Ophrys pseudomigoutiana (Orchidaceae), a new species from Tunisia

Abstract

Abstract The studied taxon has been attached since its discovery in Tunisia to Ophrys migoutiana H. Gay, a plant described in Algeria, which remains little known to botanists. This was already a net progress, ending the historical confusion that mixed many taxa under the name “O. fusca”. However, the recent observation of the true O. migoutiana near Medea in Algeria allowed us to distinguish the Algerian and the Tunisian taxa, the latter being a priori not yet formally described. The Tunisian taxon shares some similarities with oriental taxa of the Ophrys cinereophila / Ophrys creberrima group, and is named here as a new species Ophrys pseudomigoutiana. Its phenotypic variability is illustrated by several photographs and colour plates with fresh dissected flowers. Its chorology in Tunisia is detailed and suggests that it could also be present in eastern Algeria.