What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to clarify the nomenclature and taxonomy of Coelogyne viscosa and assess its conservation status.

May 14, 2026

Coelogyne viscosa (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae): Notes on Its Nomenclature, Taxonomy, and Conservation Status

Key Points

The aim is to clarify the nomenclature and taxonomy of Coelogyne viscosa and assess its conservation status.
Morphological comparison with C. flaccida to differentiate between species.
Propose neotypification based on a new collection from Meghalaya.
Assess conservation status following IUCN guidelines.
C. viscosa is assessed as Endangered (EN) in India according to IUCN guidelines.
Morphological differences in leaf shape and inflorescence were documented.
The original specimens of C. viscosa remain untraceable.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Coelogyne viscosa is a well‐established species found mainly in South‐Eastern Asia. In India it is recorded from North‐Eastern states. The species is morphologically similar to C. flaccida from which it differs in having grass‐like leaves (vs. oblong‐elliptic to narrowly lanceolate in C. flaccida ) and short erect inflorescence with few flowers present at the base (vs. many‐flowered lax racemes in C. flaccida ). The species was described based on the collection of Mr. Bonsen from eastern India, but original specimens remained untraceable till date across the world. Thus, a neotypification has been proposed here based on a recent collection by authors from Meghalaya, one of the North‐Eastern states. C. viscosa occurs in India mainly in the Himalayan Region. According to the IUCN guidelines, it is assessed as Endangered (EN) in the country.

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