Language: English
In this issue, the editors present 24 species new to science, originally published here, and another ten recently published elsewhere but now adapted to the Icones Orchidacearum format for rapid reference. A new natural hybrid Epidendrum magnificum × anisatum is illustrated without any formal status as it is a rare occurrence and does not form any population. Fifteen old species are illustrated with LCDP plates (Lankester Composite Digital Plate), which are becoming a standard feature whenever possible. This is especially important because the plates convey much more information than drawing or descriptions, though some minute details may be missed. The images used in the plates are increasingly available with access to high-quality photography. Many people in the field prefer the use of photography and avoid collecting herbarium specimens often due to the difficulty in obtaining the necessary collecting permits. However, for the description of new species you need herbarium specimens for a valid description.
The 49 species presented are from Peru (18), Ecuador (11), Colombia (11), Mexico (6), Guatemala (3), Bolivia (2), Brazil (1), Belize (1), and Honduras (1). They do not add up to 49 because two are shared by two or four countries.