Benthamia erinacea (Cordemoy) Hermans & P.J.Cribb f. reticulata Hervouet & Descourv., 2025

Hervouet, Jean-Michel, Descourvières, Pascal, Hermans, Johan & Longou, Ludivine, 2025, Revision of the genus Benthamia A. Rich. (Orchidaceae, Orchidioideae, Habenariinae), Adansonia (3) 47 (11), pp. 171-249 : 199-200

Benthamia erinacea (Cordemoy) Hermans & P.J.Cribb f. reticulata Hervouet & Descourv. , forma nov.

( Figs 38 ; 39 )

DIAGNOSIS. — This form is in all aspects similar to the typical form, except for the leaves which are finely reticulated in white. It appears in mixed populations with the typical form.

TYPE MATERIAL. — Madagascar • Analamanga , lake Mantasoa; 19°00’45”S, 47°50’17”E; VIII.1962, J. Bosser 16153; holotype: P [ P00692431 ] !.

ETYMOLOGY. — From Latin “ reticulatus ”, veined by a network.

PHENOLOGY. — Same as typical form.

DISTRIBUTION AND ECOLOGY. — Madagascar. Potentially within the distribution range of Benthamia erinacea in Madagascar, in the same habitat.

CONSERVATION. — Very little is known so far on this form. Its conservation is certainly linked to that of the typical form, as it probably appears in its populations. It is provisionally quoted Data Deficient (DD).

NOTES

Specimens with reticulated or white-marbled leaves have been recorded by Jean Bosser (P[P00692431]) and Johan Hermans, they are frequent among populations in Andasibe region.

DESCRIPTION

As Benthamia erinacea , except that the leaves are finely reticulated in white.

Figures

FIG. 38. — Benthamia erinacea (Cordemoy) Hermans & P.J.Cribb: Iaroka forest near Andasibe, 11 July 2023. Typical form and f. reticulata f. nov. mixed. Photograph by Jean-Michel Hervouet.

FIG. 39. — Benthamia erinacea (Cordemoy) Hermans & P.J.Cribb f. reticulata f. nov.: forêt de Iaroka, 11 July 2023. Reticulated leaf. Photograph by Jean- Michel Hervouet.