Description and morphometric analysis of a novel species of Ophrys (Orchidaceae) from Hymettus, Greece

Abstract

An orchid from Mt. Hymettus in Athens, Greece was isolated and described as new in science. The plant, Ophrys dicipulus (sp. nova), a scolopaxoid orchid, morphologically related to the Ophrys heldreichii group was encountered in three distinct locations within an enclosed and previously uncharacterized area of 259000 m2 on the slopes of Mt. Hymettus. The study to taxonomically define the plant was mediated through its morphometric analysis and geographical distribution. The plant was found to be of greater size with mature specimens displaying an average 10 cm difference in height than the tallest specimens of its closest morphological relative, Ophrys schlechteriana and displaying novel characteristics for the genus (lack of pseudoeye formation on its stigmatic cavity, smaller stigmatic cavity relative to its size as well as lateral lobe differentiations). Furthermore, the plants distribution was not shared with any other species of the Ophrys genus revealing its distinctive geography and ecology. Key words: Ecosystem, morphology, Mt. Hymettus, new species, Ophrys dicipulus,taxonomy.