Conservation, Ethnobotany, and Taxonomy of Orchidaceae

A Special Issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747) belonging to the section "Plant Ecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 1556

Editors


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Guest Editor
Laboratorio de Extracción y Análisis de Productos Naturales Vegetales, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional Unidad Oaxaca, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Hornos 1003, Santa Cruz Xoxocotlan, Oaxaca 71230, Mexico
Interests: orchids; orchid systematics; orchids conservation; orchids ethnobotany

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Guest Editor
Centro di Ricerche Floristiche dell'Appennino, Università di Camerino—Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, San Colombo, Barisciano, 67021 L'Aquila, Italy
Interests: systematics; taxonomy and nomenclature of vascular plants; mediterranean flora; herbarium
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Orchids represent one of the most diverse and ecologically vital plant families on Earth. However, many species are increasingly threatened by habitat destruction, over-exploitation, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. In light of these challenges, innovative and integrative conservation strategies are urgently needed to safeguard orchid biodiversity and the ecosystems they support.

This Special Issue invites original research articles and reviews that advance our understanding of effective conservation practices, habitat restoration initiatives, and the ecological roles orchids play in maintaining ecosystem resilience. We particularly welcome interdisciplinary approaches that link science, policy, and community engagement.

Ethnobotanical research offers critical insights into the cultural, medicinal, and economic significance of orchids across diverse societies. We encourage submissions that explore traditional knowledge systems, sustainable uses, and the cultural heritage associated with orchids. Studies that demonstrate how ethnobotanical practices can be harmonized with conservation goals—while empowering local communities—are especially valued.

We also seek contributions that highlight recent developments in orchid taxonomy and phylogenetics, including the application of molecular techniques and innovations in classification systems. Such research is essential for clarifying species boundaries, informing conservation priorities, and deepening our understanding of orchid evolution.

This Special Issue aims to serve as a multidisciplinary platform, bringing together conservation biologists, ethnobotanists, taxonomists, and other experts to foster collaborative research and promote global efforts to protect orchid diversity.

Dr. Rodolfo Solano
Dr. Fabrizio Bartolucci
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • orchid conservation
  • ethnobotany
  • sustainable management
  • taxonomy and phylogeny
  • traditional knowledge

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

135 pages, 110884 KB  
Review
The Genus Specklinia Lindl. (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) in Mexico, a Taxonomic Review
by Ethian Licona, Rodolfo Solano and Fabiola Soto-Trejo
Plants 2026, 15(15), 2284; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152284 - 26 Jul 2026
Viewed by 946
Abstract
Specklinia is an orchid genus composed of approximately 120 species. Although it has only been recognized recently as a monophyletic group, the presence of several poorly understood species complexes has led in the application of numerous names to taxa not occurring in Mexico [...] Read more.
Specklinia is an orchid genus composed of approximately 120 species. Although it has only been recognized recently as a monophyletic group, the presence of several poorly understood species complexes has led in the application of numerous names to taxa not occurring in Mexico and northern Central America. This study presents an updated and comprehensive systematic revision of Specklinia in Mexico, based on recent taxonomic and phylogenetic evidence. We examined Specklinia specimens housed in Mexican and international herbaria, as well as cultivated specimens and observations recorded on iNaturalist Mexico. For each species, we provided a description, taxonomic history, potential distribution model, conservation status assessment, photographic plate or botanical illustration are provided, along with information on distribution, habitat, phenology and comparisons with morphologically similar species. Twenty-two Specklinia species are accepted for Mexico, including five described as new (S. orbiculata, S. perez-garciae, S. solanoi, S. wendtii, and S. xoconochcana.) and two newly recorded for the country (S. acicularis and S. juddii). The identity of Mexican taxa morphologically similar to S. digitale, S. endotrachys, and S. grobyi are re-evaluated here. New combinations in Specklinia are proposed for Pleurothallis choconiana and P. hagsateri, which are recognized as distinct species. Lectotypes are designated for Epidendrum lanceola, E. tribuloides, Pleurothallis marginata, P. pergarcilis, P. microphylla, P. lateritia and P. spathulata. An identification key to the Mexican species of Specklinia is also provided. This study establishes a robust taxonomic framework for Specklinia in Mexico and highlights the need for continued systematic and conservation research, particularly in light of the proposed inclusion of 11 species under a risk category. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation, Ethnobotany, and Taxonomy of Orchidaceae)
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