Malaxis dressleriana: A new orchid species honoring a botanist for all seasons

Abstract

The genus Malaxis Sol. ex Sw. comprises about 300 species, predominantly found in pantropical regions with a few in temperate areas of the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Mexico has the highest concentration, with 71 species, while Central America hosts around 40 species. In Costa Rica, 23 species are recorded, with seven being endemic. Despite taxonomic efforts by Robert L. Dressler, Malaxis remains challenging due to close species relationships. A new species discovered in Costa Rica's Cordillera de Talamanca, part of the ongoing Malaxis taxonomic revision, is formally named to honor Dr. Dressler. The text provides a detailed description of the new species and its association with Dr. Dressler's botanical contributions.