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| Vanilla rupicola Pansarin & E.L.F. Menezes, in Pansarin et Menezes, 2023. |
Abstract
During surveys conducted on Neotropical Vanilla, a new endemic species was found in the Brazilian campos rupestres of the Espinhaço Range. Here, this new remarkable Vanilla species, namely Vanilla rupicola Pansarin & E.L.F. Menezes, is described and illustrated. A phylogeny for Vanilla is presented and the relationships between Neotropical species are discussed. The position of V. rupicola among Neotropical Vanilla is discussed within an evolutionary context. Vanilla rupicola is recognized by its rupicolous habit, its reptant stems, and its sessile and rounded leaves. This remarkable new taxon emerges in a clade that includes V. appendiculata Rolfe and V. hartii Rolfe. Vegetative and floral features support a close relationship between V. rupicola and sister taxa, mainly regarding the apical inflorescence (V. appendiculata), the type of appendages of the central crest of the labellum, and the labellar color pattern. Phylogenetic inference suggests that the circumscription of Neotropical Vanilla groups needs revision.
Key words: Atlantic forest, Brazilian campos rupestres, Cerrado vegetation, evolution, molecular phylogeny, Neotropics, orchids, Vanilleae, Vanilloideae
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| Vanilla rupicola Pansarin & E.L.F. Menezes A part of a flowering plant showing the stem and a lateral inflorescence with a typical-colored flower B detail of an apical inflorescence of an albino plant. Note the white flower C leaf and inflorescence D detail of a raceme. Note the adpressed floral bracts E dissected perianth. The detail shows the penicillate callus and the central labellar crest F detail of the adaxial surface of a petal showing the longitudinal keel G detail of a flower with a typical color showing the apex of the labellum, the penicillate callus and anther H detail of an albino flower showing the apex of the labellum, the penicillate callus and anther. Note that the labellum apex is more projected than in the typically-colored flower I detail of the apex of the labellum of a typically-colored flower showing the yellowish longitudinal lines and the yellow projections J detail of the apex of the labellum of an albino flower showing the whitish projections K labellum in lateral view L column in lateral view M apex of the column: in lateral view with an articulated anther (above), in lateral view with a disarticulated anther (mid), and in abaxial view (below) N immature fruit. |
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| Habit of Vanilla rupicola Pansarin & E.L.F. Menezes on the rock outcrops of the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Note the creeping stem on the rock. |
Vanilla rupicola Pansarin & E.L.F.Menezes, sp. nov.
Vanilla rupicola differs from all Neotropical Vanilla species by its rupicolous habit, its reptant stem and its rounded leaves. The overall characteristics of V. rupicola resemble those of V. appendiculata Rolfe and V. hartii Rolfe. However, the remarkable new taxon (V. rupicola) is easily distinguishable from both related species by its leaves and flowers, which are smaller than those of V. appendiculata and larger than those of V. hartii (Table 1), its sessile leaves (vs. petiolate in V. appendiculata and V. hartii), and its papillose labellar protrusions (vs. finger-like in V. appendiculata and verrucose in V. hartii).
Etymology: The specific epithet (rupicola) refers to the rupicolous habit, uncommon among Neotropical Vanilla.
Emerson Ricardo Pansarin and Euler da Luz Fernandes Menezes. 2023. A New Remarkable Vanilla Mill. (Orchidaceae) Species endemic to the Espinhaço Range, Brazil: Its Phylogenetic Position and Evolutionary Relationships among Neotropical Congeners. PhytoKeys. 227: 151-165. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.227.101963
