Phaius, Loureiro, 1790

Salares, Val B., Obico, Jasper John A., Ormerod, Paul, Barcelona, Julie F. & Pelser, Pieter B., 2018, Taxonomic novelties from Cebu: a new species of Vaccinium (Ericaceae) and a new record of Phaius (Orchidaceae) for the Philippines, Phytotaxa 360 (3), pp. 255-262 : 260

Notes on Phaius

Phaius reflexipetalus is a member of Phaius sect. Pesomeria Pfitzer (1889: 153) , a group within Phaius Loureiro (1790: 517) characterized by having distinct stems (lacking pseudobulbs) and inflorescences that are not persistent (i.e., usually rotting away after flowering) with caducous floral bracts. Among its relatives, it may be distinguished by its flowers being finely striped reddish brown and yellow, and its reflexed petals. Unfortunately, we were unable to collect the plants that we encountered in Cebu, but our photographs clearly document this unmistakable species ( Fig. 3 ). More recently, Phaius reflexipetalus was also reported (with photographic evidence) from Davao Oriental Province (Mindanao) by Mr. Clint Michael Cleofe (pers. comm.).

Figures

FIGURE 3.A–F. Phaius reflexipetalus.A. Flowering plant.B. Inflorescence. C–D. Flower.E.Labellum.F.Flower in side view, one lateral sepal removed. Photographs by P.B. Pelser & J.F. Barcelona; additional photos are available from the PhytoImages website (Nickrent et al. 2006 onwards).