Epidendrum manusalinasiae (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae), new species from the high Andean forests of Manu National Park, Cusco, Perú

Scientists have discovered and described Epidendrum manusalinasiae, a new species of orchid belonging to the Saxicola group, found in the high Andean forests of Peru's Manu National Park. This novel species is distinguished by its elliptic leaves, pale yellow to green flowers with red-brown tinges, and a unique lip structure featuring a wide cordiform platform and plicated mid-lobe. The discovery contributes to the understanding of orchid biodiversity in the region, providing insights into its distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status. Researchers compared it with closely related species like E. churubambense and E. herreranum, highlighting its distinct morphological traits. This finding underscores the importance of Manu National Park as a hotspot for orchid diversity.

ALFARO, L. E., SALINAS, J. D., HÁGSATER, E., & CANO, A. (2024). Epidendrum manusalinasiae (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae), new species from the high Andean forests of Manu National Park, Cusco, Perú. Phytotaxa, 664(1), 68–74. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.664.1.6