Resolution of the Thelymitra variegata (Orchidaceae) complex of southern Australia and New Zealand

摘要

The eight currently known taxa inthe Thelymitra variegata (Lindl.)F.Muell. complex are reviewed anddescriptions are presented for each.Thelymitra pulcherrima Jeanes,T speciosa Jeanes and T uliginosaJeanes from southwestern WesternAustralia are described as new andillustrated. Thelymitra spiralis (Lindl.)F.Muell. var. pulchella Nicholls israised to species rank and given thenew name T maculata Jeanes as theepithet 'pulchella' is unavailable. Thekey diagnostic features relating tothe size and colour of the perianth,the size, colour and shape of thelateral lobes of the column andleaf characteristics are elucidated.Information on distribution, habitat,pollination biology, flowering timeand conservation status is given forall eight taxa. The main distinguishingfeatures of Thelymitra apiculata (A.S.George) M.A.Clem. & D.L.Jones,T.matthewsiiCheesem., T.spiralis,T. variegata and the four new speciesare tabulated. A key is provided todistinguish all eight members of theT.variegatacomplex.