SITF Submissions and Findings

Although this plant does not match the photo in Kew's POWO, which shows flattened, ovate pseudobulbs, this plant does match the photo and description of M. pachyphylla in Eric Christenson's unpublished Monograph showing round, elongate pseudobulbs with solitary, rigid, fleshy leaves and large, sessile flowers. The lip is distinctive appearing wider and not pandurate, as seen in the similar species, M. parahybunensis. Supporting photos can be seen in the IOSPE and closely matching plant and flower images in the OW.

This plant matches the description and photos in Eric Christenson's Monograph on Maxillaria and the drawing by Dodson in the IOSPE; M. estradae is separated from other species, especially M. acervata, by bifilaire pseudobulbs subtended by foliaceous bracts and a conspicuously globose callus apex; M. acervata also does not have stripes, as does the sepals and petals of this plant and M. estradae; matches photos in the IOSPE and orchidroots.

This plant matches the characteristics of Maxillaria curtipes, including the ascendant growth, narrow, laterally compressed pseudobulbs, and lateral sepals held widespread at near a 180-degree angle to each other; matches the description and photos in Eric Christenson's Unfinished Monograph and the photos from Andy's Orchids and the OW.

This plant is an excellent match to the description of Maxillaria aurea in Eric Christenson's unfinished Monograph on Maxillaria; matches the photo of M. aurea in Kew's Plants of the World On-line (POWO); key characteristics include the narrow and acute leaves. A major defining difference between this species and M. cordyline (Aka M. gigantea), a species often confused with M. aurea, is the apices of the petals, which are clawed in M. aurea (as described in the IOSPE). Note: No lectotype was selected, although there appears to be two of the type collection that may be different species in Eric's book.

These flowers are somewhat larger than those described in "Orchidacearum Peruvianum", but it superficially fits the description; there is a notch in the lower edge of the column and acute side lobes which also match the description. Christenson's Monograph, Vol. 2 has a photo of the vegetative growth of M. mapiriensis that is an excellent match to this plant and the illustration in Vol. H-O of Dunsterville & Garay's, "Orchids of Venezuela" matches this flower as well. Matching photos can be found in the OW and in the IOSPE's (Another Color Form).

This plant matches the photos in the IOSPE and OW for both color and form; matches the description and drawing by Michael McIllmuray in Eric Christensen's Monograph on Maxillaria and the illustration in "Orchids of Venezuela, Illustrated Field Guide" by Dunsterville and Garay.