This issue is dedicated to the genus Cyrtochilum Kunth, a diverse Andean lineage with ca. 200 accepted species, endemic to South America and reaching its highest diversity in the cloud forests and paramos of Colombia. Here, we document twelve Cyrtochilum individuals belonging to 10 species from different regions in the country, including the endemic C. dipterum, currently categorized as Vulnerable (VU), and C. pardinum, listed as Near Threatened (NT), according to according to the national Red List of threatened species.
We also present infraspecific variation based on three field-collected specimens of Cyrtochilum sodiroi, a species whose identity had previously been misinterpreted as C. ramosissimum. In addition, we report the first record of C. tetracopis for the department of Santander. We also report a range extension for Cyrtochilum ramiro-medinae, previously known only from southern Colombia, in the department of Putumayo, and now recorded from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia.
While species such as Cyrtochilum halteratum, C. murinum, and C. tetracopis are recognized for their striking morphology and popularity among orchid enthusiasts, many Cyrtochilum species remain poorly documented, uncategorized, and potentially at risk. This volume aims to facilitate continued exploration and documentation of the genus, contributing to a strongerfoundation for its taxonomy, conservation, and long-term understanding
