2714 Coeloglossum Hartm.
- Hartm., Handb. Skand. Fl.: 323 (1820).
Notes: Coeloglossum is monotypic (C. viride s. lat.). Hybrids are occasionally found between C. viride and several members of the species-rich Dactylorhiza, revealing a close relationship. Initial molecular investigations based on nuclear markers (ITS: Pridgeon et al. 1997; Bateman et al. 1997) supported a merger of the two genera. The name Dactylorhiza Necker ex Nevski 1935 has been conserved over Coeloglossum Hartm. 1820 (ICBN, McNeill et al. 2006: 262), in case the genera are merged. Bateman et al. (1997) transferred Coeloglossum viride to Dactylorhiza as D. viridis. A subsequent molecular study based on other nrDNA sequences (Devos et al. 2006) supported Coeloglossum as a sister to the main body of Dactylorhiza, i.e., possibly justifying its retention as a genus. Coeloglossum viride is a morphological 'oddball' in Dactylorhiza. We accept the genus Coeloglossum as did Sheviak and Catling (2002a).
Higher Taxa
- Orchidaceae [27,family]