Revealing the true taxonomic status of Catasetum joaquinianum (Orchidaceae: Catasetinae)

The genus Catasetum stands out by its elevated number of registered natural hybrids. Many of them have been described as new species and there is a need of revision. Thus, we propose in this study a change in the taxonomic status of Catasetum joaquinianum: we suggest it as a natural hybrid, based on the comparison of its holotype and protologue with various plants resulting from the artificial hybridization of C. fimbriatum and C. hookeri. We provide a brief taxonomic description, as well as data related to the analysis of the original material, geographic distribution and phenology in order to confirm it as a nothospecies. Finally, we discuss the shared flower visitors of C. fimbriatum and C. hookeri as an evidence for a possible natural hybridization between these species.