Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: The genus Ophrys L. is one of the most intricate orchid genera. This genus is well-known for its sexual deceptive pollination syndrome, and it is widely accepted that diversification of the genus resulted from adaptations to different pollinators. Despite these strict adaptations, the introgression within Ophrys is quite usual. The unusual pollination system and complex evolution of the genus may be the primary reason for the confused taxonomy and extensive debate over species richness within the genus. Modern estimation of the species richness varies from 9 macrospecies based on the results of molecular analysis to 354 microspecies based on minute morphological differences. The present paper revises the genus Ophrys within the territory of the Crimea and the North Caucasus. Five taxa are recognized: O. apifera Huds., O. mammosa Desf. subsp. mammosa (= O. caucasica subsp. cyclocheila Aver., syn.nov.), O. mammosa subsp. caucasica (Woronow ex Grossh.) Soó, O. oestrifera M. Bieb. (= O. bremifera Steven, syn. nov.; = O. oestrifera subsp. abchasica Kümpel, syn. nov.), and O. × vallis-costae Kümpel (O. apifera × O. oestrifera) (= O. × skopelii nothosubsp. markiana B. Baumann, H. Baumann, R. Lorenz et Ruedi Peter, syn. nov.). A key to the species and subspecies is provided. Ophrys × vallis-costae is reported for the Crimea for the first time.
Source: Turczaninowia
Authors: A.V. Fateryga, P.G. Efimov, V.V. Fateryga
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3086980199