Liparistianchiensis (Orchidaceae), a new species from Gansu, China.

Abstract

Liparistianchiensis (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae), a new species from Wenxian County, Gansu Province, China, is described and illustrated, based on morphological characters. Liparistianchiensis is morphologically similar to L.damingshanensis, L.pauliana and L.mengziensis with erect, lax flowered-inflorescences, small persistent floral bracts, small greenish-purple flowers, spreading sepals, free reflexed and linear petals, a lip with 2 calli near the base and an arcuate column. Liparistianchiensis differs from L.pauliana by the single and much smaller leaf, shorter sepals and petals, smaller and reflexed oblong lip. It differs from L.mengziensis by having fewer and larger flowers and not connate lip apex. The novelty mostly resembles L.damingshanensis, but can be readily identified by having longer sepals and a reflexed oblong lip. Liparistianchiensis only occurs in evergreen broad-leaved forest around a mountain lake in Wenxian County, Gansu Province, China.