In: Phyton 59, Fasc. 1 (2019): S. 11-16 DOI: 10.12905/0380.phyton59-2019-0011 Published online on 21 August 2019

Understanding diversity of lip shape in the Dactylorhiza incarnata/maculata complex (Orchidaceae)

Aleksandra M. Naczk

Key words: Dactylorhiza incarnata, D. maculata, geometric morphometrics, lip shape, pollination, selection.

Summary
Naczk A. M., Mieszkowska A., Siwiec A. & Tomaszewska M. 2019. Understanding diversity of lip shape in the Dactylorhiza incarnata/maculata complex (Orchidaceae). – Phyton (Horn, Austria) 59 (1-2): 11–16, with 2 figures and 2 tables.*

Labellum shape is a taxonomically important diagnostic feature for the genus Dactylorhiza. Geometric morphometric approaches were tested in order to describe the labellum shape and size in five Dactylorhiza taxa. In this study, a total of 485 flowers were collected in northern Poland, and their labellum shapes were analysed considering nine landmark configurations. Using the covariance matrix of the GPA shape coordinates, we carried out multivariate analysis of the relative warps matrix to identify the specific lip for the studied taxa. Transformations between taxa probably indicate the main directions of change from one taxon-specific form to another. Such patterns can be considered as a range wherein many different flower shapes can be expressed. In our study, the observed shape variation was associated with changes in particular labellum shape of the Dactylorhiza taxa. This observation may suggest that this particular feature may be an important floral attraction character which determines pollinator preferences.