Vanilla pacifica (Orchidaceae), a new wild relative of the vanilla crop native to the Chocó region

Species in the genus Vanilla represent important biological resources relevant to sustainable cultivation of the natural vanilla crop. Understanding the diversity and distributions of these species is key for the conservation and use of this agrobiodiversity. The Chocó region, which encompasses the humid tropical forest stretching from southern Panama through western Colombia and into northwest Ecuador, harbors a significant portion of the secondary gene pool of the vanilla crop, whose diversity is still incompletely documented. During our ongoing research into neotropical vanilla, and within the framework of the project “Vainilla Aroma Chocó”, we documented a distinct morphotype of Vanilla in disturbed tropical rainforest in the northern Colombian Pacific region. We undertook a thorough revision of herbarium material to determine taxonomic affinities, and we assessed conservation status. Vanilla pacifica sp. nov. is allied to the principal cultivated species, V. planifolia , and V. hartii . We provide a taxonomic description, illustrations, and observations on ecology and use. We evaluate conservation status and propose management actions. With only three subpopulations known, one in Colombia and two in northwest Ecuador, and a total of six documented individuals, V. pacifica is assessed as Critically Endangered [CR]. From our revision of herbarium material, we also report the occurrence of V. hartii in Colombia, bringing the total number of Vanilla species in Colombia to 28. This study further contributes to our knowledge of vanilla crop wild relatives and underlines the important role of community participation in biodiversity research and conservation.