Generic delimitation and a new infrageneric system in the genus Holcoglossum (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae)

Abstract

Based on herbarium and field observations, we confirm the generic delimitation of Holcoglossum and present a new infrageneric system for the genus. Our work supports Holcoglossum as a natural group including H. amesianum (Rchb.f.) Christenson and H. subulifolium (Rchb.f.) Christenson. The new infrageneric system of Holcoglossum includes two subgenera: Holcoglossum subgen. Brachycentron subgen. nov. and Holcoglossum subgen. Holcoglossum, the latter comprising two new sections, Holcoglossum sect. Holcoglossum and Holcoglossum sect. Sorotylos. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London.