Chimaeras and ghosts: Solving a chimaeric specimen and two neglected orchid names

Abstract

We present nomenclatural and taxonomic studies of selected species and names of Neotropical Orchidaceae currently placed in Bifrenaria, Cleistes, and Pleurothallis, but once classified in ten different genera. Several nomenclatural and taxonomic actions are proposed, including changes in nomenclatural status, typifications, and taxonomic rearrangements by indication of the correct name to be used, re-evaluation of previously proposed synonyms, and new synonyms. The accepted names remaining after the study are: Cleistes rosea Lindl. f. rosea (relevant synonyms: C. angeliana Campacci, C. castaneoides Hoehne, and Epistephium monanthum Poepp. & Endl.); Cleistes rosea f. augusta (Hoehne) Meneguzzo & Van den Berg, comb. nov. (for Pogonia rosea var. augusta Hoehne); Cleistes speciosa Gardner [relevant synonyms: C. caloptera Rchb. f. & Warm., C. metallina (Barb. Rodr.) Schltr., and C. monantha (Barb. Rodr.) Schltr.]; Bifrenaria harrisoniae (Hook.) Rchb. f. (for Maxillaria spathacea Lindl.); and Pleurothallis quadrifida (Lex.) Lindl. [for the homotypic pair Gomesa stricta Spreng. and Rodriguezia stricta (Spreng.) Steud.]. Citation: Meneguzzo T. E. C. & van den Berg C. 2020: Chimaeras and ghosts: solving a chimaeric specimen and two neglected orchid names. - Willdenowia 50: 139-146. doi: https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.50.50113 Version of record first published online on 27 March 2020 ahead of inclusion in April 2020 issue.