad) and abaxial view (ab).

All from type material. Photograph by Fariq I. A. Shidiq and design by Yuda R. Yudistira.

Gastrodia biruensis Dwitara, Fatih, Yudistira & Mustaqim, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Gastrodia biruensis is similar to G. crispa J.J.Sm., but differs in having larger flowers (3.2–3.8 × 1.2–1.7 cm vs 1.8–2 × 0.9–1.3 cm), smooth (vs warty) outer sepal surface, petals white with an orange center extending to the apex (vs pure white), a larger labellum (11–13 × 7–10 mm vs 7–7.6 × 6–7 mm), labellum whitish-orange in the basal half and orange in the upper half, with two orange calli (vs white suffused pale yellowish green near apex), apex of labellum obtuse (vs acute), a longer column (10 mm vs 6.5–7 mm), orange (vs white) column margin, and orange (vs white) stelidia. Gastrodia biruensis is also similar to G. selabintanensis Tsukaya & A.Hidayat but differs in having larger flowers (3.2–3.8 × 1.2–1.7 cm vs c. 1.7 × 0.9 cm), labellum much longer than the column by c. 1.6 times (vs 1.1–1.3), yellowish basal calli (vs pure white), labellum orange in the upper half distal calli (vs yellowish white), orange (vs white) column margin, and orange (vs white) stelidia. (Table 1) 

Galuh A.C. Dwitara, Muhammad Al Fatih, Yuda R. Yudistira, Wendy Achmmad Mustaqim. 2025. A New Species of Gastrodia (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) from East Java, Indonesia. Telopea. 29; 285–291.

 openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/TEL/article/view/21366

[Botany • 2025] Gastrochilus wenchuanensis (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) • A New Species from China based on molecular and morphological data

Gastrochilus wenchuanensis P.Y.Wu & C.Y.Zhou, 

in Wu, Guo, Zhou, Wang, Shan, Yong et Zhang, 2025. 

汶川盆 距兰  || https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2135

Abstract

The newly discovered orchid, Gastrochilus wenchuanensis (Aeridinae, Orchidaceae), found in Wenchuan, Sichuan of China, is described here based on the data of its morphology, phenology, ecology and distribution. This entity bears resemblance to G. formosanus, G. wolongensis, G. nanchuanensis, G. sinensis, G. minjiangensis and G. armeniacus, but can be distinguished by a distinctive vein on both the petals and sepals, as well as an epichile and hypochile that are devoid of spots or stripes. The molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and four plastid regions (atpI, matK, psbA, and trnL-F), supports the conclusion that Gastrochilus wenchuanensis is a new species and is sister to G. formosanus.

Keyword: Gastrochilus, molecular phylogenetics, morphology, new species, sect. Caespitosi

Gastrochilus wenchuanensis
  A. Flowering plant. B. Inflorescence. C. Flower (front view). D. Leaves (view from above and from below). E. Labellum (view from below). F. Anatomy of flowers (F1: dorsal sepals; F2 and F3: lateral sepals; F4 and F5: petals; F6: labellum). G. Flowers (view from rear). H. Capsule. I. Labellum (longitudinal dissection). J. Pollinia. K. Stigma.

Gastrochilus wenchuanensis 
A. Flowering plant. B. Flower (front view). C. Flowers (view from rear). D. Leaves (view from above and from below). E. Sepal and petal. F. Pollinia. G. Labellum (view from above and from below). H. Labellum (longitudinal dissection). I. Inflorescence. J. Capsule.

Plant and inflorescence with flowers for Gastrochilus wenchuanensis 
A. Habitat. B. Plant with flowers in wild. C. Plant with flowers in cultivation. D. Plant with fruit.

Gastrochilus sect. Caespitosi Z. H. Tsi 

Gastrochilus wenchuanensis P.Y.Wu & C.Y.Zhou, sp. nov 

Diagnosis: The new species resembles G. formosanus, but differs in the morphology of the epichile and the markings on both the petals and sepals. It also deviates from G. wolongensis due to its shorter inflorescences, an undimpled and spotless epichile, and a stripeless hypochile. The distinguishing characteristics of the new species compared to G. armeniacus include leaf morphology, flower pigmentation, sepal length, epichile trichome density, and the absence of hypochile surface ridges. The distinctive stripe on the petals and sepals, along with the morphology of the hypochile and epichile, serves to distinguish this species from G. minjiangensis. It differs from G. nanchuanensis by its reniform epichile, green and fully open flowers. The shape of the epichile and a distinct purple stripe on the petals and sepals distinguish it from G. sinensis.

  

Peng-Yu Wu, Jiaxu Guo, Cheng-Yuan Zhou, Zi-Yang Wang, Qian-Tong Shan, Heng Yong, Yu-Tian Zhang. 2025. Gastrochilus wenchuanensis (Aeridinae; Orchidaceae): A New Species from China based on molecular and morphological data. Taiwania. 70(4): 757‒765.  DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.757

   https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2135 [2025 November 14]

[Botany • 2025] Corybas gayoensis (Orchidaceae) • A New narrow endemic Orchid from Sumatra, Indonesia [Flora of Gayo Plateau II]

Corybas gayoensis  

in Mustaqim, Arico, Silviana, Afriyani, Yudistira et Victoriano, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.726.1.5  

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Abstract

A new species, Corybas gayoensis is described here as endemic to the northern part of Sumatra. The new species is similar to Corybas pictus, but differs in having acuminate dorsal sepals with dentate upper margin, labellum with light red and concave central part, and a long fimbriate margin. The species is assessed as Critically Endangered due to its narrow distribution, continuous decline of population and habitat degradation. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, photographs, and discussion are given.

geophyte, montane plant, taxonomy, western Malesia, flora of Indonesia, Monocots

Wendy A. MUSTAQIM, Zulfan ARICO, Adinda SILVIANA, Linda AFRIYANI, Yuda R. YUDISTIRA and Malcolm VICTORIANO. 2025. Flora of Gayo Plateau II: Corybas gayoensis (Orchidaceae), A New narrow endemic Orchid from Sumatra.  Phytotaxa. 726(1); 53-58. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.726.1.5 [2025-10-29]  

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[Botany • 2025] Pleurothallis vallejoi (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A new species from the P. talpinaria complex, with Notes on Comparative Floral Morphology and Pollination Ecology

 

Pleurothallis vallejoi Sierra-Ariza, J. Alvarez-Diaz & Mark Wilson, 

in Sierra-Ariza, Alvarez-Diaz, Tinoco et Wilson. 2025.

 revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rlankesteriana

 Researchgate.net/publication/396843480

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Andean orchids, Diptera, Pleurothallis gracilicolumna, Pleurothallis jostii, Pleurothallis talpinaria, Pleurothallis trimeroglossa, Sylvicola

Lankester composite digital plate of Pleurothallis vallejoi.
A. Habit. B. Flower. C. Dissected perianth. D. Lip and column lateral view. E. Lip. F. Column.

LCDP by M. A. Sierra-Ariza based on M.A. Sierra-Ariza, J. Alvarez-Diaz & Fernando Tinoco 491 (Holotipo: TOLI).

Pleurothallis vallejoi Sierra-Ariza, J. Alvarez-Diaz & Mark Wilson, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: P. vallejoi is morphologically most similar to P. trimeroglossa (Fig. 2), from which it differs in the sub-quadrate lateral lobes of the lip, 1.7–2.0 × 1.2–1.5 mm (vs. transversely oblong, 1.8–2.1 × 1.1–1.3 mm), basal auricles that are narrowly elliptical, 1.7–2.0 × 0.6–0.8 mm (vs. narrowly oblong, 2.0–2.3 × 0.4–0.6 mm), a callus that is elongated, thin, slightly elevated, and inconspicuous (vs. dome-shaped, flattened, and notably visible), and a median lobe of 4.1–4.3 mm long (vs. 4.8–5.1 mm).

Mario Alexei Sierra-Ariza, José Armando Alvarez-Diaz, Fernando Tinoco and Mark Wilson. 2025.A new species of Pleurothallis (Pleurothallidinae) from the P. talpinaria complex, with Notes on Comparative Floral Morphology and Pollination Ecology. LANKESTERIANA. 25(3): 151–166. DOI: 10.15517/zzdx7h51 

https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rlankesteriana/article/view/2944

 Researchgate.net/publication/396843480_A_New_Species_of_PLEUROTHALLIS_from_the_P_TALPINARIA_COMPLEX

[Botany • 2025] Telipogon yanesha (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) • A New Species in the Central Peruvian Amazon

Telipogon yanesha L. Valenz & Nauray, 

in Valenzuela-Gamarra et Nauray-Huari, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.2.3 

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Abstract

A new species of Telipogon from the montane forests of the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yánesha Biosphere Reserve, Pasco Region, Perú, is described and illustrated. This species was found growing on the slender branches of a Miconia tree at an elevation of between 2100 and 2300 m. similar to T. perlobatus. Telipogon yanesha sp. nov., differs by a much shorter inflorescence with a single flower at a time, a 1-veined labellum with an entire margin, the central lobe, and noticeably smaller lateral lobes. The species description is accompanied by illustrations and photographs, and information is provided on aspects of its distribution, phenology, ecology, and similarity to other species.

Biodiversity, Taxonomy, Tropical Andes, Yanachaga Chemillén National Park, Monocots

Telipogon yanesha L. Valenz & Nauray sp. nov. 

  

Luis VALENZUELA-GAMARRA and William NAURAY-HUARI. 2025. A New Species of Telipogon (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) in the Central Peruvian Amazon.  Phytotaxa. 720(2); 131-139. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.720.2.3 [2025-09-30]

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