Abstract
The specific diversity of Neotropical orchid genus Frondaria is evaluated based on morphological data. Frondaria was considered a monospecific taxon for years; however, our recent studies on Andean orchids indicated that it is actually much more variable. Within Colombian material, we found a species which does not fit the morphological description of F. caulescens and described it here as a new species named F. colombiana . The novelty is characterized by inflorescence being three times as long as the ramicaul, the tridentate leaf apex with middle tooth as long as lateral ones, papillate apices of sepals, and oblong-ligulate lip middle lobe which is papillate along margins and in the apical part. The taxonomic status of P. graminea was evaluated, and based on the gathered data; this species should be considered separate from F. caulescens as well . The comparative morphology of all three Frondaria species is provided. Additionally, Octomeria tenuis is lectotypified.
Highlights
The last 30 years were crucial for understanding the taxonomy and diversity of the orchid subtribe Pleurothallidinae
We found a species which does not fit the morphological description of F. caulescens and it is described here as new
Taxonomy In 1921, Schlechter described a new species of Pleurothallis from Peru, named P. graminea, which was recognized by Luer (1986) as conspecific with Frondaria caulescens
Summary
The last 30 years were crucial for understanding the taxonomy and diversity of the orchid subtribe Pleurothallidinae. This genus was proposed in late 20th century (Luer, 1986) to classify a single Pleurothallidinae representative, Pleurothallis caulescens Lindl.
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