Neottia bicallosa X.H. Jin, 2014

Jin, Xiao-Hua, 2014, A new species of Neottia (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae) from southwestern China, Phytotaxa 177 (3), pp. 188-190 : 188-189

Neottia bicallosa X.H. Jin , sp. nov. ( Figs. 1–2 )

Habitu N. karoana et N. microphylla subsimilis, sed lobis lateralibus oblongis, callis carnosis, lobo medio trilobo distinguenda.

Type:— CHINA. Xizhang (Tibet): Chayu County, east slope of Gaoligongshan Mountains , in the alpine grassland., 4100 m, 9 July 2008, DLJ-ET (Dulongjiang Expedition Team) 1736 (holotype PE!) .

Autotrophic plants, 2–5 cm tall. Roots 1 mm in diam. Stem with several sheaths at base. Leaves 2, borne on ground, opposite, ovate, acute, 0.9–1 × 0.8–0.9 cm. Inflorescence 4–5 cm long, pubescent. Floral bract lanceolate, 0.5 cm long. Ovary and pedicel 1.5–3.5 mm long, glabrous, ovary fusiform. Dorsal sepal elliptic, 1-veined, obtuse, 2 × 0.8 mm; lateral sepals slightly oblique, 1-veined, obtuse, 3 × 1 mm; petals elliptic, 1-veined, obtuse, 2 × 0.8 mm; lip rhombic, 3-lobed, 2 × 3 mm; lateral lobes erect, base with two fleshy thickened calli between them, semi-orbicular, 0.3 mm long; middle lobes 3-lobed, lobules dentate; column erect, 0.2 mm.

Distribution and Habitat:—This new species usually grows on rocks in humid alpine grassland with elevation of 4,000 -4,200 m. It is one of a few orchids recorded in elevation more than 4,000 m in China. During our fieldwork in Eastern Himalayas in 2013, two additional populations of this species were discovered, one in Gongshan County, Yunnan Province, the other in Chayu County, Xizang Autonomous Region. Both populations are far from any direct threats. Hence, this new species should be considered as ‘Least Concern’ according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN, 2001).

Relationships: — Neottia bicallosa is sympatric with two congeners, Neottia microphylla ( Chen & Luo 2002: 438) Chen, Gale & Cribb (2009: 189) and N. karoana ( Lindley 1857: 176) Szlachetko (1995: 117) , and closely related with them by having two ovate leaves less than 1 cm long, green and small flowers, and suberect to erect column. However, N. bicallosa can readily be distinguished from the other two species. Neottia bicallosa has rhombic lip (quadrate in N. karoana and obovate-cuneate in N. microphylla ), oblong lateral lobes with two calli between them (lateral lobes semi-orbicular and without a callus in the base in N. karoana , lip not lobed and without callus in the base), mid lobe 3-lobed (lip 3-lobed in N. karoana , lip deeply bifid at apex in N. microphylla ), lobules dentate (lobule margins entire in N. karoana and N. microphylla ).

Figures

FIGURE 1. Neottia bicallosa X.H. Jin. A. Habit. B. Front view of flower. C. Dorsal sepal. D. Lateral sepal. E. Petal. F. Lip. G. Ovary and column. (All drawn from the holotype by Sun, Y.B.)

FIGURE 2. Habitat of Neottia bicallosa X.H. Jin (Photo by Jin, X.H.)