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| Dracula colombiana Baquero, Est.Domínguez & E.Parra, in Baquero, Vargas, Mesa et Parra-Sanchez, 2025. |
Abstract
We describe and illustrate Dracula colombiana sp. nov. a new orchid species from the eastern Andes of Colombia, previously misidentified as D. benedictii in herbaria, private collections, and commercial trade. The new species resembles D. benedictii but can be distinguished by its solid pink lip with an ovate, glabrous epichile longer than the hypochile (vs. white, suborbicular epichile shorter than the hypochile) and sepals with brown-red papillae and pubescence (vs. purple black, verrucose sepals). Based on IUCN Red List criteria, we propose that the species be classified as Endangered (EN) under sub-criterion B2a, due to its restricted geographic distribution and the threats posed by potentially unsustainable harvesting. Conservation measures are urgently needed to protect natural populations, regulate its presence in the orchid trade, and address taxonomic misidentifications in global markets.
Endemism, epichilus, orchid trade, Western Colombian Andes, Monocots
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| Dracula colombiana Baquero, Est.Domínguez & E.Parra. A. Lateral view of column and lip in open and closed positions. B. ¾ view of the flower. C. Dissected perianth. D. Adaxial view of a petal and column in different positions. E. Habit. F. Lip in different positions. Figure by Esteban Dominguez Vargas from type specimen (EDV-2635, HUA). |
Dracula colombiana Baquero, Est.Domínguez & E.Parra, sp. nov.
Luis E. BAQUERO R., Esteban Dominguez VARGAS, Santiago MESA and Edicson PARRA-SANCHEZ. 2025. Dracula colombiana (Pleurothallidinae: Orchidaceae), A New orchid Species with a history of misidentification in trade and collections. Phytotaxa. 706(1); 81-90. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.706.1.6 [2025-06-19]