The Orchid Genera Anacamptis, Orchis, Neotinea Phylogeny, Taxonomy, Morphology, Biology, Distribution, Ecology, Hybridisation

About this book

Complex fundamental work on Orchid Genera with many clans, updated classification of 36 species and 38 subspecies. During recent years, methods of molecular biology have decisively clarified the relationships of many groups of plants. Within orchids in particular, it was found that two groups of species, up to now belonging to the genus Orchis, in fact belong to the genera Anacamptis or Neotinea, whereas only one species of the genus Aceras needs to be integrated into the genus Orchis.

Within this book the authors offer a well-founded clarification of this eurasiatic distributed groups of orchids. Based on clear phylogenetic concepts, these groups have been reorganised under their morphological and chorological characters, resulting in a monography of these three genera. Nomenclature has been adapted to the existing relationships, leading to the recombination of some taxa. The presentation of phylogenetic fundamentals is completed with keys to determine the genera, species and subspecies, and by the description of all included taxa, their delimitation to each other, their variability, ecology, biology, distribution, and threat. Opening chapters describe the history of the exploration of the genus Orchis and give an overview of the new methods on which these taxa have been founded. Previously unseen details of vegetative and generative phases, structures of flowers, SEM images of pollinaria and seeds, along with photographs of all species, subspecies and types within their habitat, and maps of their distribution; for the first time ever, all hybrids of these genera are presented with descriptions and photographs.

The new book offers an overview of these genera and will be an essential aid to determining each species, subspecies and their hybrids, which can sometimes be extremely difficult.

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