Synopsis of the genus Ponthieva (Orchidaceae) in Colombia

The Neotropical orchid genus Ponthieva R. Br. was established in 1813. The 70 representatives of this taxon are terrestrial, lithophytic, or epiphytic plants with basal, sessile, or petiolate leaves which are glabrous or pubescent. Their erect peduncle is pubescent and terminated by lax, few- to many-flowered raceme. Flowers are non-resupinate, with dissimilar sepals and asymmetrical petals which are adnate to the sides of the gynostemium. The lip is uppermost, fused to the lower part of the gynostemium. Here the synopsis of Colombian Ponthieva is presented. A list of national genus representatives includes 26 species, including one new species, P. vallecaucana Szlach. Kolan. & Olędrzyńska, sp. nov., discovered during this study. We did not confirm occurrence of four species reported in previous research. To facilitate process of identification of genus representatives, we divided Ponthieva into six morphological complexes based on vegetative and floral characters. The highest number of species was found in Magdalena and Cauca Valley montane forests. Lectotypes for Ponthieva inaudita and P. mandonii are designated. Morphological characteristics and illustrations of perianth segments of Colombian representatives of the genus are provided as well as a key for their identification.