Six species of the orchid species
Lepanthes are described as new. A seventh species,
L. sanguined, previously known only from Jamaica, is reported from Puerto Rico. The current misspelling of
L. selenitepala, the only species of the genus previously reported from Puerto Rico, is corrected. A key to the eight Puerto Rican species
of
Lepanthes is presented, and the value of several interesting taxonomic characters is discussed. The possibility of apogamy in this
genus is raised, and detailed biosystematic investigations are indicated as necessary for a complete understanding of the
group.
Research carried out in the Department of Botany, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.