Three new species of Epidendrum (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae) from the cloud forests of Chota, northern Peru.

Abstract

Epidendrum acuntasiorum and E. retrolobatum belonging to the Ferreyrae group, and E. bicornialpicola member to the Alpicola group are described and illustrated as new species. The three new taxa were collected in the montane cloud forest of La Palma, located in the districts of Conchán and Chota, department of Cajamarca, Peru. Information concerning distribution, habitat, and phenology is provided for each taxon. A plate and description of Epidendrum ferreyrae are included for comparison.