A taxonomic revision of the Brazilian species of Encyclia (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Epidendreae)

Abstract

A taxonomic revision of the Brazilian species of Encyclia is presented, based on analysis of roughly 1,400 herbarium specimens, including types. Thirty-nine species and one variety are listed for Brazil; we indicate 101 synonyms, of which eight are newly proposed. Lectotypes are chosen for five names (E. chironii, E. dutrae, E. paraënsis, E. tripartita and Epidendrum capartianum), including accepted names and synonyms. Two names are indicated as invalid (E. randii var. rondoniensis and E. vazzoleri), one name as a nomen nudum (E. guesneliana) and another as superfluous (Epidendrum pabstii). The occurrence of E. auyantepuiensis and E. thienii is confirmed for Brazil, and new occurrences are documented of E. fimbriata in Minas Gerais (in addition to Bahia) and E. linearifolioides in Maranhão and possibly Paraná (in addition to Matto Grosso and Tocatins States and Bolivia and Paraguay). All species are described and illustrated, and distribution maps are included. For both varieties of E. patens, nomenclatural and taxonomic notes are provided.