[Botany • 2026] Corybas apoensis (Orchidaceae: Diurideae) • A New endemic Species from Mt. Apo, Philippines

  

Corybas apoensis Agad, Tandang, R.Bustam. & Salas, 

in Agad, Mallari, Tandang, Bustamante et Salas, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.766.1.6 

facebook.com: Philippine Taxonomic Initiative

Abstract

Corybas apoensis, a new species of tribe Acianthinae endemic to Mindanao, is described herein. Among the currently recognized species of the tribe, it most closely resembles C. viridisepalus in overall floral morphology, particularly in having upright flowers borne on a slender, cylindric, erect ovary and the flower possessing a dorsal sepal and labellum tinged with conspicuous carmine veins. Both species further share a pilose labellum. However, this notable new species is distinct by having white floral background and a dorsal sepal being densely papillate on the abaxial surface. We also provided a summarized key morphological characteristics that distinguishes our new species from the later.

Monocots, Helmet orchid, Rare, Diurideae, Malesia, Taxonomy

 

Corybas apoensis Agad, Tandang, R.Bustam. & Salas, sp. nov.

KIER C. AGAD, ARCHELITO L. MALLARI, DANILO N. TANDANG, RENE ALFRED ANTON BUSTAMANTE and DARYL S. SALAS. 2026. Corybas apoensis (Orchidaceae), A New endemic Species from Mt. Apo, Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 766(1); 84-90. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.766.1.6 [2026-07-07]

  facebook.com/phtaxa/posts/1419584753561021

 

[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 • 2026] Platylepis avaratraensis (Orchidaceae) • A New Species from northern Madagascar and its taxonomic position in Goodyerinae

Platylepis avaratraensis Hermans & Nusb., 

in Hermans, Ranirison, Havinga, Iharivolana et Nusbaumer, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.15553/c2026v811a1

 Abstract  

Taxonomy and molecular research in the genera of the subtribe Goodyerinae (Orchidaceae) from Madagascar and adjacent islands of the western Indian Ocean are discussed. The characteristics of Goodyera R.Br. and Platylepis A.Rich. are compared, their history is presented, and the respective species currently accepted for the region are detailed. A new species, Platylepis avaratraensis Hermans & Nusb., is described from the Sava region in northern Madagascar. It is most similar to P. humicola (Schltr.) Schltr. but differs by the wider leaves, shorter floral bracts, flower colour, narrower sepals and a lip with distinct calli. The distribution and ecology of the new species are discussed and its conservation status is provisionally assessed as “Endangered” following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

KEYWORDS: conservation, Goodyera, Goodyerinae, Madagascar, new species, ORCHIDACEAE, Platylepis, taxonomy

Platylepis avaratraensis Hermans & Nusb.
A: plant in its habitat; B: inflorescence with buds, flowers and young fruits; C: flower, front view with an insect (potential pollinator of the species); D: leaves; E: flowers, ovary and bracts from side view; F: fruits

 [A–D: Nusbaumer et al. 5055; E: Iharivolana & Havinga 47; F: Donati et al. 61] 

[Photos: A–D: L. Nusbaumer; E: A. Havinga; F: Iharivolana]

Platylepis avaratraensis Hermans & Nusb., sp. nov. 

Diagnosis — Platylepis avaratraensis is distinct from all other Madagascar species of the genus, and especially from P. humicola, by its long erect stem, narrowly elliptic to sub-ovate leaves (l/w ratio: 2.5–3/1), long inflorescence with a laxly flowered rachis in the apical third, floral bracts about as long as the pedicellate ovary, the rachis stem, ovary and exterior of the sepals and petals densely hirsute to villose with fine white hairs, the pale flowers with an orange-pink base to the lip, the obscurely 3-lobed lip with strongly involute margins, but without a spur, scattered thorn-like calli along the base, the curving epichile, ending in a fleshy, strongly recurved bilobed appendage, and the distinctly bifid rostellum.

Etymology — The specific epithet refers to the North (Avaratra in Malagasy) indicating its distribution in the northern part of Madagascar.

Johan Hermans, Patrick Ranirison, Alessandra Havinga, Iharivolana, Louis Nusbaumer. 2026. Platylepis avaratraensis (Orchidaceae), A New Species from northern Madagascar and its taxonomic position in Goodyerinae. Candollea. 81(1); 1-6. DOI: doi.org/10.15553/c2026v811a1 (17 June 2026)   

Les recherches taxonomiques et moléculaires sur les genres de la sous-tribu Goodyerinae de Madagascar et des îles adjacentes de l'océan Indien occidental sont discutées. Les caractéristiques de Goodyera R.Br. et Platylepis A.Rich. sont comparées, et leur histoire est présentée. Les espèces actuellement acceptées par les auteurs pour la région sont détaillées. Une nouvelle espèce d'orchidée, Platylepis avaratraensis Hermans & Nusb., est décrite dans la région de Sava, au nord de Madagascar. Elle est illustrée et comparée à d'autres espèces du genre. Elle est la plus proche de P. humicola (Schltr.) Schltr., mais se distingue par ses feuilles plus larges, ses bractées florales plus courtes, la couleur de ses fleurs, des sépales plus étroits et un labelle avec des callosités distinctes. La distribution et l'écologie de la nouvelle espèce sont discutées et son statut de conservation préliminaire est évalué comme «En danger» suivant les Catégories et Critères de la Liste rouge de l'UICN.

[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]

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[Botany • 2026] Hemipilia huanglongensis (Orchidaceae) • A New Species from north Sichuan, China

Hemipilia huanglongensis D.J.Xie & R.B.Zhang, 

in Xie, Li, Deng, Wei, Dou, Peng et Zhang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.181545 

Abstract

A new species of Orchidaceae, Hemipilia huanglongensis D.J.Xie & R.B.Zhang, was discovered on steep karst slopes in northern Sichuan, China and is described and illustrated, based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence. While morphologically similar to H. amplexifolia (Tang & F.T.Wang) Y.Tang and H.Peng, H. faberi (Rolfe) Y.Tang and H.Peng and H. tetraloba (Finet) Y.Tang and H.Peng, it can be distinguished by a squamose lip base with an upwardly protruding lamella, along with larger floral structures, including the sepals, petals, lip and ovary. Phylogenetic analyses, based on nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK, rbcL) DNA sequences, further support its distinction from these three morphologically allied species.

Key words: Conservation assessment, morphological diagnosis, new species description, orchid systematics, Sichuan flora

Images of living, dry or rehydrated specimens of Hemipilia huanglongensis D.J.Xie & R.B.Zhang.
 A. Flowering plant; B. Front inflorescence view; C. Back inflorescence view; D. Flower disintegration; E. Leaf; F. Bracts; G. Tubers; H. Ovary and pedicel; I. Gynostemium (1: anther; 2: auricle; 3: rostellum; 4: bursicle; 5: lamellae at lip base); J. Squamose lip base

(Photographed by T. Deng and R.B. Zhang).

Hemipilia huanglongensis D.J.Xie & R.B.Zhang, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Hemipilia huanglongensis morphologically resembles H. amplexifolia, H. faberi and H. tetraloba. Hemipilia huanglongensis differs from H. amplexifolia in having a multi-flowered rachis (vs. 1–2-flowered) and purple flowers (vs. white with purplish-red spotting, which may appear red in PPBC photographs). Hemipilia huanglongensis can be distinguished from the other two species by the lip base (squamose vs. papillate in H. faberi and H. tetraloba, following the same order) with an upwardly protruding lamellae (vs. absent), more lateral sepal veins (3 vs. 1), longer ovary and pedicel (≥ 12.6 vs. ≤ 10; measurements in millimetres, the same below), longer dorsal sepal (≥ 3.7 vs. ≤ 3.5), longer lateral sepal (≥ 4.7 vs. ≤ 4), longer petal (≥ 3.7 vs. ≤ 3.5), longer lip (≥ 12.6 vs. ≤ 8), wider lip (≥ 8.3 vs. ≤ 7.5), longer lateral lip lobe (≥ 4.5 vs. ≤ 3.8) and longer middle lip lobe (≥ 8.6 vs. ≤ 4.2).

 Da-Jun Xie, Jin-Xiao Li, Tan Deng, Ruo-Xun Wei, Quan-Li Dou, Shu-Ming Peng and Ren-Bo Zhang. 2026. Hemipilia huanglongensis (Orchidaceae), A New Species from north Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 273: 225-236. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.181545 [22 Apr 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis (Orchidaceae) • A Review of the Genus Taeniophyllum in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) with the Description of A New Species

Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis Alappatt,  

in Alappatt, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.06 

Abstract  

A new species, Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis (Orchidaceae) is described from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The new species resembles T. hasseltii and T. pusillum, but is distinct from both in having mostly terete free hanging roots (versus roots flat, appressed to the substratum), bracts lax (versus bracts close in T. pusillum), lip without any cushions (versus lip with convex cushions in T. hasseltii) and a conical spur (versus globose spur in T. pusillum). In addition, a review of other species of the genus Taeniophyllum reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is provided with an identification key.

Keywords: Aeridinae; Orchidaceae; South Andaman; Taeniophyllum; new species

Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis Alappatt sp. nov.
 a. Habit. b. Inflorescence. c. Flower bud with inflorescence rachis of previous year. d. Flower, lateral view. e. Flower close-up, front view. f. Bract. g. Dorsal sepal. h. Petals. i. Lateral sepals. j. Lip. k. Column with ovary. l. column with ovary and spur. m. Anther cap. n. Pollinia. o. Capsule. Photos: Alappatt.

Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis Alappatt sp. nov.,
with Oberonia ensiformis (Sm.) Lindl. to the right.

Photo: Alappatt.

Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis Alappatt, sp. nov.

This species is similar to Taeniophyllum hasseltii Rchb.f. and T. pusillum (Willd.) Seidenf. & Ormerod in having free sepals and petals, distichous bracts, fleshy lip and short anther-beak, but differs from them by its mostly free hanging terete roots and a few roots semi-terete when appressed to substratum (vs. roots flat, appressed to the substratum), bracts lax (vs. close in T. pusillum), comparatively smaller flowers (c. 3 mm across), not opening widely (vs. large flowers, 5–5.5 mm across, opening widely), lip blade without convex cushions (vs. with convex cushions in T. hasseltii), spur conical, being longer than broad (vs. globose, as long as broad in T. pusillum). 

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the collections from Wrightmyo where the species was discovered.

 Alappatt, J.P. 2026. A Review of the Genus Taeniophyllum (Orchidaceae) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) with the Description of A New Species, Taeniophyllum wrightmyoensis. Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.06 

[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 • 2026] Stigmatodactylus antennatus (Orchidaceae) • A New Species from West Papua Province, Indonesia, and the Rediscovery and Reinterpretation of S. gibbsiae

 Stigmatodactylus antennatus Schuit., Saputra & Wanma,

in Schuiteman, Saputra, Wanma et Heatubun, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15040589  

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Abstract

Two species of Stigmatodactylus have recently been observed in the Arfak Mountains of West Papua Province, Indonesian New Guinea. One of these is clearly undescribed and is here described as Stigmatodactylus antennatus Schuit., Saputra & Wanma, a species uniquely characterised by the presence of a pair of antennae on the lip. The other is believed to be S. gibbsiae (Kores) Kores. This species was only known from the type material collected in the Arfak Mountains more than a century ago, in 1913. There are, however, significant discrepancies between the protologue and the material recently found. We interpret these discrepancies as misinterpretations of the poor type material of S. gibbsiae, and provide images based on fresh material. An identification key to the four species of Stigmatodactylus in New Guinea is included.

Keywords: Acianthus; Arfak mountains; identification key; taxonomy

  Stigmatodactylus antennatus. 
 (A) Plant habit; (B) flower; (C) dorsal sepal; (D) lateral sepal; (E) petal; (F) lip; (G) lip callus; (H) column. Drawn after the type material by André Schuiteman.

 Stigmatodactylus antennatus.
(a) In situ, Schuiteman et al. 23-277; (b) inflorescence, Schuiteman et al. 24-102; (c) flower detail showing callus with antennae, Schuiteman et al. 23-277. Photos: André Schuiteman.

  Stigmatodactylus antennatus Schuit., Saputra & Wanma, spec. nov. 

 André Schuiteman, Reza Saputra, Jimmy F. Wanma and Charlie D. Heatubun. 2026. A New Species of Stigmatodactylus (Orchidaceae) from West Papua Province, Indonesia, and the Rediscovery and Reinterpretation of S. gibbsiae. Plants. 15(4), 58. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15040589 [13 February 2026]

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[Botany • 2025] Zeuxine drukyulensis (Orchidaceae) • A New jewel orchid from Bhutan Himalaya

 

Zeuxine drukyulensis P.Gyeltshen, Rabgay & Kumar,

in Gyeltshen, Rabgay, Tobgay et Kumar, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.1.11 

facebook.com: Phub GYELTSHEN

 

Abstract

An interesting new species of jewel orchid, Zeuxine drukyulensis is described and illustrated from warm broadleaved forests in western Bhutan. It is closely allied to Zeuxine nervosa and Zeuxine rolfeana, however, differs in various morphological characters, primarily the structure, size and colour of the flower. The new species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) as per the IUCN Red List guidelines.

Conservation, Data Deficient, Drukyul, Orchidoideae, Rimchu, taxonomy, Monocots

Phub GYELTSHEN, Kinley RABGAY, Kezang TOBGAY and Pankaj KUMAR. 2025. Zeuxine drukyulensis (Orchidaceae), A New jewel orchid from Bhutan Himalaya.  Phytotaxa. 690(1); 123-129. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.1.11 [2025-02-26]

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[Botany • 2026] Habenaria adamantina (Orchidaceae) • Hidden in plain sight: A New Species from the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil, plus an updated checklist of the Genus from Grão Mogol

 

Habenaria adamantina Cruz-Lustre & J.A.N.Bat., 

in Cruz-Lustre, et Batista, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.165607 

 

Abstract

Background and aims – Habenaria is the largest genus of predominantly terrestrial orchids and the genus with the largest number of species in the family in Brazil. Field expeditions to Grão Mogol, in the northern part of the Espinhaço range of Minas Gerais, Brazil, led to the discovery of a taxon within the Habenaria nuda complex that could not be assigned to any of the known species within the complex. This study aimed to investigate the identity and taxonomic status of this taxon.

Material and methods – We analysed the morphology of the taxon and compared it with herbarium specimens of morphologically similar species. We assessed its phylogenetic relationships using parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference, based on nuclear (ITS and ETS) and plastid (matK-trnK and rps16-trnK) DNA sequences.

Key results – This taxon belongs to a large clade that mostly comprises species from the Cerrado domain. It differs from other species in the Habenaria nuda complex in that it has patent lateral sepals, and petal anterior segment and lip lateral segments that are shorter than the petal posterior segment and lip median segment, respectively. It also has small auricles located below the rostellum arms and anther canals. Based on these results, we described it here as a new species, Habenaria adamantina sp. nov. We present a distribution map, alongside comments on the taxon’s habitat, phenology, and preliminary conservation status, as well as an identification key to differentiate it from other species within the complex. The number of Habenaria species in Grão Mogol has increased from four to 12 species, with the new species being the only one restricted to the region.

Conclusion – This study highlights the importance of both continuous and group-specific botanical surveys for documenting biodiversity, particularly for species that are seasonal, inconspicuous, or present in low numbers.

Keywords: campo rupestre, endemism, grasslands, molecular phylogenetics, morphology, Neotropics, taxonomy, systematics

Habenaria adamantina.
A. Habit. B. Leaf. C. Flower, front view. D. Flower, lateral view. E. Floral bract. F. Pedicellate ovary, gynostemium, and spur, lateral view. G. Dissected perianth. H. Gynostemium, front view. I. Gynostemium, lateral view. J. Pollinarium.

A–D from Cruz-Lustre & Gomes 407 (BHCB), E–G from Cruz-Lustre & Gomes 406 (BHCB).

Abbreviations: ac = anther canals; an = anther; au = auricles; ca = caudicle; co = connective; ov = ovary; po = pollinia; rm = rostellum mid lobe; rs = rostellum side-lobe; si = stigmatophores inner margin; sp = spur; st = stigmatophores; vi = viscidium. All photographs by G. Cruz-Lustre.

Habenaria adamantina.
A. Overview of the landscape and vegetation in the Grão Mogol region, Minas Gerais. B. Habitat of H. adamantina in the campo rupestre (Tropa Trail). C–D. Plants flowering in situ during the rainy season (Barão Trail). E. Inflorescence.

B from Cruz-Lustre & Gomes 406 (BHCB), C–E from Cruz-Lustre & Gomes 407 (BHCB). All photographs by G. Cruz-Lustre.

Habenaria adamantina Cruz-Lustre & J.A.N.Bat., sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Habenaria adamantina is morphologically similar to Habenaria australis J.A.N.Bat., A.A.Vale & Menini in its small auricles, but it can be distinguished by the patent lateral sepals (vs deflexed in H. australis) and by the insertion of the anterior petal segment at the base of the posterior segment (vs 3.0–3.5 mm above in H. australis). It is also similar to Habenaria egleriana, Habenaria sobraliana J.A.N.Bat., A.A.Vale & Menini, and H. sprucei in that the anterior segment of the petals and the lateral segments of the lip are shorter than the posterior segment of the petals and median segment of the lip, respectively. However, it differs in that the auricles are arranged below the rostellum arms and the anther canals.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Latin “adamas”, meaning “diamond”, and refers to the abundance of these crystals in the Grão Mogol region, which was a major diamond mining area in the late 18th and early 19th centuries (Karfunkel et al. 1994; Chaves et al. 2006).

Gabriela Cruz-Lustre, João A.N. Batista. 2026. Hidden in plain sight: A New Species of Habenaria (Orchidaceae) from the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil, plus an updated checklist of the Genus from Grão Mogol. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 159(1): 12-26. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.165607 [15 Jan 2026]