Taxonomic revision of the Liparis makinoana complex (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae; Malaxidae) in Korea

Abstract

On the Korean Peninsula, eleven species of the genus Liparis (Orchidaceae) have been recorded, and three species are presumed to belong to the L. makinoana complex. These are L. koreana, L. japonica, and L. makinoana. Liparis japonica and L. makinoana are distributed in South Korea, but the distribution of L. koreana has not been confirmed. Liparis japonica and L. makinoana are morphologically very similar, making it difficult to classify them. Recently, L. japonica and L. makinoana in Japan were reclassified into three species. One of them is an amended species of L. makinoana, and the other two species were described as new species, specifically L. longiracemosa and L. suzumushi. It was confirmed that the three species are distributed in South Korea. Here, we provide a distribution map, photographs of the three new species, and a comparison of their morphological characteristics.