Ionopsis x atalibae (Orchidaceae, Oncidiinae), a new natural hybrid from the Brazilian Amazon

Hybridization plays a relevant role in the evolution and diversification of flowering plants. Natural hybridization has been commonly recorded in some orchid groups. During fieldwork in a Citrus plantation in the Brazilian Amazon, plants of Ionopsis utricularioides, I. satyrioides and an unidentified taxon with intermediate morphology between both sympatric species were found. The plants with intermediate features are most likely a natural hybrid between I. utricularioides and I. satyrioides described here as I. x atalibae.

Automated summary

Hybridization plays an important role in the evolution and diversification of flowering plants. Natural hybridization was observed between Ionopsis utricularioides and I. satyrioides in a Citrus plantation in the Brazilian Amazon, resulting in the discovery of a new hybrid species, I. x atalibae.