Cymbidium xichouense (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae), a new species from China: evidence from morphological and molecular data

Abstract

A new species of Cymbidium (Orchidaceae), Cymbidium xichouense, from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological evidence and molecular analyses. The new orchid is morphologically similar to C. qinbeiense, but it has several morphological features that distinguish it from C. qiubeinense and all other recognized species in Cymbidium. Phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear (ITS) and plastid DNA (matK) were conducted, and the results also supported the status of C. xichouense as a new species, which is sister to C. qiubeiense.