Orchid Diversity Research Articles

Genetic Diversity of OrchidMalaxis monophyllosOver European Range as an Effect of Population Properties and Postglacial Colonization

Malaxis monophyllos is a rare orchid with a fragmented boreal-montane distribution in Europe where it is associated with both natural swampy and anthropogenic habitats. We employed extensive sampling of M. monophyllos populations from different habitat types, over its whole European geographic range, to examine its genetic diversity patterns and phylogeographic structure using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). Our results revealed the relatively low genetic diversity of M. monophyllos, with the effect of small population sizes and inbreeding as the driving forces operating within the European part of its range. The statistically highest values of genetic diversity were found in populations from the boreal region (average: percentage of polymorphic loci PPL3 = 21.6%, Nei's gene diversity Hj3 = 0.144, the rarity index DW3 = 1.34), while populations from mountainous regions were characterised by a reduced level of genetic diversity (e.g. an average for Alpine populations: PPL3 = 18.1%, Hj3 = 0.121, DW3 = 0.84) in comparison to boreal ones. Our results revealed that the newly established anthropogenic populations in the Polish uplands were probably founded from numerous external sources and should be considered a significant source of the species' genetic diversity. We also confirmed the low genetic differentiation among M. monophyllos populations (FST = 0.074), with the lack of distinguishable genetic clusters, that supports results about the multidirectional gene flow between M. monophyllos populations in Europe, and directed conservation efforts on conserving all suitable for this species habitats.

Fungal diversity and specificity in Cephalanthera damasonium and C. longifolia (Orchidaceae) mycorrhizas

AbstractOrchids depend on mycorrhizal fungi for their nutrition, at least in the early stages of their growth and development, and in many cases throughout the life. In spite of the increasing number of studies describing fungal diversity in orchids, there is still more to be learnt about the identity of fungal partners and specificity in orchid mycorrhizal associations. We investigated the fungal communities associated with the roots of Cephalanthera damasonium (Mill.) Druce and C. longifolia (L.) Fritsch adult plants, using morphological methods and fungal internal transcribed spacer‐DNA polymerase chain reaction amplification, cloning, and sequencing. A range of fungi belonging to Basidiomycota and Ascomycota was uncovered in the roots of the two investigated orchid species, showing a low degree of mycorrhizal specificity. At least 11 fungal taxa, including Cenococcum geophilum Fr., Ceratobasidium sp., Exophiala salmonis J. W. Carmich., Hymenogastraceae, and Sebacinaceae colonized C. damasonium roots, while approximately 9 fungal types, such as Bjerkandera adusta (Willd.) P. Karst., Phlebia acerina Peck, Sebacinaceae, Tetracladium sp., and Tomentella sp. associated with C. longifolia. Phylogenetic and statistical analyses indicated significant differences in the fungal communities associated with the two studied Cephalanthera species, as well as distinct mycorrhizal partners associated with each orchid plant. Our results strongly suggest that both C. damasonium and C. longifolia are generalist in their mycorrhizal associations.

Orchid inventory in Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Puspitaningtyas DM. 2017. Orchid inventory in Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 18: 341-350. Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, commonly abbreviated as Babul National Park, is in South Sulawesi. It occupies an area of 43,750 hectares between 119o34'17"-119o55'13" East and 4o42'49"-5o06'42" South. Babul National Park is an area in the transition zone between Asia and Australia and therefore has a unique flora and fauna. The study reported here aimed to inventory the orchid species in the Babul National Park area and to determine the orchid diversity in the area. The results of the study recorded approximately 60 orchid species found in Babul National Park. These were representative of 32 genera and consisted of 42 species of epiphytic orchids and 18 species of terrestrial orchids. The terrestrial orchid Habenaria beccarii and the epiphytic orchid Aerides inflexa were the most common orchids found, and were spread evenly throughout the Babul National Park area. Coelogyne celebensis and Aerides inflexa are endemic orchids of Sulawesi found within the Park. Three species of the genus Nervilia, i.e. N. punctata, N. plicata, and N. aragoana, were also found in this area. Some species of orchid such as Tropidia angulosa, Coelogyne rumphii and Dendrobium lampongense were found as new records in Sulawesi.
 Keywords: Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, inventory, orchid, South Sulawesi

Diversity, Distribution, Indigenous Uses and Conservation of Orchids in Parvati Valley of Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh, Northwestern Himalaya

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is known as the repository of biodiversity. It supports 8,000 species of angiosperms. The orchidaceae is among the dominant family of angiospecies and highly evolved family among the monocotyledon. The species of this family are facing tremendous pressure due to habitat degradation, overexploitation and changing environmental conditions. Therefore, while exploring the floristic diversity of Parvati Valley, attempts have also been made to explore the orchid diversity and analyze for diversity, distribution patterns, nativity, endemism, threat categories and indigenous uses. Total 19 species of the orchids representing 13 genera were recorded between 1100-3600 m amsl. Of these, 13 species were natives, 6 species near endemic and 5 species non-natives. These species represented in grassland, shady moist, forests, alpine meadows, moist rocks and bouldary habitats. These species were used for curing various diseases/ailments by the inhabitants of the valley. Due to habitat degradation the populations of these species are decreasing fast. The over exploitation, habitat degradation and changing environmental conditions of these species has led rapid population depletion. Therefore, appropriate strategy has been suggested for the conservation and management of these orchids.

Orchid diversity at a residual plateu on Caroebe, Roraima

Orchids were observed in a granitic mountain hill at the, Caroebe road 35, Roraima, at February and June of 2016. It was observed the occurrence of orchids in three different points: the base of the mountain, with typical humid tropical dry land forest; the forest around the rocky top of the mountain, with the presence of thin trees about 15 meters high, medium light entrance below the vegetation; and the granitic plateau, more sun incidence and surrounded by small shrubs. The total area surveyed was of 5 hectares. The orchids encountered in the whole trail were prior identified locally, just as their localization by GPS and according to their growth habit (epiphytic, terrestrial or rupicolous). It was found 28 species. The majority of the indivíduals identified in this survey were found on organic layers accumulated over the granitic rock, as follow: Catasetum planiceps, Catasetum discolor, Cyrtopodium andersonii, Encyclia granitica, Epidendrum ibaguense, Epidendrum viviparum, Cleistes rosea e Nohawilliamsia pirarensis. At the forest that surrounds the rocky hill it was observed, associated to small trees, the following epiphyte orchids: Dimerandra emarginata, Octomeria sp., Scaphyglottis sickii, Trigonidium acuminatum and Cattleya violacea. At the forest covering the base of the mountain it was found the larger number of species (13), with predominance of epiphytes. Besides the larger number found, the frequency of these species was very low, except for Camaridium ochroleucum and Heterotaxis superflua that were found in larger quantity associated to some sort of trees. The specie Liparis nervosa was found only associated to the base of a unique tree, over the organic matter accumulated locally. The large number of orchids found in the study area indicates its importance for more comprehensive studies and stresses the importance for conservation.

<i>Habenaria kilimanjari</i> newly recorded for Namibia

Background: The orchid flora of Namibia is depauperate and as a result is poorly studied. Objectives: To further document the orchid flora of Namibia. Method: New herbarium collections were studied and the relevant published literature consulted. Results: Habenaria kilimanjari is newly recorded for Namibia. Conclusion: The newly recorded species increases our understanding of the orchid diversity in Namibia and underlines the need for continued botanical inventory work.

Conservación de orquídeas en una reserva privada de Palmares, Costa Rica

La Reserva Madre Verde (RMV), ubicada en Palmares, Alajuela, Costa Rica, protege un reducto boscoso rodeado de pastizales, matorrales y terrenos de cultivo abandonados. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la diversidad de especies de orquídeas en la RMV mediante un inventario; además, analizamos la distribución y los factores que afectan la conservación de las especies identificadas, se prepararon especímenes (secos o en líquido) de las especies florecidas para herbario y se tomaron fotos de todas las especies; en total 109 en 46 géneros. Los géneros con mayor número de especies sonEpidendrum y Maxillaria s.l. (ambos con 12 spp.). El La mayoría de especies son epífitas y ocho son endémicas en Costa Rica. Los meses con mayor floración fueron febrero, abril, mayo, agosto y noviembre. Se compararon datos de distribución geográfica y altitudinal de dos bases de datos (CRBio e IABIN) y del Manual de Plantas de Costa Rica con datos de este estudio; esto permitió ampliar el conocimiento sobre algunas especies: 14 especies se encontraron a mayores elevaciones; otras cinco especies se hallaron a menores elevaciones que las registradas en herbarios y bases de datos. Nueve especies no se habían recolectado anteriormente en toda la provincia de Alajuela. El aporte más significativo del estudio es el hallazgo de Lepanthes guardiana y L. minutissima, que fueron ilustradas y recolectadas ca. 1867, no existían hasta ahora datos ecológicos ni localidades precisas de recolecta, la única ilustración de la primera y los únicos especímenes conocidos de la segunda se hallaban en el Herbario W (Viena, Austria). Se recomienda continuar la investigación en áreas de la reserva no cubiertas por este estudio y seguir observando las especies que, según la literatura, no se esperaban en esta zona. Construir un vivero, cultivar especies de orquídeas amenazadas de extinción para la venta a visitantes y pobladores cercanos, informar a las comunidades aledañas sobre diversidad de orquídeas e importancia de la protección de flora y fauna locales, son actividades recomendadas para mantener los paisajes y las especies en la zona de estudio.

Diversity, distribution and host-species associations of epiphytic orchids in Nepal

Associations between epiphytes and their hosts are among the main factors affecting the biodiversity and distribution of epiphytes. While several previous studies explored the association between epiphyte diversity and host characteristics, very little is known about the generality of such associations at larger spatial scales. We aim to explore the associations between diversity and distribution of epiphytic orchids and host characteristics in different localities in Nepal. Epiphytic orchids and their hosts were recorded along the transects in total of 23,539 host individuals. To describe the diversity of orchids in the different localities, a rarefaction function was used. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to explore the associations with locality, host characteristics, and their interactions with locality. In total, we recorded 141 species of orchids growing on 192 host species. The five localities significantly differed in orchid diversity and abundance. The number of orchid individuals per host species significantly increased with increasing number of host individuals. Species richness, abundances, occupancy of orchid species on host species and composition of orchids varied across the localities. Species richness and abundance was significantly higher on hosts in the higher strata and differed between families of host species. Abundance was higher on evergreen hosts. Composition of orchid communities are also associated with host characteristics, such as habit (shrub/tree/climber), bark texture, nature (deciduous/evergreen) and the plant families of host species. This study revealed a high diversity of epiphytic orchids in the localities studied and strong associations between the orchids and their hosts. Future studies looking at the relationships between epiphyte communities and host characteristics need to identify relationships at a wider scale in order to determine whether they are really general rather than site-specific.

Orchid historical biogeography, diversification, Antarctica and the paradox of orchid dispersal

AbstractAimOrchidaceae is the most species‐rich angiosperm family and has one of the broadest distributions. Until now, the lack of a well‐resolved phylogeny has prevented analyses of orchid historical biogeography. In this study, we use such a phylogeny to estimate the geographical spread of orchids, evaluate the importance of different regions in their diversification and assess the role of long‐distance dispersal (LDD) in generating orchid diversity.LocationGlobal.MethodsAnalyses use a phylogeny including species representing all five orchid subfamilies and almost all tribes and subtribes, calibrated against 17 angiosperm fossils. We estimated historical biogeography and assessed the importance of different regions for rates of speciation, extinction and net species diversification. We evaluated the impact of particularLDDevents on orchid diversity by asking how many species evolved in the new range subsequent to those events.ResultsOrchids appear to have arisen in Australia 112 Ma (95% higher probability distribution: 102.0–120.0 Ma), then spread to the Neotropics via Antarctica by 90 Ma (HPD: 79.7–99.5 Ma), when all three continents were in close contact and apostasioids split from the ancestor of all other orchids. Ancestors of vanilloids, cypripedioids and orchidoids+epidendroids appear to have originated in the Neotropics 84–64 Ma. Repeated long‐ and short‐distance dispersal occurred through orchid history: stochastic mapping identified a mean total of 74LDDevents or 0.8 Ma−1. Across orchid history, Southeast Asia was the most important source and maximally accelerated net diversification; across epidendroids, the Neotropics maximally accelerated diversification.Main conclusionsOur analysis provides the first biogeographical history of the orchids, implicating Australia, the Neotropics and Antarctica in their origin.LDDand life in the Neotropics – especially the Andes – had profound effects on their spread and diversification; > 97% of all orchid species are restricted to individual continents.

Determinants of orchid species diversity in Latin America

Area and latitude are thought to be the most important determinants of species richness. The relative importance of these two factors was recently tested, using data on orchid species diversity in various countries in the world and it was found that size of the country (or of the protected areas within the country) is a better determinant of species diversity in orchids than latitude. On the other hand, literature data indicate that in many groups species richness is also heavily dependent on habitat diversity as expressed by the range of altitudes in the region considered. Here we analyze the species richness data for various countries in Latin America, using the above-mentioned altitudinal amplitude as a proxy. Habitat diversity played a role in tropical, but not in temperate countries. The reason may indicate that in the temperate countries only few orchid species grow in higher elevations, so an increase of altitudinal range of habitats there does not entail a corresponding increase of species richness there. Thus, especially in the tropics, efforts should be directed to preservation of protected areas in all altitudes, rather than to increase of existing reserve size only in areas that are not attractive for human development.

Active tectonic and volcanic mountain building as agents of rapid environmental changes and increased orchid diversity and long-distance orchid dispersal in the tropical Americas: opportunities and challenges

Tropical Latin America is a nexus of tectonic plates whose relative motions have led to rapid tectonic and volcanic mountain building in late Neogene time. Tropical mountain building, in turn, leads to highland “cloud forest” microclimates with increased rainfall, lower diurnal temperatures, and diverse microclimates. I have previously emphasized how the geologically recent growth of mountains has been localized in Central America and that this is likely a factor in the high diversity and endemism in those highlands. This paper will show that Andean uplift accelerated at ~15 Ma ago and ~ 5 Ma BP and continues to this day. This process evolved geographically among the cordilleras of the region. Givnish and others recently presented phylogenomic evidence that the diversity of many epiphytic orchids, including tribes found in the neotropics, also accelerated during this time interval.. Phylogenetic investigations of tropical orchid pollinators have shown that acceleration in speciation in such pollinators as hummingbirds, orchid bees, and flies occurred over this same time frame, suggesting that geologically driven environmental changes may have acted in concert with changes in orchid biology to speed up orchid diversity in these highlands. I also review some of the long-distance dispersal processes of orchids in the tropical Americas. River systems draining the Colombian Andes discharge into the Caribbean Sea and current-driven log-raft drifts and air suspension during cyclonic storms transport plants and animals from east to the west. Lastly I emphasize the need for the more information on orchid floras and species distribution in this hotspot.

Evolutionary diversification and historical biogeography of the Orchidaceae in Central America with emphasis on Costa Rica and Panama

Históricamente, el Istmo de Costa Rica y Panamá ha sido fuente de fascinación por su posición estratégica, uniendo América del Norte con América del Sur. En términos de biodiversidad, el Istmo es considerado una de las regiones más ricas del mundo. Orchidaceae es la familia de plantas más diversa en la zona, y el número de especies triplica a otras familias de angiospermas bien representadas como Rubiaceae, Fabaceae y Poaceae. Aunque todavía estamos lejos de conocer el número exacto de especies de orquídeas existentes en ambos países, en la actualidad la flora de orquídeas registradas para Costa Rica (1574 spp.) y Panamá (1372 spp.) suman en conjunto alrededor de 2010 especies; lo que representa 6,5-8,0% de todas las especies de orquídeas en apenas alrededor de 1% de la superficie terrestre del planeta. Pleurothallidinae y Laeliinae son los grupos más ricos en especies y contienen la mayor géneros: Lepanthes, Pleurothallis, Stelis y Epidendrum. Estos grupos superan significativamente los otros géneros registrados en términos de riqueza de especies. Algunos de los factores que explican esta diversidad taxonómica regional de orquídeas son el puente natural que une tres de los 25 puntos reconocidos en todo el mundo (Mesoamérica, Chocó / Darién / Ecuador Occidental y Andes tropicales), la influencia climática de los océanos Pacífico y Atlántico, y la reciente elevación de la Cordillera de Talamanca y la formación de estribaciones de Majé, Darién y San Blas, en Panamá y el oeste de Colombia. Aunque estos factores pueden explicar la alta diversidad de orquídeas en términos generales, se necesita información detallada para comprender la diversificación de especies, así como la evolución de la composición florística. Los inventarios florísticos actualizados (con una tasa de 25 nuevas especies / año) y el estudio de los mecanismos biológicos que han llevado a la diversificación evolutiva de Lepanthes (como uno de los géneros más grandes de orquídeas) son los principales proyectos de investigación en curso para dilucidar la evolución de Orchidaceae en Costa Rica y Panamá. Con este fin, presentamos algunos resultados preliminares de la investigación llevada a cabo en esta dirección que incluye la integración de estudios filogenéticos, ecología de la polinización, taxonomía y biogeografía.

Habitat diversity predicts orchid diversity in the tropical south‐west Pacific

AbstractAimTo determine if habitat diversity, as estimated by climatic and topographic variables, can predict patterns of orchid diversity on different islands and archipelagos with similar explanatory power to biogeographical variables, such as area, isolation and age of an island.LocationSixty‐three islands on eight archipelagos (Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Niue and the Cook Islands) in the south‐west Pacific.MethodsFor each island, we determined the orchid species present, age, area, isolation, and indicators of topographic heterogeneity and climatic variability. We then determined the power of various biogeographical, climatic and topographic variables to predict the number of indigenous and endemic species on archipelagos, and on islands within archipelagos, using generalized linear models (GLMs) and generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) respectively.ResultsWe identified a total of 552 species in 110 genera. Area was the only significant biogeographical variable for predicting patterns of orchid species diversity on archipelagos and islands. However, climatic and topographic predictors of habitat diversity performed similarly well. The range in curvature was the best indicator of species richness from the topographic variables, while the range of temperature was the best climatic predictor. These key variables were often strongly correlated with area.Main conclusionsClimatic and topographic variables are useful indicators of habitat diversity. The high explanatory power of area and climatic and topographic predictors, and the strong correlation among these variables, suggests that increasing habitat diversity with increasing area may be the major driver of the species–area relationship. Using climatic and topographic variables as predictors of species richness therefore allows determining the key environmental factors and processes driving species diversity.

Edge Influence on Diversity of Orchids in Andean Cloud Forests

Cloud forests harbor high levels of orchid diversity. However, due to the high fragmentation of these forests in the Andes, combined with the pressure for new agricultural land, orchid diversity is highly threatened. Despite this worrying scenario, few studies have assessed the effects of habitat loss specifically on orchid assemblages in the Andes. The aim of this study was to analyze the edge effect on orchids in cloud forest fragments of varying size. We measured forest structure, neighboring land cover and edge effect on orchid abundance, species richness and beta-diversity, by sampling assemblages along edge-to-interior transects in six different sized Andean (southwest Colombia) forest remnants. We recorded 11,127 stem-individuals of orchids in 141 species. Within the forest, edges sustained equal or more species than interior plots. Our results revealed neither patch metrics nor forest structure showed any significant association to orchid diversity at any scale. Nonetheless, from our observations in composition, the type of neighboring cover, particularly pastures, negatively influences interior species (richness and composition) in larger reserves. This might be due to the fact that some species found in interior plots tend to be confined, with sporadic appearances in regeneration forest and are very scarce or absent in pastures. Species richness differed significantly between matrix types. Our results suggest that (1) orchid diversity shows spatial variability in response to disturbances, but the response is independent from forest structure, patch size and patch geometry; (2) orchid communities are negatively affected by covers, and this pattern is reflected in reduced richness and high species turnover; (3) orchid richness edge effect across a pasture-interior gradient. Two forest management implications can be discerned from our results: (1) management strategies aiming to reduce edge effects may focus on improvement regeneration conditions around pasture lands; and (2) local scale management and conservation activities of natural forests in cloud forests will favor small reserves that harbor high levels of richness.

STUDY OF ORCHIDS DIVERSITY IN KOLLI HILLS, EASTERN GHATS, TAMIL NADU.

The present paper deals with the diversity of orchids in kolli hills. In past years above 70 sps of Orchids distributed in kolli hills.(Karuppasamy et al., 2009). But currently 42 species are dominant over in this area. Among this habitats Epiphytic 52.38% of Orchids contributed higher percentage followedby Terrestrial 42.86% and Lithophytic 4.76%. Epiphytic Orchids are highly trophical and sub-trophical in distributed. Most of orchids like Eris, bulbophyllum keitense and Habineria are in extinct stage because of deforestation and utilization. In this stage conservation of Orchids is most important. The collected orchids are listed below according to their alphabetical order.

Primer registro de <em>Epidendrum schunkei</em> D.E. Benn & Christenson (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) para los Andes suroccidentales de Ecuador

Se colectó a Epidendrum schunkei D.E. Benn & Christenson en bosques siempreverdes y semidecidous piemontanos en la provincia del El Oro, Ecuador. Esta especie era previamente conocida del extremo noroccidental de los Andes de Perú, y las localidades ecuatorianas incrementan la distribución de la especie en 110 km al N de la localidad tipo y su rango altitudinal por ca 1000 m. Los nuevos registros de E. schunkei sugieren que la diversidad de orquídeas en el sureste de Ecuador puede incluir especies adicionales actualmente conocidas solo en Perú.

Traditional Phytotheraphic Record of Orchids of Odisha and their Conservation Strategies

Odisha being the coastal state of Indian sub-continent records a rich medicinal plant diversity in general and orchids in particular. Since time immemorial, these important plant resources remains in a neglected state leading to an alarming situation in near future. Virgin forests of Odisha spreading in areas like Gandhmardan Hills, Niyamgiri Hills, Deomali Hills, Mahendragiri Hills and Similipal Biosphere Reserve hoards rich orchid diversity enduring luxuriant growth. Out of 137 species of Orchids recorded so far, Similipal area alone harbours about 94 orchid species possessing high aesthetic and medicinal value. Unfortunately, the medicinal importance of orchids of this region has drawn least attention from both the scientific fraternity as well as general populace compared to their role in horticulture field. Orchid species of Odisha like Acampe carinata (Griff.) Panigr., A. praemorsa (Roxb.) Blatt. & McCann, Geodorum recurvum (Roxb.) Alston, Habenaria marginata Coleb., Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Bl. and Vanda testacea (Lindl.) Rchb.f. are used to cure rheumatism, arthritis, dysentery, asthma and snake bite etc. However, the medicinal potentialities of these orchids are not so well exploited though they possess immense curative values. Further, as the forests of Odisha are experiencing various anthropogenic as well as abiotic pressures, many of the orchid populations are fast shrinking leading to their mass depletion. Realizing this, the current communication highlights the importance of 26 medicinal orchids very often used by the tribal populace of Odisha to get relief from various ailments. Concurrently, some major conservational strategies have also been projected.

Orchid Species Richness along Elevational and Environmental Gradients in Yunnan, China.

The family Orchidaceae is not only one of the most diverse families of flowering plants, but also one of the most endangered plant taxa. Therefore, understanding how its species richness varies along geographical and environmental gradients is essential for conservation efforts. However, such knowledge is rarely available, especially on a large scale. We used a database extracted from herbarium records to investigate the relationships between orchid species richness and elevation, and to examine how elevational diversity in Yunnan Province, China, might be explained by mid-domain effect (MDE), species–area relationship (SAR), water–energy dynamics (WED), Rapoport’s Rule, and climatic variables. This particular location was selected because it is one of the primary centers of distribution for orchids. We recorded 691 species that span 127 genera and account for 88.59% of all confirmed orchid species in Yunnan. Species richness, estimated at 200-m intervals along a slope, was closely correlated with elevation, peaking at 1395 to 1723 m. The elevational pattern of orchid richness was considerably shaped by MDE, SAR, WED, and climate. Among those four predictors, climate was the strongest while MDE was the weakest for predicting the elevational pattern of orchid richness. Species richness showed parabolic responses to mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP), with maximum richness values recorded at 13.7 to 17.7°C for MAT and 1237 to 1414 mm for MAP. Rapoport’s Rule also helped to explain the elevational pattern of species richness in Yunnan, but those influences were not entirely uniform across all methods. These results suggested that the elevational pattern of orchid species richness in Yunnan is collectively shaped by several mechanisms related to geometric constraints, size of the land area, and environments. Because of the dominant role of climate in determining orchid richness, our findings may contribute to a better understanding of the potential effects of climate change on orchid diversity, and the development of conservation strategies for orchids.

ORCHID RE-INVENTORY IN PEGUNUNGAN MENOREH, PREFECTURE PROVINCE OF KULONPROGO, D.I. YOGYAKARTA

<p>Pegunungan Menoreh is one area with high orchid diversity. In this area, have a suitable climate for growing orchids. The last research was conducted by Nugroho et al. (2010) in Pegunungan Menoreh that found 11 species orchid. However, it was still potentially to found more orchid. This research has been carried out on May 2011- November 2012 after last inventory on 2010. The aim of this research is to complete the basic data of orchid diversity in Pegunungan Menoreh, Kulonprogo, D.I. Yogyakarta. This research was done by explorative method in Baladewa, Bukit Krengseng, Ngasinan and Watublencong. The results showed 19 orchid species from 17 genera consists of 6 terrestrial species, 2 saprophyte species, 10 epiphytic species and 1 amoebophyte species. The terrestrial species were Arundina graminifolia (D. Don) Hochr., Dienia ophrydis(J. König) Seidenf., Malaxis sp., Nervilia aragoana Commons ex Gaudich., Spathoglottis plicata Blume and Vanilla planifolia Jacks. Ex Andrews. The saprophyte species were Didymoplexis pallens Griff. and Epipogium roseum(D. Don) Lindl. The epiphyte species were Acriopsis lilifolia (Koenig) Ormerod, Appendicula ramosa Blume.,Cymbidium sp., Dendrobium mutabile Blume (Lindl.), D. crumenatum Swartz, Eria retusa (Blume) Rchb.f., E.Javanica (Sw.) Blume, Flickingeria fimbriata(Blume) A.D. Hawkes, Liparis condylobulbon Rchb.f. and Oberonia sp. The amoebophytes was Zeuxine gracillis. </p><p><strong>Keywords</strong> : orchid diversity, Pegunungan Menoreh, re-inventory</p>

Phytogeography of New Guinean orchids: patterns of species richness and turnover

AbstractAimThe aims of this study were (1) to assess the spatial distribution of orchid species richness in New Guinea, and (2) to examine patterns of species turnover in the orchid community through phytogeographical regionalization. We aimed to achieve these goals using botanical collection records, species distribution models (SDMs) and partitioning around medoids (PAM) clustering.LocationNew Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago and surrounding islands.MethodsWe combined 6760 collection records of 532 orchid species with 16 uncorrelated environmental predictor variables, to model species distributions at 5 arc‐min resolution, using the presence‐only modelling algorithm, Maxent. All SDMs were tested for significant deviation from random expectation using bias‐corrected null models. The results from significant SDMs were stacked to create a map of orchid species richness. The same significant SDMs were used to derive phytogeographical regions through a PAM cluster analysis.ResultsOf the 532 modelled species distributions, 283 showed significantly stronger correlation with environmental conditions than expected by chance alone. It is inferred that the central mountain ranges of eastern New Guinea, including part of the Papuan Peninsula, harbour the highest levels of orchid species richness. The study area was divided into eight phytogeographical regions that maximized internal community similarity among orchids. Two of these regions are found almost exclusively in western New Guinea, while the remainder are more evenly distributed.Main conclusionsOur study provides an objective assessment of the distribution of relative orchid species richness in New Guinea. The eight derived phytogeographical regions are largely consistent with existing knowledge of the island's internal biogeography. These findings give insight into one of the global hotspots of orchid diversity, and improve our understanding of the phytogeography of New Guinea.