Dendrobium macrostachyum (Orchidaceae): Confirmation of its Occurrence in Nepal with Notes on Misidentified Historical Records

Abstract

Dendrobium macrostachyum (Orchidaceae) is here confirmed as a part of the flora of Nepal based on recent field collections from Sindhupalchowk District, Central Nepal. Previous reports of this species from Nepal remained uncertain due to misidentifications and lack of verifiable herbarium evidence. A comparison with morphologically similar species, particularly D. aphyllum, was performed for accurate identification. In addition, earlier herbarium records cited for Nepal are critically examined, and their taxonomic status is clarified. Information on geographical distribution, ecology, diagnostic morphological characters, and a note on doubtful records prior to this paper is provided.