S05 - Session P6 - Pseudorchis albida (L.) Á.Löve & D.Löve - A new orchid species to Romanian flora

Authors: Nora Anghelescu *, Hajnalka Kertész, Mihaela Georgescu, Sorina Petra, Florin Toma

In this study we present the first confirmed record of Pseudorchis albida to Romanian orchid flora. The newly discovered population was digitally photographed for the first time in June, 2020, within Harghita Mădăraș , a Natura 2000 protected area. Pseudorchis is a monospecific , palearctic genus , covering the boreal alpine, subalpine and temperate zones of from Europe to the Russian Far East, to the Northern Urals and Kamchatka (except Siberia) and from Eastern Canada to Greenland. According to our recent findings, in Romania, the genus is represented by its unique representative species, Pseudorchis albida , and by one of its two subspecies, Pseudorchis albida subsp. tricuspis . The other subspecies, Pseudorchis albida subsp. straminea is mostly restricted to cold-temperate and palearctic areas of Eurasia. We compared detailed in vivo measurements of 10 plants from this unique population with 10 plants of a large population of Pseudorchis albida subsp. tricuspis in Bucegi Mountains National Park . Morphometric statistics was applied to data for 27 morphometric characters. Also, digital ultra-macro photographs of floral parts were taken. Morphological variations within both Pseudorchis albida and Pseudorchis albida subsp. tricuspis are comparatively low, though we found significant biometric/phenotypical differences in labellum and basal leaves structure, between the two study populations. Based on the small distribution area and the small number of individuals of this unique Pseudorchis albida population, we emphasize that, in Romania, it should be classified as Critically Endangered (CR) . Considering its various potential threats such as destruction or degradation of habitat, mainly by tourism, deforestation and uncontrolled grazing, substantial conservation measures should be taken in consideration, which may ensure the long-term persistence of this newly discovered taxon to Romanian flora.