Lankesteriana

Trichoglottis corazoniae (Orchidaceae: Vandeae: aeridinae), a new species from the Philippines

Abstract A new species of Trichoglottis, T. corazoniae, apparently endemic to Negros island, is here described and illustrated. It is closely similar to T. tamesisii but distinct by having forward-pointing stelidia with the upper surface being pubescent, larger flowers and a longer inflorescence. Information on the distribution, ecology and phenology are provided.

A new species of pleurothallis (orchidaceae: pleurothallidinae) from Quito, Ecuador

Abstract A new species of Pleurothallis from Ecuador, Pleurothallis quitu-cara, is described, illustrated and compared with the similar species P.corysta. The new finding is a surprise for the orchid flora of Quito and its valleys.

Resumen Una nueva especie de Pleurothallis de Ecuador, Pleurothallis quitu-cara se describe, ilustra y compara con la especie similar P. corysta. El hallazgo es una sorpresa para la flora orquidácea de Quito y sus valles.

Uso del microhábitat por Encyclia pyriformis (orchidaceae) en la reserva ecológica los pretiles, Cuba

Resumen La distribución de las plantas epífitas está influenciada por las características de su forófito, que provee el sustrato necesario para el establecimiento. Encyclia pyriformis (Lindl.) Schltr. es una especie característica de las arenas blancas del Occidente de Cuba, con una distribución restringida, lo cual es un elemento clave para el manejo y mantenimiento de la población en el tiempo. El objetivo del trabajo es caracterizar el uso del microhábitat de E. pyriformis y analizar la relación entre las variables ambientales y morfológicas. El estudio se realizó en 39 parcelas (25 m2), en la Reserva Ecológica Los Pretiles. Se identificaron a los individuos de E. pyriformis, en los cuales se midieron seis variables ambientales y cuatro morfológicas. Los valores promedios de las variables ambientales fueron de 9.42 cm de diámetro del tronco, 66.58% de cobertura vegetal, 373 m de distancia a la costa, 0.84 m de altura sobre el suelo y 2.37 m de altura del forófito. Para las variables morfológicas los valores promedios fueron de 24.9 cm para altura del individuo, 1.87 cm de diámetro del pseudobulbo, 13.62 cm y 2.06 cm de largo y ancho de la hoja, respectivamente. No se encontró correlación entre las variables ambientales y morfológicas. La ausencia de correlación entre los dos grupos de variables parece indicar que la combinación de variables ambientales analizadas no tienen un efecto evidente sobre la morfología de los individuos de E. pyriformis. Entender los factores ambientales que limitan y afectan la distribución de las especies es crítico para el mantenimiento de la diversidad. Identificar los factores que limitan el potencial de colonización de las orquídeas permitiría predicciones certeras ante cambios futuros en la comunidad y el ecosistema, lo cual puede influir en las estrategias de manejo de la especie.

Abstract The distribution of epiphyte plants is strongly influenced by the characteristics of the host plant, which provides the area needed for the establishing process. Encyclia pyriformis (Lindl.) Schltr. is typical from the white sands region of eastern Cuba, with a restricted distribution which is a key element when managing the population over time. The goal of this research is to characterize the use of the microhabitat of E. pyriformis and to analyze the relation between the environmental and morphological variables. The study was carried out in 39 plots (25 m2) in the Ecological Reserve Los Pretiles. Individuals of E. pyriformis were identified and six environmental variables were measured. The average values of the environmental variables were 9.42 cm for the diameter of the trunk, 66.58% for the vegetal cover, 373 m for the distance from the coast, 0.84 m for the height above ground and 2.37 m for the height of the host plant. For the morphological variables the average values were 24.9 cm for the height of the individual, 1.87cm for the diameter of the pseudobulb, 13.62 cm and 2.06 cm respectively for the length and width of the leaf. No correlation was found between the environmental and morphological variables. This seems to indicate that the combination of environmental variables analyzed apparently do not have an effect on the morphology of E. pyriformis. To understand the environmental factors limiting and affecting the distribution of species is critical to keep of biodiversity. To identify the factors limiting the colonization’s potential of orchids would enable accurate predictions faced with future changes in the community and the ecosystem, which could influence the management strategies for this species.

Pleurothallis chicalensis, a new species in subsection macrophyllae-fasciculatae (orchidaceae: pleurothallidinae) from northwestern Ecuador

Abstract A new species of Pleurothallis in subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae from Ecuador is described, illustrated and its relationship with other species is discussed. Pleurothallis chicalensis is compared with P. dewildei, from which is distinguished by the ovate leaves, the yellow flowers with broadly obovate synsepal and the transversely cordate lip with apiculate apex.

Resumen Una especie nueva de Pleurothallis de la subsección Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae de Ecuador es descrita, ilustrada y su afinidad con otras especies es discutida. Pleurothallis chicalensis se compara con P. dewildei, de la cual difiere por las hojas ovadas, las flores amarillas con el sinsépalo ampliamente obovado y el labelo transversalmente cordado con el ápice apiculado.

Orchids in the era of grigory von langsdorff: two golden decades in the history of the botanical exploration of Brazil (1813-1830)

Abstract The figure of Grigory Ivanovich von Langsdorff was largely neglected by the scientific literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. German-born von Langsdorff was consul of the Russian Empire in Rio de Janeiro. His activities in Brazil from 1813 to 1830 are here described, a time during which his house in Rio and his famous fazenda Mandiocca became the center of scientific activity and the point of attraction for European travellers and naturalists who flocked to Brazil after its frontiers were opened to foreigners in 1808 by King Joȃo VI of Portugal. Wilhelm Freyreiss, Friedrich Sellow, Maximilian zu Wied-Neuwied, Augustin de SaintHilaire, Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius, Johann Baptist von Spix, Giuseppe Raddi, Johann Baptist Emanuel Pohl, and Ludwig Riedel are among those who explored Brazil impulsed by von Langsdorff and often under his patronage. Their journeys in Brazil culminated in von Langsdorff’s ill-fated expedition to the interior of Brazil between 1822 and 1829, while the epilogue is marked by Langsdorff’s return to Germany, in a state of insanity and no longer able to publish the results of his life-long scientific efforts.

Goodyera fusca (orchidaceae): a new record for Kashmir Himalaya, India

Abstract Goodyera fusca, a rare orchid species is reported for the first time from the Kashmir Himalaya, India. A brief description and photographs of diagnostic features are provided. Comparative characters are also provided to distinguish G. fusca from Goodyera repens, already reported from Kashmir Himalaya. This newly reported terrestrial orchid species occurs in alpine habitats of this Himalayan region.