The reappearance of Van Rheede's Tsjerou Tecka llfaravara as a new species of Bulbophyllum Thouars (Orchidaceae)

Abstract

Tsjerou Tecka Maravara described and illustrated by Van Rheede 300 years ago is now found to be a new species of Bulbophyllum sect. Cirrhopetalum, here called B. rheedei Manilal & Sathish. It is related to B. frostii Summerh. and B. spathulatum (Rolfe) Seidenf. Except for a sterile collection made in 1915 (s. coll. 11867. MH) from Karnataka, this mysterious species remained largely unknown since Rheede's discovery and its identity was elusive. It is described here in detail with analytical sketches, notes on phenology, ecology, affinites and seed characters based on SEM studies.