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Type: Article
Published: 2026-09-02
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Contributions to the knowledge of Colombian Myoxanthus (Orchidaceae) I: A new species, two new records for the country, and new documentation

Grupo de investigación y conservación de la flora de la Región Capital como estrategia de adaptación al cambio climático; Jardín Botánico de Bogotá “José Celestino Mutis”; Av. José Celestino Mutis #68-95; Bogotá; Colombia; Grupo de Investigación Schultes; Fundación Ecotonos; Carrera 72 #13A-56; Cali; Colombia; Protect the Andes Foundation; Armenia; Quindío; Colombia
Protect the Andes Foundation; Armenia; Quindío; Colombia
Independent researcher
Independent researcher
Lankester Botanical Garden; University of Costa Rica; Cartago; Costa Rica
Monocots Colombian orchids endemic species Pleurothallids Restrepia affinity taxonomy

Abstract

Myoxanthus is a Neotropical genus of orchids comprising 57 species, of which nearly 20 have been recorded for Colombia. Despite decades of herbarium collecting, some species previously cited for the country lack supporting material or have not been deposited in any scientific collection. In this work, we contribute to the knowledge of Colombian Myoxanthus by describing a new species, M. quindiensis, formally recording M. congestus and M. mejiae for the country, and providing new photographic digital documentation of M. cimex, M. claudiana and M. uxorius. For all taxa, we present detailed descriptions, Lankester Composite Dissection Plates, a distribution map, and discussions of their morphological affinities, together with notes on their ecology and distribution. With these contributions, the number of Myoxanthus species for Colombia increases to 24. These findings underscore the need to continue field exploration and herbarium surveys to clarify the actual distribution and conservation status of species within the genus.

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How to Cite

Restrepo, E., Styles-Duque, S., Barbosa, D.E.C., López, H. & Rojas-Alvarado, G. (2026) Contributions to the knowledge of Colombian Myoxanthus (Orchidaceae) I: A new species, two new records for the country, and new documentation. Phytotaxa 772 (3): 201–225. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.772.3.1