AN OVERVIEW OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ORCHIDACEAE IN THE STATE OF AMAZONAS, BRAZILIAN AMAZON

Abstract

This study provides an updated synthesis of Orchidaceae in Amazonas, Brazil, focusing on taxonomy, diversity, endemism, distribution, natural hybrids, reproductive biology, anatomy, ecology, and conservation. Data from Flora e Funga do Brasil, updated to June 2026, were complemented by specialized literature. A total of 457 species in 109 genera are recognized, representing 18.18% of Brazilian and 58.29% of Brazilian Amazonian species. Of these, 116 are endemic to Brazil, including 110 in Epidendroideae, the richest subfamily in Amazonas (401 spp.), particularly in Cymbidieae and Epidendreae. Epidendrum, Maxillaria and Catasetum are among the richest genera. Despite its high diversity, knowledge remains spatially and taxonomically uneven, emphasizing the need for further field inventories, taxonomic and ecological studies, herbarium analyses, and conservation assessments, especially in poorly sampled areas.