A Rare and Extraordinary New Species of Trichopilia from Costa Rica

Researchers have discovered Trichopilia gustavoi, a rare and extraordinary new species of orchid within the globally significant UNESCO World Heritage Site, Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves. Known only from its type locality—a pristine forest in Finca Las Alturas de Cotón near La Amistad National Park—this species is distinguished by its falcate petals, boat-shaped lip with scattered verrucae, and a sigmoid column. Morphologically similar to T. marginata, T. gustavoi represents an exceptional addition to the orchid genus, honoring University of Costa Rica Rector Gustavo Gutiérrez Espeleta for his contributions to biodiversity research and conservation.

Pupulin, F., & Karremans, A. P. (2024). A Rare and Extraordinary New Species of Trichopilia from Costa Rica. Harvard Papers in Botany, 29(2). https://doi.org/10.3100/hpib.v29iss2.2024.n10