Tuesday, August 29, 2023

[Botany • 2023] Trichoglottis quadriga (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae) • A New Species from Central Highlands of Sri Lanka


Trichoglottis quadriga Atthan., C.Bandara, Peiris & Kumar, 

in Bandara, Atthanagoda, Peiris, Jayasundara, Ranasinghe, ... et Kumar, 2023.  
 
Abstract
Trichoglottis quadriga is described as a new species from the montane and sub-montane forests, between 900–1800 m elevations in Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. It is morphologically similar to Vietnamese endemic, T. canhii, but differs significantly in having 4-flowered racemes (vs. 5–12-flowered racemes); longer, terete spur, 3.2 mm long and 1.2 mm in diameter with bi-lobed apex (vs. shorter, broadly conical spur, 1.4–1.8 mm long and 1.2–1.5 mm in diameter near the base with roundish apex) and larger labellum, 5.5 mm long and 3.5 mm wide (vs. labellum 3.8–4.0 mm long, 1.8–2.0 mm wide). Colour plates, line drawing and field identification key are provided along with detailed taxonomic description, notes on habitat, ecology and distribution. A preliminary assessment of extinction risk according to the IUCN guidelines is also provided for the new species.

Keywords: Critically Endangered, Endemic flora, miniature orchids, Samanala cherub orchid, Sri Lankan flora, Monocots


 Trichoglottis quadriga Atthan., C.Bandara, Peiris & Kumar sp. nov.
A. Plant habit. B. Inflorescence. C. Lateral view of flower. D. Front view of flower. E. Bract. F. Dorsal sepal. G. Petals. H. Lateral sepals. I. Labellum. J. Lateral view of labellum, column and spur. K. Sagittal section of column, labellum and spur. L. Dorsal view of spur. M. Leaf apex. N. Capsule. O. Pollinia. P–R. Operculum.
Illustrations by Champika Bandara.

Trichoglottis quadriga Atthan., C.Bandara, Peiris & Kumar sp. nov.





 
Champika Bandara, Anusha Gayan Atthanagoda, Gayan Prasanga Peiris, Ramitha Jayasundara, Bhanuka Ranasinghe, Udayanga Nuwan Kumara, Nimantha Aberathne, Dushantha Hettiarachchi, Malith Dissanayake, Thimira Karunathilake, Niwahal Vimukthi Bandara, Oshan Dewmith Fernando, Chandra Bandara Wijesundara,  Nadeesha Lewke Bandara and Pankaj Kumar. 2023. Trichoglottis quadriga (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae: Aeridinae), A New Species from Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.  Phytotaxa. 609(4); 265-272. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.609.4.2