The genus Liparis (Orchidaceae) in Hon Ba nature reserve, Vietnam, Khanh Hoa province

Abstract

Liparis Rich. is rather large genus of orchid family (Orchidaceae), which includes 320-350 species widely distributed in tropical, subtropical and temperate areas of the world with maximal diversity in tropical Asia (Chen et al., 2009). The territory of Eastern Indochina and particularly Vietnam certainly represent one of its richest taxonomic centers. Available modern monographic assessments of the genus in Vietnamese flora record here 49 species belonging to all three its recognized sections (Averyanov, Averyanova, 2003; Averyanov, 2013). Recent field investigations discovered four more species (L. caudata Aver. et K. S. Nguyen, L. delicatula Hook. f., L. gamblei Hook. f., L. longispica Aver. et K. S. Nguyen) new for the flora of Vietnam (Averyanov et al., 2016). In addition, one recently discovered species of the genus is described here (L. honbaensis Aver. et Vuong) and one is recorded as a novelty for the flora of Vietnam (L. tenuis Rolfe ex Downie). As a result, total number of Liparis species recorded in Vietnam reaches presently 55 entities (Table 1). At the same time related floras, such as Thailand, Laos and China comprise 35, 13 and 63 Liparis species respectively, some of which are regarded as local endemics (Seidenfaden, 1976; Newman et al., 2007; Schuiteman et al., 2008; Chen et al., 2009; Tetsana et al., 2013). Some of these species well known in neighboring countries may be found in Vietnam additionally to strictly endemic undescribed species, which undoubtedly inhabit numerous still unexplored mountainous areas of the country. Hence, investigation and inventories of local floras in mountain systems still giving home to rich primary woods are very important to understanding of actual plant diversity of Vietnam. In this connection flora of Hon Ba Mountains officially protected now as Hon Ba nature reserve represents one of the most significant refuges giving home to aboriginal primary woods harboring many species of ancient migrations and numerous taxa of own local endemism.