Vanilla corinnae Sambin & Chiron 2017

3. Vanilla corinnae Sambin & Chiron (2017: 26) (Figure 5 I)

Type:— FRENCH GUIANA. Cayenne: Kourou, forêt de transition entre Savane de Matiti et fleuve Kourou, March 2017, A. Sambin, G. Chiron, J. Guiard & C. Sambin 1038 (holotype: CAY225561!; isotypes: HJBG 0049!, LY0018955!, LY0006937!).

Distribution:— French Guiana, Venezuela (Figure 4).

Taxonomic Discussion:—This species is not vegetatively distinct from other V. hostmannii -like species such as V. cribbiana, V. hostmannii, and V. dressleri. However, it can be easily differentiated during flowering by its fan-shaped lip which is not as strongly trilobed as the other three species. Additionally, the rachis and sepals of this species appear to be less densely papillose than those of V. hostmannii and more similar to V. cribbiana or V. dressleri.

During an herbarium revision, numerous specimens with papillose sepals resembling V. corinnae were discovered, but unfortunately, their flowers were not well-preserved. Therefore, it was not possible to confirm whether the species is present in other countries within the Guiana Shield. However, considering that V. corinnae has been identified in Venezuela and the type material originates from French Guiana, it is probable that the species also occurs in Suriname, Guyana, and Brazil. Collecting additional specimens from these regions would greatly assist in confirming these assumptions. The following record represents the first time V. corinnae is observed outside French Guiana, extending it known geographic range.

Specimens examined:— VENEZUELA. Amazonas: Along river just below mouth of Rio Cunucunuma, 24 May 1959, J. J. Wurdack & L. S. Adderley 43170 [flower] (US 00319617, NY01075145, NY01075147, P00367035).