Myoxanthus gyas (Luer & R.Vásquez) Luer (1982a: 34–54)

Rojas-Alvarado, Gustavo, Blanco, Mario A. & Karremans, Adam P., 2021, A taxonomic synopsis and morphological characterization of Myoxanthus (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae), Phytotaxa 507 (3), pp. 211-258 : 237

21. Myoxanthus gyas (Luer & R.Vásquez) Luer (1982a: 34–54) . (Fig. 14K)

Basionym: Pleurothallis gyas Luer & Vásquez (1981: 207) .

TYPE:— BOLIVIA. La Paz: Sud Yungas, epiphytic in scrub vegetation near Unduavi, 3200 m, 28 Jan.1980, Luer et al. 4975 (holotype: SEL!; isotype: K!).

Heterotypic synonym: Pleurothallis frutex var. robusta Schweinfurt (1951: 91) .

TYPE:— PERU. Cuzco: Paucartambo, Pillahuata , epiphytic in forest on mountain crest, 3400 m, 11 Dec 1942, Vargas 3007 (holotype: AMES!).

Distribution: — Bolivia and Peru.

Notes:— This species was first described as Pleurothallis frutex var. robusta by Schweinfurt in 1951, a variety distinguished by the more robust plant with strictly few-branched stems, commonly much longer leaves, different coloured flowers and lip with a relatively larger anterior portion. However, the description fits M. gyas , and it is included as synonym by Luer in 1982. The huge proliferous M. gyas is similar to M. chloe and M. frutex , both with the same habit. Myoxanthus gyas is recognized by the rose, reddish or brownish spotted flowers vs. whitish in M. chloe and yellowish in M. frutex , and longer petals, 25 mm vs. 10 mm in M. chloe and 11 mm in M. frutex . Luer (1992) indicated that M. gyas is also distinguished from M. frutex by the habit producing only one stout superposed ramicaul after the other, but the first species may sequentially produce up to four superposed ramicauls.