Aa achalensis
| Aa achalensis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Orchidoideae |
| Tribe: | Cranichideae |
| Genus: | Aa |
| Species: | A. achalensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Aa achalensis Schltr., 1920
| |
Aa achalensis is a species of terrestrial orchid in the genus Aa.[1] It is found at high altitudes in Argentina's Sierras de Córdoba.
Distribution and habitat
Endemic to parts of the Sierras de Córdoba in northern Argentina, Aa achalensis is most common between 1,500 to 2,500 metres (0.93 to 1.55 mi) above sea level,[2] though it can be found as high 3,500 metres (2.2 mi).[3] The species grows in mountain forests and grasslands.[3] Like many orchids, it associates with fungal orchid mycorrhiza, but also with dark septate endophytes.[4]
Description
Aa achalensis grows between 20 and 30 centimetres (7.9 and 11.8 in) tall.[5] It can be differentiated by its hairless rachises, scapes, and ovaries, a trait no other Argentinian Aa species possesses. Inflorescences have small white raceme flowers. They flower in summer, between September and December, and fruit until April.[3][5]
Taxonomy
Aa achalensis was first described from near Cerro Champaquí by Rudolf Schlechter. The type specimen, housed in the Berlin Herbarium, was destroyed during the Second World War.[3]
Conservation
A 2004 paper assessing endemic plant species in Córdoba against the IUCN 1994 Red List categories classified Aa achalensis as "Vulnerable".[2]
References
- ^ "Aa achalensis Schltr. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ a b Vischi, N.; Natale, E.; Villamil, C. (2004-05-01). "Six endemic plant species from central Argentina: an evaluation of their conservation status" (PDF). Biodiversity & Conservation. 13 (5): 997–1008. doi:10.1023/B:BIOC.0000014465.31740.9b. ISSN 1572-9710.
- ^ a b c d Martín, Claudia M.; Zanotti, Christian A.; Scrocchi, Gustavo J. (2020-12-08). "Aa (Orchidaceae) of Southern Central Andes: Taxonomy, Nomenclature, and a New Species with Dark Flowers" (PDF). Systematic Botany. 45 (4): 760–766. doi:10.1600/036364420X16033962925178.
- ^ Fracchia, Sebastian; Aranda, Adriana; Gopar, Analia; Silvani, Vanesa; Fernandez, Laura; Godeas, Alicia (2009). "Mycorrhizal status of plant species in the Chaco Serrano Woodland from central Argentina". Mycorrhiza. 19 (3): 205–214. doi:10.1007/s00572-009-0231-8. hdl:11336/81048. ISSN 0940-6360.
- ^ a b Sebastián, Fracchia; Vanesa, Silvani; Eduardo, Flachsland; Graciela, Terada; Silvana, Sede (2014). "Symbiotic seed germination and protocorm development of Aa achalensis Schltr., a terrestrial orchid endemic from Argentina" (PDF). Mycorrhiza. 24 (1): 35–43. doi:10.1007/s00572-013-0510-2. ISSN 0940-6360.