Trait evolution in the slipper orchidPaphiopedilum(Orchidaceae) in China

Abstract

The well-known orchid genus Paphiopedilum has attracted much attention from biologists because of its diverse floral traits. Although these traits have been thoroughly described, little is known about their evolutionary trajectory. In this study, we explored their evolutionary patterns and trajectory through phylogenetic analyses and close observations, and 10 characters in 21 Chinese species mapped onto an existing phylogenetic tree. Lip shape, staminode shape, petal shape, and petal width are relatively congruent with molecular phylogenies, thereby validating the existing traditional classification system. All four of those characters, along with flower number, are strongly conserved, and are significantly affected by phylogeny. By contrast, flower color (including that of the dorsal sepal, lip, and petal) is significantly convergent among those examined species and less affected by phylogeny. Therefore, this character is independent of evolution and mainly influenced by environmental factors. All of these characters are key, classical indicators when distinguishing among species within the subgenera Brachypetalum and Paphiopedilum.

Physiological diversity of orchids

“…Although orchid flowers are bilaterally symmetric, the inferior ovary or pedicel usually rotates 180° so that the labellum goes on the lower part of the flower to form a platform for pollinators. In Paphiopedilum , the shape of the lip staminode and petal, as well as the width of the petal, are phylogenetically conserved, while flower color is significantly convergent among species (Zhang et al., 2016). The seeds are numerous and extremely small (Arditti, 1992), and exhibit various anatomies (Fig.…”

Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic synopsis of the angraecoid genus Ypsilopus (Orchidaceae, Vandeae)

“…More recently, Zhang & al. () found that the column had similar value in resolving infrageneric relationships in Paphiopedilum . Future studies of the relationship between rostellum morphological diversity and reproductive biology will greatly improve our knowledge of the evolution of the diverse angraecoid lineage.…”

“…For example, the structure of the rostellum has been considered a key feature differentiating Margelliantha from Rhipidoglossum (Cribb, 1979). More recently, Zhang & al. (2016) found that the column had similar value in resolving infrageneric relationships in Paphiopedilum.…”

La Solución Nutritiva Modifica El Crecimiento De Dos Especies De Orquídeas

“…Otro género de orquídeas de importancia comercial y ornamental es el conocido como zapatilla de dama (Paphiopedilum spp. ), éste comprende alrededor de 96 especies, principalmente con hábito terrestre, nativas de regiones tropicales y subtropicales del sureste de Asia (Wang et al, 2017a), cuyas flores hermosas y llamativas contribuyen significativamente a la industria de la floricultura; sin embargo, su popularidad como plantas ornamentales ha llevado a la sobre recolección de especies silvestres con fines comerciales, lo que ha provocado que algunas especies se encuentran en peligro de extinción y hayan sido puesta en el CITES (Convención sobre el Comercio Internacional de Especies Amenazadas de Fauna y Flora Silvestres) (Zhang et al, 2016).…”