Reinstatement and Typification of Himalayan Endemic Peristylus duthiei (Orchidaceae) With Nomenclatural Notes on Herminium josephi

ABSTRACT

Currently, the name Peristylus duthiei (= Herminium duthiei ) is treated as a heterotypic synonym of Herminium josephi . A critical examination of the herbarium, including type specimens, together with a thorough review of the relevant literature, clearly demonstrates that these two taxa are morphologically distinct from each other. Hence, we reinstate the independent specific status of P. duthiei . It is a Himalayan endemic species reported from India, Nepal, and Bhutan. In India, it was previously recorded from Uttarakhand only. In the present study, we report it as a new distributional record for Himachal Pradesh. Besides, during the study it was also observed that Herminium duthiei and H. josephi also lack typification; hence, the lectotype of the names is designated here.