Possible Solutions
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16. Type illustration of P. lueddema-
niana showing the obliquely truncate
and erose side lobe apices, the single
bifid projection on the base of the
midlobe, and the midlobe that
constricts toward the apex. The
margins are not toothed.
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17. Type illustration of P. hieroglyphica showing the bifid side lobe apices,
the two bifid projections on the base of the midlobe and the semi-erose
margins of the epichile.
SHOULD ... continued from page 19
bifid projection situated at the base of the midlobe, while
there are two for P. hieroglyphica, with the smaller pair positioned behind the frontal pair. However, there are specimens of the former that display two pairs.
In terms of markings, there are specimens of P. lueddemanniana that exhibit very narrow bars that are arranged
in such a way that they evoke those seen in P. hieroglyphica,
although these are mostly confined to the apical halves of
the sepals and the petals. In the case of plants referable to
P. hieroglyphica, the markings are much more consistent
in nature, but it is in their coloration that aberrations are
detected. Apart from the usual ochre to (golden-) yellow,
there exist specimens whose markings are in the range of
magenta’s spectrum. Even the width of the segments is
fluid: some flowers of P. lueddemanniana have narrow segments and there are P. hieroglyphica blooms that are wider
than what is usual. Indeed, when presented with plants of
both taxa, any observer will certainly have a difficult time
assessing which is which.
If we take a look at the known ranges of these two taxa, it
is clear that they overlap in Apayao on Luzon, and the islands of Polillo, Palawan and Leyte. This might suggest that
the intermediate forms may have actually been progenies
of scattered hybridization events. And yet, aberrant plants
of P. lueddemanniana have been detected in Laguna and
Quezon - two provinces where P. hieroglyphica has not yet
been found. The existence of P. hieroglyphica on the island
of Polillo, east of Quezon, might imply that this taxon was
once or could still be found somewhere in Quezon, and
that deviant plants of P. lueddemanniana could be a case
of introgression. More sampling from other parts of the
country is needed to elucidate this hypothesis, but perhaps
it is worth noting that P. hieroglyphica sensu stricto exists
on Surigao, where P. lueddemanniana is not known.
The presence of intermediates, those which connect two
extremes, render the delineation of any two presumed
closely related species highly subjective. If the common
characteristics weren’t as numerous, and the existence of
traits not subject to overlap,