A revised infrageneric classification of Vanilla (Orchidaceae) based on phylogenetic, morphological and biogeographical evidence

Résumé

Vanilla (Orchidaceae) is a broadly distributed and diverse genus of climbing plants with significant cultural and commercial value. Despite its economical importance, aspects of its biology, ecology and evolution remain poorly understood. We re-circumscribe Vanilla providing a solid taxonomic framework that incorporates prior classification schemes, newly described taxa and recent nomenclatural changes. Based on a well-sampled and supported phylogenetic framework, complemented by morphological, ecological, and biogeographical data, we propose a revised infrageneric classification for the 128 currently accepted species and two nothospecies of Vanilla. Four subgenera and seven sections are recognized, most newly described. Three of the subgenera are exclusively Neotropical and one is pantropical. The Neotropical endemics are Vanilla subgenera Vanilla with 40 species and two nothospecies, Membranacea with 17 species, and Gondwana with a single Guianan species. A fourth subgenus, Vanilla subgen. Tethyos, presents the highest diversity and broadest geographical distribution, with 70 species across Africa, Asia and the Antilles. The latter is further subdivided into three sections: Aphyllae, Miguelia and Tethyos. Vanilla subgen. Membranacea is divided into two sections, Dictyophyllaria and Membranacea. Vanilla subgen. Vanilla includes two sections, Palmarum and Vanilla, and encompasses all species of commercial importance on account of their aromatic fruits. The New World hosts 64 Vanilla species and two nothospecies distributed across all subgenera, while the Old World accounts for 64 species. Critical notes on typification, recognition, distribution, and ecology of the genus, and its infrageneric taxa are provided, along with an identification key and a table listing all accepted species.

Auteurs, date et publication :

Auteurs A. Karremans , Franco Pupulin , Alexander Damián-Parizaca

Publication : Phytotaxa

Date : 2025

Volume : 715

Pages : 207-228