The first natural hybrid in the section Irapeana of the orchid genus Cypripedium is described and illustrated based on Guatemalan material. A molecular evaluation of the discovery is provided. Specimens with intermediate flowers between C. irapeanum and C. dickinsonianum within ITS and Xdh sequences have the signal sequence of both these species. The analysis of plastid sequences indicated that the maternal line is C. irapeanum. Information about the ecology, embryology and conservation status of the novelty is given, together with a distribution map of its parental species, C. irapeanum and C. dickinsonianum. A discussion of the hybridization between Cypripedium species is presented. The potential hybrid zones between the representatives of Cypripedium section Irapeana which were estimated based on the results of ecological niche modeling analysis are located in the Maya Highlands (C. dickinsonianum and C. irapeanum) and the eastern part of Southern Sierra Madre (C. molle and C. irapeanum). Moreover, all three Cypripedium species could inhabit Cordillera Neovolcánica according to the obtained models; however, it should be noticed that this region is well-distanced from the edges of the known geographical range of C. molle.
A collection of 121 accessions of the legume genus Alysicnrpus was grown out and classified using morphological and agronomic attributes. Nineteen morphological-agronomic groups were identified and matched, where possible, to previous taxonomic classifications. Substantial diversity was found for perenniality, plant habit, flowering and pod maturity dates, seed size, pod shape and pod surface sculpture and for attributes involving dimensions of plant parts. Confusion in previous species naming was also apparent. The value of a broad classification of a large collection of plants as a prelude and aid to subsequent research is highlighted, and the possible agronomic potential of the morphological-agronomic groups also considered.
Chamaedorea vanninii Cascante & Muller (Arecaceae, Chamaedoreeae) from the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica, Southern Central America, is described and illustrated. This new species is characterized by its orange ripe fruits with a conspicuous echinulate-medusoid epicarp. It is related to C. robertii which possesses black and smooth fruits. In addition, the androecium of staminate flowers of C. vanninii is composed of a single whorl of three stamens. This new species belongs to subgenus Chamaedoropsis and is provisionally considered as an endemic species and Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List criteria) because of its restricted geographic range and small population.
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