Taxonomic notes on Catasetum meeae (Orchidaceae: Catasetinae)

Abstract

In this study we propose to treat Catasetum meeae and C. lendarium as conspecific based on distinctive features identified in the protologues of both species. We emphasize that C. meeae was never collected again after its description in the 1960s. Here we also invalidate the name C. lendarium because its original description is not in accordance with the Shenzhen Code. We provide a brief taxonomic discussion for the taxon, as well as photographs and information related to distribution and ecology. At this stage the species is evaluated as belonging to the Endangered (EN) category according to IUCN criteria.