Three new orchid species from the genus Pleurothallis have been discovered in the cloud forests of Costa Rica and western Panama. These orchids utilize an unusual method of asexual reproduction known as prolification.
Found in the Talamanca range at elevations between 1400 and 2550 meters, the species are named Pleurothallis matrisilvae, Pleurothallis pridgeoniana and Pleurothallis winkeliana. Prolification allows them to bypass seed production and spread vegetatively.
Prolification becomes common under stressful environmental conditions and might be important when pollinators are scarce. The three new species are endemic to the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. Costa Rica now boasts 67 recognized species of Pleurothallis.