Marta Kolanowska

Niche conservatism and the future potential range of Epipactis helleborine (Orchidaceae).

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the current distribution of suitable niches for the invasive orchid species, Epipactis helleborine, and to estimate the possibility of its further expansion. Moreover, niche modeling tools were used to explain its rapid expansion in North America and to test the niche conservatism of the species. The maximum entropy method was used to create models of the suitable niche distribution. A database of E. helleborine localities was prepared based on the examination of herbarium specimens, information from electronic databases as well as data gathered during field works. The differences between the niches occupied by native and invasive populations were evaluated using the niche overlap and niche identity test indexes. Moreover, the coverage of the most suitable habitats for the species was measured for three future scenarios as well as for the present time model. Populations of E. helleborine occupy North American west coast habitats very similar to those preferred by native, Eurasian populations, while the expansion in the east coast is related to the niche shift. The created models of suitable niche distribution indicate that the species does not realize its potential niche in the native range. The total surface of the habitats potentially available for E. helleborine will decrease in all climate change scenarios created for 2080.

Psilochilus antioquiensis (Triphoreae, Orchidaceae), a New Species from Colombia

Psilochilus antioquiensis, a new orchid species from Colombia, is described and illustrated. The differences between P. antioquiensis and some similar species are discussed, and a key to the Colombian species of Psilochilus is provided. Information about the ecology and distribution of the new species is also given.

A New Species of Psilochilus (Triphoreae, Orchidaceae) from Colombia

Abstract A new Psilochilus species from the Western Cordillera of Colombia, Psilochilus vallecaucanus is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to P. macrophyllus, from which it differs by a long-clawed lip with obscure, obtuse lateral lobes. The relevant morphological features are illustrated. A key to the species of Psilochilus is provided. The information about the ecology and distribution of the new species is provided.

Notes on Pachyphyllinae (Vandoideae, Orchidaceae) with a description of a new genus

The Neotropical subtribe Pachyphyllinae comprises orchids distributed mainly along the Andes and characterized by the monopodial type of growth. The systematic position of this taxon within Orchidaceae and its generic composition was intensively discussed, but so far no comprehensive morphological study on the group was conducted. In this paper the morphological descriptions of all genera included in Pachyphyllinae are provided and the key to their identification is presented. In addition, the taxonomic position of Raycadenco is discussed. The research revealed the existence of two distinctive species which were classified until now within Pachyphyllum or Fernandezia. Since neither the flower morphology of those two species nor the gynostemium structure fulfils the concept of any known orchid taxon, the new genus is described here under the name Valdiviesoa. The two representatives of the new taxon are illustrated and the photographs of the plants are provided. The information about their distribution and ecology are provided. The morphological characters of all Pachyphyllinae representatives are compared.

The naturalization status of African Spotted Orchid (Oeceoclades maculata) in Neotropics

Naturalization status of the African orchid introduced in the Neotropics, Oeceoclades maculata, was studied. Ecological niche modeling was applied to estimate the present distribution of the suitable habitats for the African Spotted Orchid. The similarity of the niches occupied by natural and invasive populations of the studied species was calculated. Moreover, future distribution of its suitable habitats was estimated on the basis of three different climatic change scenarios, and the potential further expansion scale was calculated based on range overlap test. Although currently O. maculata seems to have reached its potential limits of invasion in South America and as for now it should not spread to the new habitats, the species still has a potential of invasiveness in North America. The future climate changes will probably result in shifts in the distribution of African Spotted Orchid suitable niches thereby causing its expansion to the new areas.

Pterichis moralesii (Cranichidinae, Orchidaceae), a New Species from Colombia

Pterichis moralesii, a new orchid species from Colombia, is described and illustrated. The differences between P. moralesii and similar species are briefly discussed and a key to the Colombian species of Pterichis, as well as information on the ecology and distribution of P. moralesii are provided.

A new species of Hapalorchis (Spiranthinae, Orchidaceae) from Colombia

Hapalorchis bicornis, a new species from Colombia, is described, illustrated and placed within the key for the determination of Colombian Hapalorchis species. The information about the distribution and ecology of the new species as well as brief taxonomic notes are provided.

Psilochilus tuerckheimii (Orchidaceae), a New Species from Guatemala

Psilochilus tuerckheimii Kolan. & Szlach., a new orchid species from Guatemala is described, illustrated and placed within an identification key to the Central American species of Psilochilus. The taxonomic affinity of P. tuerckheimii is briefly discussed.

Notes on Erycina-complex with descriptions of new Colombian species

The morphological differences between orchid genera synonymized recently under the name Erycina, i.e., Psygmorchis, Stacyella and Erycina s.str. were evaluated. The results of the revision complemented with the available molecular data support the traditional recognition of three different genera. The morphological description of the taxa included in Erycina-complex and artificial keys to the subordinate taxa are provided. Two new species of Psygmorchis are described and illustrated based on Colombian material and their taxonomic affinities are briefly discussed.

Phylogenetic climatic niche conservatism and evolution of climatic suitability in Neotropical Angraecinae (Vandeae, Orchidaceae) and their closest African relatives

In the present study we investigate the concept of phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC) within the American species of angraecoid orchids (Campylocentrum and Dendrophylax) and their closest relatives in the Old World (Angraecum) using ecological niche modelling (ENM). The predicted niche occupancy profiles were matched with the outcomes of previous phylogenetic studies to reconstruct the evolution of climatic suitability within the orchid group studied and evaluate the role of niche differentiation in the speciation of Angraecinae. No correlation between preferred niches and taxonomic relationships within the orchid group studied was revealed. The climatic suitability of the majority of the species overlapped each other, either fully or partially. This pattern is also present in the species of other orchid genera. Our research confirms a significant level of PNC in Orchidaceae, even within taxa exhibiting a transatlantic disjunction. The analysis of the evolution of climatic suitability indicated that the adaptation to various climatic conditions is not a factor that has driven speciation within orchids studied.