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Meliorchis
Genus Meliorchis S.R. Ramírez, Gravend., R.B. Singer, C.R. Marshall, N.E. Pierce Nature, 448: 1042. 30 Aug 2007
- Name
- Meliorchis
- Rank
- Genus
- Authors (Pub.)
- Ramírez S. R.
Gravendeel B.
Singer R. B.
Marshall C. R.
Pierce N. E.
- Publication
- Dating the origin of the Orchidaceae from a fossil orchid with its pollinator [2007/8]
- Journal
- Nature
- Volume
- 448
- Page number
- 1042
- Year
- 2007
- Parent Taxon
- [Family] Orchidaceae
- Fossil Status
- sporae dispersae (massulae)
- Type
- Meliorchis caribea
- Diagnosis
- The species is separated from other members of Goodyerinae by the bent anther, large angular massulae (~ 100 per pollinarium), and tightly packed pollen units (20 x 20 mm). The amber piece (20 x 14 x 5 mm) contains a single inclusion of Meliorchis caribea. Two complete pollinia (each ~ 1,000 x 500 mm), belonging to a single pollinarium, are firmly attached to the mesoscutellum of a worker bee, Proplebeia dominicana. The tapering pollinia consist of .100 loosely packed angular massulae (~ 200 x 100 mm), each of which encapsulates several tetrads; obovoid pollen units are tightly packed.
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