Platylepis flaccida (Schltr.) M.C.Pace in Brittonia 72: 264 (2020)
Homotypic Synonyms
Goodyera flaccida Schltr. in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 33: 124 (1924)
Description:
Herbs, 20-30 cm tall; roots villous; stem loosely leafy; with 5-6 petiolate leaves (petiole 1.5-2.2 cm long), narrowly lanceolate (3-7 x 0.7-1.2 cm), compressed basally and acuminate apically; peduncle with 3-4 pubescent-glandular (apically) sheaths. Inflorescence generally 5 cm. long, 5-10 flowered, puberulent glandular exteriorly, bracts nearly equal to the pedicel. Sepals opaque, 1 veined, obtuse, oblong, the median narrower (4.5 x 1.5 mm) than the laterals (4.5 x 2 mm). Petals thinner, oblanceolate (4 x1.3 mm), obtuse and attenuate from the upper third to the base. Labellum opaque, without visible veins, thick, 4 mm long and 3 mm wide basally, lateral lobes very small and obtuse, the median with a wide, but short isthmus, dilate apically in a transverse lamina (1.x. 1.8 mm); provided basally with 2 diverging keels and at the base of the isthmus with 2 obtuse, projecting calluses. Anther acute, 2.5 mm tall and 1,6 mm wide basally, widely notched cordate. Stigmas confluent in a single cushion. Ovary generally 6.5 mm long, puberulent- glandular.
Habitat:
Terrestrial, in eastern forests, from 200 m alt.
Distribution:
NE. Madagascar
References:
Flora of Madagascar: vascular plants: 49th family, Orchids / by H. Perrier de La Bathie; published under the auspices of the government of Madagascar and under the direction of H. Humbert; English revision and translation by Steven D. Beckman; Orchids of Madagascar Hermans, Du Puy, Cribb & Bosser 2009; Field Guide to the Orchids of Madagascar Hermans and Cribb 2009;
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