A new natural hybrid between Prosthechea cochleata and P. radiata (Orchidaceae) from Alta Verapaz, Guatemala

Authors: EDGAR MÓ, WILLIAM CETZAL IX, GERMÁN CARNEVALI, EDUARDO PÉREZ-GARCÍA, SAIKAT BASU

Abstract: A new natural hybrid between Prosthechea cochleata and P. radiata (Orchidaceae, Laeliinae) from the central part of Guatemala, P. × chixoyensis Mó & Cetzal, is herein described, illustrated, and characterized based on the morphological characters. The new nothospecies is most similar to P. cochleata but the petals are proportionally broader and the mucro of the labellum is subapical, as observed in P. radiata. Additionally, the perianth segments are neither as strongly reflexed as they are in P. cochleata nor patent as in P. radiata. A table of diagnostic characters for the new hybrid and its putative parents, a comparative figure, and a map showing their geographical distributions are also provided. Furthermore, a key to diagnose the hybrid from parental taxa and related species is also featured.

Keywords: Prosthechea × chixoyensis, San Cristóbal Verapaz, subtropical moist forest, Guatemala

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