Malaxis engelsii (malaxidinae), a new species from the upper montane forest of the atlantic rainforest in southern BrazilAbstract
Malaxis engelsii is a newly discovered orchid found in the upper montane forests of the Atlantic Rainforest in Paraná, Brazil. This species is characterized by its small size, elliptic leaves, flowers with partially connate sepals at the base, trilobate lip with four cavities, and a longitudinal keel on the adaxial surface of the lip apex. A detailed description, photographs, drawings, and comparison with similar species, Malaxis cipoensis, M. sertulifera, and M. ybytus, are provided. Currently, it is classified according to the IUCN guidelines as “Endangered (EN)’’.
Keywords: Cloud Forest; Epiphytism; Montane forest; New species; Orchid; Taxonomy
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Illustration by L.K.R. Hinoshita, based on the holotype, spirit material, and photographs.A. Habit. B. Leaf blade. C. Inflorescence. D. Frontal view of the flower attached to the pedicel. E. Lateral view of the flower attached to the pedicel. F. Dorsal petal. G. Petal. H. Connate lateral sepal. I. Lip. J. Column.
A. Holotype (MBM 439143). B. Paratype (MBM 49978).
Photographs by Eric de Camargo Smidt (A) and João Aguiar Nogueira Batista (B-C).A. Flower of M. engelsii; it is possible to observe the longitudinal keel on the adaxial surface of the lip apex and the acute column wings. B. Inflorescence of M. sertulifera; low density in flower numbers. C. Flower of M. sertulifera; it is possible to observe the column with rounded wings and the acuminate lateral lobes of the lip.
Photographs by M. Engels.A. Inflorescence viewed from the side. B. Population of M. engelsii near a stream. C. Inflorescence viewed from above. D. Zoom in on an individual of M. engelsii epiphyte at the base of the host plant. E. Zoom in on the epiphytic population of M. engelsii.
Photographs by Marcos Klingelfus (A, C) and Rodrigo de Andrade Kersten (B, D).A. Baitaca Mountain range. B. Ibitiraquire mountain range. C. Cloud Forest within Baitaca; abundant epiphytes. D. Cloud Forest within Ibitiraquire; abundant epiphytes.