Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Nora ANGHELESCU, Nicoleta KIGYOSSY, Ramy MAALOUF, Mihaela GEORGESCU, Sorina PETRA, Florin TOMA, Adrian PETICILĂ
Nine orchid hybrids, previously unrecorded in Romanian flora, have been identified. These hybrids include both intra-generic (within the same genus) and inter-generic (between different genera) crosses, showing the extraordinary biodiversity within the region. Such hybrids are extremely rare, not only in Romania but throughout temperate Europe, making this discovery particularly significant. During our eight-year study (2017-2024), we encountered several hybrids belonging to various orchid genera (Anacamptis, Ophrys, Gymnadenia, Dactylorhiza, Epipactis) and nothogenera (× Dactylocamptis and × Dactylanthera). Of these nine orchid taxa, eight are regarded as new to science, being documented for the first time. These findings are part of an ongoing research project – Orchids of Romania Project, which continues to gather additional data on these unique hybrids. The study includes detailed information on the hybrids' distribution, habitat, ecology, phenology and conservation status as assessed by the IUCN.
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