Vanda youyangensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae; Vandeae), a new species from Chongqing, China

Abstract

Vanda youyangensis, a new species of Orchidaceae, is described from plants collected in Youyang, Chongqing, China. This new species is akin to Vanda falcata subsp. richardsiana (Christenson) Motes (= V. richardsiana (Christenson) L.M.Gardiner), from which it differs in its smaller perianth segments, a much shorter cylindrical spur (4.0–5.0 mm versus 10.0–11.0 mm), purple-red dorsal-sepal margins, mucronate lateral sepals, a swollen lip mid-lobe, and a longitudinally dilated lamella on the disc. The relationship of the new species to V. falcata subsp. richardsiana and the taxonomic limits of the V. falcata complex are discussed.