Chloraea is a genus of terrestrial orchids in the family Orchidaceae, order Asparagales, comprising around 52 recognized species. The genus was established by the English botanist John Lindley, with the type species designated as Chloraea virescens (Willd.) Lindl. Several genera have been placed in synonymy with Chloraea, including Asarca, Ulantha, Bieneria, Chileorchis, and Correorchis.
All species are native to South America, with the range extending to the Falkland Islands. The genus is concentrated in southern South America, particularly in Chile and Argentina, where members occupy a range of habitats from Patagonian grasslands to Andean slopes. Chloraea belongs to the subtribe Chloraeinae within the tribe Cranichideae and subfamily Orchidoideae.
As terrestrial orchids, Chloraea species typically produce basal rosettes of leaves and erect flowering stems bearing showy flowers, which in many species are greenish, yellowish, or white with intricate venation on the lip — a morphological character that connects the genus name to the Greek word for "green" (chloros). The genus is represented in cultivation to a limited extent; several species such as Chloraea gavilu and Chloraea bella are noted for their ornamental flowers.
Etymology
The genus name Chloraea derives from the Ancient Greek chloros (χλωρός), meaning "green" or "greenish-yellow," likely referring to the greenish coloration of the flowers characteristic of many species. The genus was named and described by the English botanist John Lindley.
Distribution
Chloraea is native to South America, with all approximately 52 species distributed primarily in Chile and Argentina. The range extends from the Andes and their foothills southward into Patagonia, and includes the Falkland Islands. Species occur across a variety of habitats including grasslands, scrublands, and montane zones.
Taxonomy Notes
Chloraea was established by John Lindley with type species Chloraea virescens (Willd.) Lindl., the lectotype designated by Correa (1969) in the Flora Patagónica. The genus belongs to the subtribe Chloraeinae, tribe Cranichideae, subfamily Orchidoideae, family Orchidaceae, order Asparagales. Several genera are treated as synonyms: Asarca Poepp. ex Lindl., Ulantha Hook., Bieneria Rchb.f., Chileorchis Szlach., and Correorchis Szlach. The Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP) recognizes 52 species; the GBIF backbone lists 36 accepted descendants.
