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The genus Pteroceras (Orchidaceae) — a taxonomic revision
Author(s) -
Pedersen Henrik Ærenlund
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
nordic journal of botany
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.333
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1756-1051
pISSN - 0107-055X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1756-1051.1993.tb00079.x
Subject(s) - biology , orchidaceae , taxon , genus , ecology , circumscription , morphology (biology) , zoology , evolutionary biology , artificial intelligence , computer science
The South East Asian genus Pteroceras is taxonomically rivised, and brief accounts are given on cytology, phytochemistry, ecology, geographical distribution, and diagnostic aspects of morphology. Pteroceras belongs in that subtribe of the Vandeae which has traditionally been called Sarcanthinae (nom. illeg.) and which is here referred to as Aeridinae. 19 species of Pteroceras are recognized in this revision, while 31 formerly proposed taxa are excluded from the genus. 3 entities are treated as “doubtful taxa”. One new species ( P. erosolum ) is proposed as well as two new combinations ( Macropodanthus membraniferus, M. teysmanii ). An outline of the taxonomic history of Pteroceras is followed by a discussion of the circumscription and taxonomic position of the genus. It is not difficult to place Pteroceras in a system based upon characters which are currently considered important in the Aeridinae ‐but, on the other hand, it is also suggested that this system may turn out to be highly artificial. Concerning the future possibilities of creating a more natural system, therefore, several topics are suggested for further study in this subtribe.