Vanilla flava (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae), a new leafless vine from southern Vietnam

L. V. Averyanov, Van Canh Nguyen, Truong Ba Vuong, T. V. Maisak, I. V. Sokolova

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31111/novitates/2025.56.05

Full article

Abstract

Here we describe a new leafless vine orchid, Vanilla flavaAver., Vuong et V. C. Nguyen (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae), that we discovered in southern Vietnam (Dak Lak and Gia Lai provinces). It differs from the morphologically closest V. aphylla Blume and V. wightiana Lindl. ex Hook. f. in having large inflorescence up to 4.5 cm long, commonly with 4–9 flowers, a stout peduncle 3–5 mm diam., with 3–6 distant bracts, a pedicel with ovary 2.8–6.4 cm long, 2.2–4 mm diam., and a lip disc with a prominent pack of densely placed, imbricate, backwards-pointing bristles. Data on ecology, phenology, and distribution, as well as relevant taxonomical notes for the new species, are provided. The conservation status of the new species is tentatively assessed as endangered following terms and criteria proposed by the IUCN Red List. The nomenclature of V. wightiana is adjusted, its lectotype is designated.

Key words: Vanilla, Vanilla wightiana, endangered plant, endemism, flora of Vietnam, leafless vanilla, new species, orchids, plant diversity, plant taxonomy

How to cite

Averyanov L. V., Van Canh Nguyen, Truong Ba Vuong, Maisak T. V., Sokolova I. V. 2025. Vanilla flava (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae), a new leafless vine from southern Vietnam // Novitates Syst. Pl. Vasc. Vol. 56. P. e05: 1–7. https://doi.org/10.31111/novitates/2025.56.05

Submitted: 16.09.2025. Accepted: 16.12.2025. Published online: 22.12.2025

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