Stelis zootrophionoides

Stelis zootrophionoides is a species of orchid discovered in the Neotropics, an area with the highest diversity in Andean South America. Sixty-two species were recorded previously in Mexico.

S. zootrophionoides was first described in 2012.^[1]

Phenology

Flowering occurs from July to September; developing fruits were observed in August, and seed dispersal occurred between October and December.

Conservation status

So far, this species is known from only one population and we consider it as rare, although additional field studies are required to ascertain its conservation status more objectively. It was located within a private protected area, the Reserva Ecológica Cerro Huitepec; however, outside the reserve natural vegetation is being strongly affected by logging and collecting of epiphytes [13]. The new species was discovered in a relatively accessible area and it was immediately obvious that it represented a novelty for the Mexican orchid flora, which highlights the fact that there are still species waiting to be discovered, while the remnant habitats are being lost rapidly.

Etymology

The specific epithet refers to the resemblance of the flowers to those of the genus Zootrophion; the latter was derived from Greek zootrophion, “a menagerie”, in allusion to the flowers that resemble the heads of animals.

Species recognition.

Stelis zootrophionoides is unique among Mexican species of this genus by its raceme shorter than the leaf, with successive flowers whose sepals united at their apices leave lateral openings.

References