Epidendrum soratae Rchb.f., (1878b: 24)

Quispe-Melgar, Harold Rusbelth, Llacua-Tineo, Elizabeth Santiago Ayala Yashira Stefani & Hágsater, Eric, 2023, Synopsis of the Peruvian species of Epidendrum (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae) belonging to the Scabrum group, subgroup Soratae: diversity and description of a new species, Phytotaxa 603 (1), pp. 1-26 : 19

19. Epidendrum soratae Rchb.f., (1878b: 24) . ( Figure 10C ).

Type:— BOLIVIA. Lacarejá : close to Sorata, monte Chilieca, 2700–3100 m, G. Mandón 1138. (holotype: W, isotypes. AMES! BR! G x2! K! NY! P x3! S! W x2!)

Distribution:— Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. In Peru it is found in the departments of Apurimac, Cusco, Huancavelica and Junín. It is the most widely distributed species within the whole subgroup, however, its altitudinal range is very restricted, and it can be considered a high Andean species. Records for Peru are found mainly in the central and southern region of the Andes Mountain range. It inhabits wet montane forests.

Notes:— Epidendrum soratae was the first species of the subgroup described, together with E. scopulorum , and is recognized by the small plants, the branching stems, the leaves lanceolate, sub-acute, very short inflorescences, the sepals 6.8–7 mm, and the lip reniform and slightly 3-lobed, with the mid-lobe short and slightly bilobed. Due to the vegetative architecture many species have been confused with E. soratae . Today we know that the floral analysis of the species of this subgroup is essential to determine the correct identification. Epidendrum scopulorum was collected in a locality and similar elevation as E. soratae , but that species has sepals 9 mm long and the lip is cordiform with the apex obtuse.

Conservation Status:— DD. Data deficient. As most orchids, listed in CITES appendix II.

Examined specimens:— PERU. Apurimac: Prov. Andahuaylas, Dist. Pacobamba, localidad de Ccerabamba, Bosque de Chinchay , 3718 m, 17 May 2015, Zuñiga 292, ( USM!) — Cusco: Prov. Pillahuata, Tres Cruces, upper edge of Parque Nacional de Manu , 1–13 km NW of Paucartambo-Pilcopata Rd, 3330–3500 m, 29 June 1978, A. Gentry 23454, ( F! MO! SEL!) — Huancavelica: Inquilpata, 2900 m, 15 June 2022, R. Suárez 3036, ( USM!) — Junín: Curimarca, 3500 m, 28 March 2018, Quispe-Melgar s.n., (digital image, AMO!) .

Figures

FIGURE 10. Species of the Soratae subgroup of the genus Epidendrum present in Peru. Illustrations by: R. Jiménez M. (A–E). M. López R. & R. Jiménez M. (F).