Pyrola crypta: A Pacific Northwest species belonging to the Pyrola picta species complex

A new species of Pyrola was discovered from the Pacific Northwest Physiographic Province of western North America. This new species belongs to the Pyrola picta species complex (section Scotophylla), comprising the closely related P. picta, P. dentata, and P. aphylla. The new species shares a similar habitat with other members of the species complex, but differs in that its geographic range is restricted to the Pacific Northwest. The other species have wider ranges throughout montane western North America. Although the new species is phylogenetically sister to P. dentata, it is nearly indistinguishable morphologically from P. picta, which poses a challenge to species diagnosis. Phylogenetic analyses based on genetic markers from the chloroplast and nuclear genomes show no evidence of recent hybridization between the new species and any of its close congeners. Additionally, morphometric analyses show that the new species has larger floral bracts and sepals relative to plants of P. picta, P. dentata, and P. aphylla from the same geographic region. We provide justification for recognizing a new species, P. crypta, and briefly discuss the importance of recognizing cryptic species.