A new species of Lepanthes discovered under a diversity survey in the Colombian eastern cordillera: Lepanthes angelae (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidiinae)

We describe and illustrate Lepanthes angelae sp. nov. (Orchidaceae), found during a large, randomised sampling of 341 plots across 270 km (North-to-South) in the Colombian Eastern Cordillera. The new species is morphologically similar to L. dunstervilleorum which it can be distinguished by its yellow sepals with suffused red markings towards the centre (vs. light yellow to greenish-white flowers suffused with red-brown to purple at the center of the petals), the upper lobe of the petals being narrowly falcate and slender (vs. oblong with the apex form rounded to contracted), plus, the new species exhibits a lip with a reduced connective and absent appendix (vs. a broadly cunneate connectives and an oblong, pubescent appendix).Our sampling scheme suggests that the new species has a limited geographic range, small population size, and specialized habitat conditions, warranting conservation attention.

Its restricted distribution and ecological vulnerability highlight the need for community-driven conservation initiatives.