A New Species of Stigmatodactylus (Orchidaceae) from West Papua Province, Indonesia, and the Rediscovery and Reinterpretation of S. gibbsiae

TL;DR

A new orchid species with antennae-like features was discovered in Indonesia, and a previously known species was re-examined with updated descriptions.

Contribution

Description of a new orchid species and reinterpretation of an old one based on new observations and fresh material.

Findings

Stigmatodactylus antennatus is a new species characterized by antennae on its lip.

S. gibbsiae was rediscovered, and discrepancies in its original description were clarified.

An updated identification key for four New Guinea Stigmatodactylus species was provided.

Abstract

Two species of Stigmatodactylus have recently been observed in the Arfak Mountains of West Papua Province, Indonesian New Guinea. One of these is clearly undescribed and is here described as Stigmatodactylus antennatus Schuit., Saputra & Wanma, a species uniquely characterised by the presence of a pair of antennae on the lip. The other is believed to be S. gibbsiae (Kores) Kores. This species was only known from the type material collected in the Arfak Mountains more than a century ago, in 1913. There are, however, significant discrepancies between the protologue and the material recently found. We interpret these discrepancies as misinterpretations of the poor type material of S. gibbsiae, and provide images based on fresh material. An identification key to the four species of Stigmatodactylus in New Guinea is included.

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