Liparis phifarelisiana (Orchidaceae: Malaxideae), a new endemic species from Réunion
Wendy Savy Buquet
V. Lavergne
Laurent Catan
F. Vandeschricke
Mirana Gauche
Marie-Stella Jagou
Bertrand Mallet
Thierry Pailler
Abstract
Based on an integrative taxonomic approach (morphological and molecular analysis of ITS and matK), Liparis phifarelisiae, a new species endemic to Réunion Island is described. The first formal record of Liparis perrieri in the Mascarene archipelago is also documented. Liparis phifarelisiae is distinguished by its tetragonal inflorescence rachis, multiple pseudobulbs, and upward-oriented purple-violet flowers, and is recovered as sister to L. formosana (ITS BS=100, K2P distance=0.0112). Both taxa are assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) under IUCN Red List criteria.