Rediscovery of Liparis hostifolia (Orchidaceae) on Minami-iwo-to Island in the Bonin (Ogasawara) Archipelago, Japan, and its Identification Using Molecular Sequences from a Herbarium Specimen Collected more than 100 Years Ago

Abstract

Liparis hostifolia (Orchidaceae) on Minami-iwo-to Island in the Bonin (Ogasawara) Archipelago was rediscovered for the first time in 79 years during a field survey in 2017. Its identity was confirmed by morphological comparison and DNA extractions from herbarium specimens collected between 1914 and 1938. Results from the molecular phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that L. hostifolia belongs to the L. makinoana complex. In comparison with other members of the L. makinoana complex, the broadly ovate labellum, short dormancy period, and flowering from November to March are unique characteristics of L. hostifolia. Results from the molecular phylogenetic analyses also suggested that L. hostifolia has had a long-isolated history in the Bonin Archipelago and probably migrated from temperate East Asia.