A new Lepanthes (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) from Península de Osa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Abstract

Lepanthes is one of the most species-rich genera of orchids in the Neotropics, with most of the species found in medium to high elevation forests and few species in lowlands. We describe and illustrate Lepanthes osaensis, a new species from the very wet lowland forest of Península de Osa, Costa Rica. It is similar to Lepanthes cuspidata but differs mostly in the vinous leaves; smaller sepals; the narrower, bilobed petals; and the smaller lip with triangular blades. Notes on its distribution, habitat, flowering, and conservation status, as well as discussion of a taxon with similar morphology, are provided.