Telipogon choquequiraoense, a new orchid species from Choquequirao, an Inca archaeological site in Southern Peru

Abstract

Choquequirao Regional Conservation Area is a natural protected area in southern Peru, where an Inca archaeological site with the same name is located. The area is rich in orchids, many of which remain undescribed. Here, we describe a new species of Telipogon (Orchidaceae) from Choquequirao, which we name Telipogon choquequiraoense. The species is similar to T. huancavelicanus but differs by the sub-rhombic to widely lanceolate petals, the oblong labellum, the setose dark purple callus, and the acicular setae on the column. We provide a detailed description, along with a line drawing and pictures of the new entity. We also graphically show the Telipogon richness and generate a taxonomic key including all Telipogon species that occur within the conservation area.