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BackgroundThe generic separateness and specific composition of the orchid genus Cyrtochilum was discussed for almost two centuries. Over the years several smaller taxa were segregated from this taxon, but their separateness was recently questioned based on molecular studies outcomes. The aim of our study was to revise concepts of morphological-based generic delimitation in Cyrtochilum-alliance and to compare it with the results of genetic analysis. We used phylogenetic framework in combination with phenetical analysis to provide proposal of the generic delimitation within Cyrtochilum-alliance. Two molecular markers, ITS and matK were used to construct phylogenetic tree. A total of over 5000 herbarium specimens were included in the morphological examination and the phenetical analysis included 29 generative and vegetative characters.ResultsComparative morphology of the previously recognized genera: Buesiella, Dasyglossum, Neodryas, Rusbyella, Siederella and Trigonochilum is presented. A new species within the the latter genus is described. Fourteen new combinations are proposed. The key to the identification of the genera of the Cyrtochilum-alliance and morphological characteristics of each genus are provided.ConclusionsA total of six separated genera are recognized within Cyrtochilum-alliance. The reasons of the incompatibility between morphological differences observed within studied taxa and phylogenetic tree are argued and the taxonomic implications of such inconsistency, resulting in fragmentation or lumping of taxonomic units, are discussed.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40529-017-0164-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Two of us found some years ago that Phloeophila nummularia, type species of the genus Phloeophila, was placed in a molecular phylogentic study in Pabstiella. In this article, we show with the inclusion of new sequences of Phloeophila that this result was not correct. Phloeophila forms a unique clade in Pleurothallidinae and is not closely related to Pabstiella. In addition, the exclusion of three species, one transferred to Dryadella and two others to Acianthera, is proposed.

-(Species richness and endemism of species of Baptistonia (Orchidaceae, Oncidiinae) in Brazil). Species endemism and species richness are complementary concepts usually used in biodiversity evaluation. They can be useful tools for efficiently defining conservation areas. In the present study, they are applied to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, based on an orchid group endemic to this biome, the genus Baptistonia. The study of the species richness shows one very rich area (The Serra do Castelo, ES) and six rich areas. Three of these areas show an endemism index greater than 1. Eight areas, most important for biodiversity conservation, are proposed. Hierarchical relationships of endemism between nine phytogeographical areas are evaluated based on parsimony analysis of endemicity. This analysis confirms: (a) that two important endemism centers can be recognized in the southern ecological part of the Atlantic Forest, and (b) together with the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Baptistonia, that the Serra do Castelo appears to be the diversification center of the genus.

Resumen:Se describe e ilustra una especie nueva del género Laelia: L. mottae Archila, Chiron, Szlach. & E.A. Pérez-García. Durante muchos años esta especie se consideró como una variante enana de Laelia anceps; sin embargo, el análisis de ejemplares, tanto silvestres como cultivados, permitió establecer que en realidad se trata de dos especies. Laelia mottae es exclusiva del sureste de Guatemala y del sur de Honduras. Se comparan los principales caracteres morfológicos de L. anceps y L. mottae, y se discuten las diferencias en su distribución, hábitat y cultivo. Palabras clave: Centroamérica, Guatemala, Honduras, Laelia anceps subsp. anceps, Laelia anceps subsp. dawsonii, orquídea. Abstract:We describe and illustrate a new species of the genus Laelia: L. mottae Archila, Chiron, Szlach. & E.A. Pérez-García. For many years, this species was considered a dwarf variant of Laelia anceps; however, the analysis of fi eld-coming and cultivate specimens enabled us to conclude that they actually are two species. Laelia mottae comes from south-eastern Guatemala and southern Honduras. We compare the main morphological characters between L. anceps and L. mottae, and we discuss the differences in distribution, habitat, and cultivation between these two species of horticultural interest.

A new species is proposed in the genus Anathallis. It is described, illustrated and compared with its relatives. A key to the Amazonian species of Anathallis is presented. We propose a new combination in the genus Lankesteriana.

Hybridization is a process that can occur randomly in nature between different genetically compatible species, as is observed within the genus Catasetum. Thus, this work proposes the description of a new nothospecies found in the lake of Castanho located in the municipality of Careiro Castanho. It is described, illustrated and compared with its parental species: C. gnomus and C. saccatum. In addition, information regarding the distribution, habitat and phenology as well as a key to the natural hybrids occurring in the Brazilian state of Amazonas are presented. Taxonomic notes are presented for five taxa of the genus currently treated as species that, after performing controlled pollination and germination in vitro, have proven to be in reality natural hybrids. Finally, we propose to place C. sanguineum into the synonymy of C. naso.