A molecular phylogeny of the Laelia alliance (Orchidaceae) and a reassessment of Laelia and Schomburgkia

Abstract

We provide a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Laelia alliance based on sampling of 20 of an estimated 24 species, and seven plastid regions plus nrITS 1 & 2 analyzed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference. Furthermore, we used coded indels to evaluate their effect on the phylogenetic relationships and/or support values (bootstrap and posterior probabilities). Our results confirm the existence of two clades, the long known Laelia (endemic to México at middle to high elevations) and Schomburgkia (a more widely distributed taxon). Both clades were strongly supported by PP values and moderate BS; thus, we preferred to recognize them as separate genera with a reappraised morphology and taxonomic delimitation. The inclusion of coded indels in the analyses was of great utility; we could identify the probable hybrid origin of L. gouldiana and L. halbingeriana. We propose new combinations to accommodate the taxonomic changes resulting from our study. We transfer L. anceps subsp. anceps, L. anceps subsp. dawsonii, L. aurea, L. mottae, and L. rubescens to Schomburgkia, with the second taxon elevated to species level; the molecular evidence together with previous published work on the morphology, phenology and geography of the group support these decisions. Lastly, the recently described genus Encabarcenia is considered as a synonym of Schomburgkia and, as a result, a new combination is proposed.

Flora das cangas da Serra dos Carajás, Pará, Brasil: Orchidaceae

“…na atual circunscrição incluindo as espécies de Schomburgkia Lindl., apresenta morfogia muito variada, tanto na parte vegetativa quanto na reprodutiva. Contudo, uma parte das espécies pode ser caracterizada por apresentar plantas com pseudobulbos sempre compressos lateralmente, inflorescências subumbeladas, brácteas da parte de baixo da inflorescência que excedem os internós dos pseudobulbos, flores de coloração variada e sépalas e pétalas com margem fortemente onduladas (Carnevali & Ramírez-Morillo 2003d;Peraza-Flores et al 2016).…”

An Overview of Orchid Protocorm-Like Bodies: Mass Propagation, Biotechnology, Molecular Aspects, and Breeding

“…An example would be the genera Laelia and Sophronitis, commonly used in crossings with the genus Cattleya to incorporate hybrids with red, yellow and orange flowers, little present in Cattleya. Both Laelia and Sophronitis have undergone more than one change in their names in the last decade, with new changes possibly still remaining due to advances in molecular markers and phylogenetic aspects related to this complex and diverse plant family [12,13].…”

Anther development in tribe Epidendreae: orchids with contrasting pollination syndromes

“…In Laelia speciosa , Soto-Arenas & Solano-Gómez (2007) reported pollination by bumblebees of the genus Bombus . Recently, Peraza-Flores, Carnevali & Van den Berg (2016) segregated some members of Laelia into Schomburgkia , although L. speciosa remains as the type and most basal Laelia.…”