Subtribe Laeliinae (Orchidaceae) in a large and mature remnant of Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Fábio De Barros,José Fernando Andrade Baumgratz,Felipe Fajardo Villela Antolin Barberena

doi:10.1590/2175-7860202172036

Abstract

Abstract Orchidaceae is a megadiverse botanical family in Brazil, particularly in the Atlantic Forest where it is a priority group for conservation. Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (PARNA Itatiaia) was the first conservation unit established in Brazil, and represents a large and mature remnant of Atlantic Forest. Updated data on richness, distribution and conservation of the Neotropical and ornamental subtribe Laeliinae in the park recently disclosed the occurrence of presumed locally extinct species, but without a taxonomic approach. Thus, we present a comprehensive taxonomic treatment of Laeliinae in the PARNA Itatiaia. The subtribe is represented by six genera and 33 species, which corresponds to about 15% of the orchid flora of PARNA Itatiaia. Epidendrum is the richest genus, with 20 species, followed by Cattleya (6 spp.) and Prosthechea (4 spp.). Species of Laeliinae grow in shady and humid habitats, especially near rivers, at elevations ranging 750-1,200 m, with species richness decreasing with elevation. Several species form small populations (commonly < 10 individuals), which are in need of prompt conservation actions to avoid local extinction. Samples of Laeliinae from PARNA Itatiaia in collections of consulted herbaria were found to be scarce. Variable morphological characteristics, mainly of the lip, distinguishe species of Laeliinae.

Highlights

Orchidaceae is a megadiverse botanical family in Brazil with ca. 2,500 species and comprises some genera of horticultural importance for their ornamental features, such as Cattleya Lindl. and Encyclia Hook. (Nardy et al 2016; Flora do Brasil 2020)
Data on geographical distribution and phytogeographic domains were based on Flora do Brasil (2020), whereas data on substrate were obtained during fieldwork and analysis of labels of specimens collected in PARNA Itatiaia, or sometimes from Flora do Brasil (2020)
About 80% of the species of Laeliinae in PARNA Itatiaia are found exclusively in montane ombrophilous forest, with only five species occuring in upper montane ombrophilous forest, and none in open vegetation (Tab. 1)

Summary

Introduction

Orchidaceae is a megadiverse botanical family in Brazil with ca. 2,500 species and comprises some genera of horticultural importance for their ornamental features, such as Cattleya Lindl. and Encyclia Hook. (Nardy et al 2016; Flora do Brasil 2020). The number of flowers and morphological characteristics of caulome, leaves, inflorescence, floral bracts, sepals, petals, and mainly of the lip are variable and allow the species of Laeliinae in PARNA Itatiaia to be distinguished.

Results

Conclusion