Journal Number 97
November 2005

NOTES etc

Brian Molloy wrote, "In the latest Orchadian (Vol 15 No 1) there are several changes in orchid nomenclature proposed by David Jones and Mark Clements that affect New Zealand orchids.

1. Firstly, these authors respond to the criticism of Hopper and Brown about their treatment
of the Caladeniinae, especially their recognition of Caladenia flava R.Br. as the generic type of
Caladenia, based on a paper by Pfitzer in 1889. Their arguments are soundly based and
supported by two prominent Australian taxonomists Laurie Adams and Tony Orchard.
After traversing the historical treatments of this group they conclude that their choice should stand. I concur with them on this issue, along with their recognition of the segregate genera affecting New Zealand, viz., Stegostyla and Petalochilus.

2. Jones and Clements reinstate the genus Sullivania F.Muell., an earlier name for Paracaleana Blaxell; recognise two subgenera, Sullivania and Tanychila; and provide new combinations, including one affecting New Zealand, viz., Sullivania minor (R.Br.) D.L.Jones et M.A.Clem. comb.nov.

3. A new genus Myrmechila D.L.Jones et M.A.Clem. is segregated from Chiloglottis, and new combinations made, including one affecting New Zealand, viz., Myrmechila trapeziformis (Fitzg.) D.L.Jones et M.A.Clem. comb. nov. The other segregate genus proposed by Szlachetko in 2001, Simpliglottis, is now accepted, based on molecular studies and morphology. Thus for New Zealand we can safely recognise Simpliglottis cornuta (Hook.f.) Szlach., and Simpliglottis valida (D.L.Jones) Szlach.

4. The following transfer and new combination affecting New Zealand is made: Prasophyllum hectori (Buchanan) Molloy, D.L.Jones et M.A.Clem. comb. nov.

Reference
Jones, D.L., Clements,M.A. 2005: Miscellaneous nomenclatural notes and changes in Australian, New Guinea and New Zealand Orchidaceae. Orchadian 15 (1) : 33-42. (includes references to other authors cited).