J Syst Evol ›› 2009, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (6): 599-604.DOI: 10.1111/j.1759-6831.2009.00047.x

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Singchia and Gunnaria, two new genera of Orchidaceae

1,2,3Zhong-Jian LIU* 1Li-Jun CHEN   

  1. 1 (The National Orchid Conservation Center of China (The Orchid Conservation & Research Center of Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518114, China)
    2 (The Center for Biotechnology and BioMedicine, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China)
    3 (College of Forestry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China) * Author for correspondence. E-mail: .
  • Received:2009-05-14 Published:2009-10-14

Abstract: Singchia Z.J. Liu & L.J. Chen, a new orchid genus, is established based on the new species S. malipoensis Z.J. Liu & L.J. Chen found in Southeast Yunnan of China. The new genus is related to Pteroceras, from which it differs by having a lip with its basal margins immovably adnate to the lower part of the pendent columnfoot, a thin-walled spur, and very unequally and deeply split pollinia each with a distinct caudicle. In addition to a discussion on Ascocentrum pusillum, a species of questionable placement, another new genus, Gunnaria S.C. Chen ex Z.J. Liu & L.J. Chen is set up, and a new combination, G. pusilla (Aver.) Z.J. Liu & L.J. Chen, is made in the present paper. This new genus, Gunnaria, differs from its ally Ascocentrum by having a more or less cross-shaped pollinarium, sulcate or split pollinia each with a distinct caudicle attached to a common linear stipe much longer than either pollinia or viscidium, and strongly incurved side-lobes of the lip.

Key words: Singchia Z.J. Liu & L.J. Chen, S. malipoensis Z.J. Liu & L.J. Chen, Gunnaria S.C. Chen ex Z.J. Liu & L.J. Chen, G. pusilla (Aver.) Z.J. Liu & L.J. Chen, new genera, new species, new combination, Yunnan, China.