Alamania

Abstract: Encyclia is monophyletic after removal of a number of species to Euchile, Microepidendrum, Oestlundia, and Prosthechea . However, phylogenetic analysis using DNA sequences indicated that Encyclia kienastii belongs to a separate, strongly supported sister group of Alamania , from which it differs markedly in vegetative and floral morphology. Here we transfer Encyclia kienastii to a new genus, Amoana . It is easily distinguished from other genera of Laeliinae by the following combination of characters: pseudobulbs narrowly cylindrical, leaves lanceolate, callus with two conspicuous, divergent, digitiform processes at the base of the midlobe of the labellum, and column reflexed in the middle. We also propose a second species in the genus, Amoana latipetala , which is easy to distinguish from A. kienastii because of its much wider sepals and petals. Amoana is endemic to intermediate elevations in south-central Mexico. A key to the species of the genus is presented. The conservation status of the two species is assessed using the IUCN and MER criteria.