Taxonomic revision of the genus Gavilea (Orchidaceae, Chloraeinae)

Abstract

After the most recent phylogenetic analyses of Gavilea, an updated taxonomic revision is presented here. A new combination, Gavilea chica, is proposed following the current monophyletic circumscription of the genus. This revision includes: 1) the history of the genus, 2) a key to the 17 species of Gavilea, 3) descriptions and illustrations of most species, 4) updated geographical distribution of the species, including the extension of the range of distribution of G. platyantha and G. supralabellata to Río Negro and Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) respectively, 5) nomenclatural observations and, 6) a complete and updated list of synonyms for every species. Five lectotypes (Asarca araucana, G. australis, A. patagonica, G. supralabellata, and G. wittei) are also designated.