Revisión taxonómica del género Sobralia (Orchidaceae) sección Racemosae en Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract:This research presents a taxonomic revision of the genus Sobralia (Orchidaceae), section Racemosae, in Ecuador. The study was based on fieldwork, as well as the review of material deposited in herbaria; 166 specimens were examined (145 from national and international herbaria and 21 collected in the field). Six species were recognized: S. gloriosa, S. luerorum, S. pulcherrima, S. rosea, S. tamboana, and a new species not yet formally described (Sobralia sp. nov.). Thirty-nine erroneous identifications in herbarium collections were corrected, especially between S. rosea and S. pulcherrima, possibly due to morphological variability, sympatry, and hybridization processes. A taxonomic key, detailed morphological descriptions, ecological data, geographical distribution maps, and a preliminary conservation status assessment of each species are presented, following IUCN criteria. The results contribute to the taxonomic knowledge of the genus Sobralia in Ecuador and constitute a solid basis for future systematic, biogeographical, and conservation research on this critical group of Neotropical orchids.