Unhiding Colombian orchid treasures: a new Lepanthes (Orchidaceae) from the northeastern Andes in Colombia

Abstract

A new species of Lepanthes from the eastern Colombian Andes from the department of Santander has been discovered. Here it is described, illustrated, and compared with species with morphological affinities, particularly with the sympatric Lepanthes rabei, from which it can be separated by a combination of traits: the larger plant length, reaching up to 8.28 cm in height, the elliptical-lanceolate leaves, concolor, the sepals not denticulate, the lip blades ovate-oblong, obtuse, slightly falcate at the apex, the long cilia at the lip tip and the appendix minute, reflexed downwards, pubescent. Information about its distribution, phenology, and conservation status is also provided.

Citation

Caro-Ayala, H. C., Arango-Carvajal, S., Suescún-Carvajal, D., & Restrepo, E. (2024). Unhiding Colombian orchid treasures: A new Lepanthes (Orchidaceae) from the northeastern Andes in Colombia. Phytotaxa, 664(3), 191-199. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.664.3.4