The Systematic Position of Genus Didiciea (Orchidaceae) and Its Occurrence in Taiwan

A Himalayan species of Orchidaceae, Didiciea cunninghami is recorded from Taiwan. This plant represents the type species of genus Didiciea whose taxonomic position remains uncertain due to insufficient study of flower structure. Basing on the fresh materials collected in central Taiwan, the detailed structures of flower, especially the character of lip and pollinia are carefully observed and illustrated. It is concluded that Didiciea should be included in tribe Malaxideae of Dressler’s classification system of Orchidaceae, rather than in the proposed tribe Calypsoeae. The distinction between genera Didiciea and Malaxis is also discussed and exemplified by the comparison of two native species