João Barbosa Rodrigues: a compilation of his remarkable trajectory as a scientist and main contributions to orchidology

Abstract

The importance of Barbosa Rodrigues’ works for science is indisputable and their impact on the knowledge of the orchid flora of Brazil deserves a special mention. Here we present a summary of the main contributions of Barbosa Rodrigues to Orchidaceae, the second largest botanical family in Brazil. We quantified the contribution of Barbosa Rodrigues to the current knowledge of the diversity of Orchidaceae by consulting three important botanical databases: Flora do Brasil (2020), International Plant Names Index (IPNI) and World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP). Of the taxonomic names proposed by Barbosa Rodrigues, 265 are currently accepted, corresponding to 11 genera, two subgenera, four sections, one subsection, 246 species and one variety. This survey indicates that Barbosa Rodrigues described about 9% of the Brazilian orchid species and is evidence of his great dedication and commitment to the orchid flora of Brazil. The attribution of the specific epithet rodriguesii to several species of orchids in honor to Barbosa Rodrigues expresses the recognition of academic peers and reinforces the grandeur of his role as an international scientist.