Taxonomy of Gastrodia (Orchidaceae) in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Tian-Chuan Hsu, 許天銓
• Other Authors: 郭城孟
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2008
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/87047241821756981450

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 生態學與演化生物學研究所 === 96 === The present study focuses on the taxonomy of the genus Gastrodia (Orchidaceae) in Taiwan. Based on morphology observation of both fresh and dry materials accompanying with investigation of ecology and reproductive biology, 19 Gastrodia taxa in Taiwan were recognized, including 8 new species (Gastrodia albida, G. clausa, G. confusoides, G. flexistyla, G. leoui, G. nantoensis, G. uraiensis, and G. taitungensis) and 2 new records (G. callosa and G. nipponica). The previously reported G. confusa was excluded from Taiwan. The genus Gastrodia was divided into 3 subgenus (subg. Gastrodia, subg. Corallogastrodia and subg. Demorchis) based on morphology characters. Both vegetative and reproductive characters were useful in infrageneric division. Floral characters, especially lip and column structure, are most important in the specific classification. Most Gastrodia species in Taiwan occur in forest below 1500 m altitude, and many populations were found within non-primitive vegetation. Results from morphology observation and reproductive investigation revealed that Gastrodia species in Taiwan contain insect-pollinated and self-pollinated taxa with various pollination mechanisms. Shifts of pollination patterns may play an important role on the differentiation and speciation of Gastrodia.