The gynostemium of Hemipiliopsis purpureopunctata and Senghasiella glaucifolia, two taxonomically disputed species of Habenariinae (Orchidaceae)

Abstract

The gynostemium structure and ontogeny of two taxonomically disputed orchids, Hemipiliopsis (= Habenaria) purpureopunctata and Senghasiella (= Habenaria) glaucifolia, are described and illustrated by scanning electron micrographs. The early gynostemium ontogeny of Hemipiliopsis purpureopunctata is shown to be fundamentally similar to that of the species of the tribe Orchideae that have been previously studied. This includes the initiation sequence of sepals, petals and lip, form and orientation of anthers, three-lobed condition of median carpel apex, and presence of auricles and basal bulges. During the later developmental stages some differences occur. The stigma processes of Senghasiella glaucifolia are united into a tongue-shaped organ, and the lateral rostellum lobes of Hemipiliopsis purpureopunctata protrude forwards with their viscidia positioned above the spur-mouth. Based on gynostemium characters, the generic rank of Hemipiliopsis was confirmed, but that of Senghasiella was not supported. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London.