Species Orchidacearum was inaugurated by the series Icones Colombianae. But it has always been our intention to progressively add series from different countries. With the publication of the fifth installment of Colombian materials we are exited to present the first two issues from Costa Rica, and look forward to extending this even further to other geographical areas in the near future.
The volumes, published as part of the broader Species Orchidacearum serial, have proven to be a useful tool not only for students and researchers, but also for more general audiences, including local communities and decision makers. Careful taxonomic work, enriched by detailed photographic documentation on the local orchid floras, slowly but surely set the basis for a multitude of biodiversity related studies and may be crucial to tackle large and highly diverse floras.
These series promote broad and unrestricted public access to the scientific knowledge on biodiversity. Here we present the first 24 icons from Costa Rica. They represent 19 different species belonging to the genera Echinosepala Pridgeon & M.W.Chase, Masdevallia Ruiz & Pav. and Pleurothallis R.Br., all in subtribe Pleurothallidinae. Pleurothallids are a major component of neotropical orchid floras, and these will serve as a useful source of information in the assessment of variation and establishment of species’ identities in these highly diverse and challenging groups.
The LCDPs of Echinosepala expolita Pupulin & Belfort, Masdevallia bellissima Bogarín, Pupulin & Karremans, Pleurothallis gonzaleziorum Pupulin, M.Díaz & Pridgeon, P. grandilingua Pupulin, M.Díaz & Pridgeon, P. navisepala Pupulin, J.Aguilar & M.Díaz, P. pudica Pupulin, J.Aguilar & M.Díaz, P. scotinantha Pupulin, M.Díaz & J.Aguilar, P. tapantiensis Pupulin, M.Díaz & J.Aguilar, and P. vide-vallis Karremans & J.E.Jiménez are all based on the specimens that served as types. While the illustrated specimens of Pleurothallis angusta Ames & C.Schweinf, P. compressa Luer., P. fantastica Ames, P. rectipetala Ames & C.Schweinf and P. tonduzii Schltr. were all collected close to the species’ type localities. That makes this body of information critical to the interpretation of these taxa.
We hope to continue the effort of publishing additional issues of Species Orchidacearum and remind all users that anyone can publish in this series, and that no country is off limits. We would like to encourage new authors and editors to come forward.
The editors
