Lankesterella
Lankesterella
Lankesterella is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Primarily found in South America, several species extend their range northward into the Caribbean and Central America. The genus is distinguished by its diverse geographical distribution and numerous recognized species.
Key Facts
- ›Lankesterella is a genus within the Orchidaceae family.
- ›The genus is predominantly found in South America.
- ›Some species of Lankesterella are also found in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.
- ›As of June 2014, numerous species were recognized within the genus.
- ›Specific species have documented occurrences in countries like Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
- ›Some species are endemic to specific regions, such as Rio de Janeiro.

South America, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Rio De Janeiro
About Lankesterella
Lankesterella is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Orchidaceae family, commonly known as orchids. The genus is primarily distributed across South America, with a notable extension of its range into the Caribbean and Central America.
Geographic Distribution
The species within the Lankesterella genus are found in a variety of locations. While its stronghold is South America, with documented occurrences in countries such as Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, several species also reach northward. These include populations in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. Some species are recognized as being endemic to specific regions, such as Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, indicating localized evolutionary histories.
Species Diversity
As of June 2014, a significant number of species were recognized under the Lankesterella genus. This diversity in species and their distribution highlights the genus's adaptation to various ecological niches within its broad geographic spread. Each species contributes to the overall botanical richness of the regions where it naturally occurs.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the orchid genus Lankesterella primarily found?
The orchid genus Lankesterella is predominantly found in South America. Its geographical range also extends northward into regions such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.
What is the botanical family of Lankesterella?
Lankesterella belongs to the Orchidaceae family, commonly known as the orchid family. This places it among a vast and diverse group of flowering plants renowned for their intricate flowers.
Are there specific countries where Lankesterella species are known to occur?
Yes, various Lankesterella species are documented in several South and Central American countries. These include Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, as well as the Caribbean nations of Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Is Lankesterella found in Central America?
Yes, Lankesterella is found in Central America, with at least one species, Lankesterella orthantha, documented as occurring in Costa Rica. This indicates a northward expansion of the genus's distribution from its primary South American base.
What are some of the countries mentioned where Lankesterella species are located?
Species within the Lankesterella genus are recorded in countries such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Some species are also specifically noted as being from Rio de Janeiro.
Related Orchid species
Barbosella
Barbosella is a genus of creeping orchids comprising about 20 species, primarily found across the West Indies and Latin America, from Mexico down to Argentina. These orchids are distinguished by their solitary flowers, which feature a unique lip base that functions like a ball and socket joint. The genus was named in honor of João Barbosa Rodrigues, a notable investigator of Brazilian orchids.
Dryadella
Dryadella is a genus of miniature orchids, recognized for their small, often conspicuously spotted flowers borne at the base of the leaves. Originally part of the Masdevallia genus, these orchids are native to a wide range across Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina. Many species thrive when mounted on cork or treefern, with some, like Dryadella edwallii, being particularly amenable to cultivation.
Gongora
Gongora is a genus of orchids belonging to the family Orchidaceae, comprising around 65 species primarily found in Central America and tropical South America, with a significant concentration in Colombia. These epiphytic plants are distinguished by their pendulous inflorescences bearing numerous flowers that hang upside down, often with distinctive fragrances and waxy blooms. The genus is named in honor of Antonio Caballero y Gongora, a Spanish viceroy and governor.