Abstract
Eight new species of the genus Gomphichis from Colombia are described. Each species is illustrated, and detailed habitat and distribution data are provided. A distribution map of the new species is presented. A dichotomous key for determination of the Gomphichis species in northern South America is provided. Conservation status assessments are provided for each species; current International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categories and criteria are listed. A brief discussion of spiranthoid orchids taxonomy, conservation status of species, endemism in the Andes and paramo are presented.
Highlights
Field expeditions and botanical explorations of Colombian flora started in the second half of the eighteenth century; Colombia is still one the South American countries lacking a complete orchid flora and one of the most megadiverse countries considering its flora (Forero 1988; Mittermeier et al 2004)
Conservation status assessments are provided for each species; current International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categories and criteria are listed
The results of our recent herbarium studies (2009–2012) revealed the discovery of eight new species of Gomphichis in Colombia and they are presented in this paper
Summary
Field expeditions and botanical explorations of Colombian flora started in the second half of the eighteenth century; Colombia is still one the South American countries lacking a complete orchid flora and one of the most megadiverse countries considering its flora (Forero 1988; Mittermeier et al 2004). Colombia is the only country in South America bordering Panama; its territory is a meeting place of representatives of the fauna and flora of both American continents. This region has a great climatic and topographic complexity resulting from the presence of the Andean mountain ranges crossing the country and influence of both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Is one of the orchid genera occurring in Colombia It is a genus including about 30 species reported from Costa Rica, Brazil, Guyana and western South America from Venezuela to Bolivia. The results of our recent herbarium studies (2009–2012) revealed the discovery of eight new species of Gomphichis in Colombia and they are presented in this paper
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