The genus Cypripedium (Orchidaceae) in the flora of Vietnam

• Main Authors: L.V. Averyanov, C.X. Canh, N.H. Tuan, V.A. Phu, K.S. Nguyen, T.H. Nguyen, T.V. Maisak
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Altay State University 2017-03-01
• Series: Turczaninowia
• Subjects: cypripedium; vietnam; plant taxonomy; plant diversity; nature protection.
• Online Access: http://turczaninowia.asu.ru/article/view/1873
• ISSN: 1560-7259; 1560-7267

The genus Cypripedium includes 40–45 species distributed mainly in areas of Holarctic region with temperate climate. Its highest species diversity is observed in the eastern part of mainland Asia and in Northern America. In intact habitats, some species of this genus are quite common playing significant role in plant communities forming picturesque landscape aspects during anthesis. Some Cypripedium species are not uncommon in uplands and mountains of subtropical countries, but few of them reach tropical zone. In Central America these are Cypripedium irapeanum, C. molle and C. dickinsonianum distributed from Mexico to Guatemala, Salvador and Honduras. In Asia only two species – Cypripedium lentiginosum and C. subtropicum, reported in the paper, reach truly tropical zone. Localities of these species recently discovered in northern Vietnam represent southernmost locations of the genus area in the Old World. A brief taxonomical review of two discovered species in the flora of Vietnam is presented in the paper. T e treatment includes key for species identification; standard taxonomic citations for the genus, sections, species and synonyms; data on types and their locations; available information on ecology, phenology and distribution,  expected IUCN Red List status; notes on phylogeny, taxonomy, geography and possible conservation actions, as well as the list of studied specimens and relevant materials.