Govenia is a genus of terrestrial or occasionally epiphytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae (order Asparagales), comprising roughly two dozen species distributed across the American tropics. The genus is distinguished by its cormous, egg-shaped pseudobulbs and characteristically paired, thin, plicate (pleated) leaves — a combination that makes Govenia readily recognizable among New World terrestrial orchids.
Species in the genus are found from Mexico and the West Indies south through Central America to the Andes of South America (Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina), with one species, Govenia floridana, historically occurring in Florida before becoming extinct. The genus is thus centered in Mesoamerica, with the greatest diversity in Mexico, Guatemala, and adjacent countries.
The type species, Govenia superba, was originally described as Maxillaria superba before Lindley established the new genus to honor J. R. Gowen, secretary of the Horticultural Society of London. The Royal Horticultural Society recognizes Gov. as the official abbreviation for the genus. Other notable members include Govenia bella from Oaxaca, Mexico; Govenia utriculata, widespread from the Caribbean to southern South America; and Govenia liliacea, which ranges through Mexico and Central America.
Etymology
The genus name Govenia was established by John Lindley to honor J. R. Gowen, secretary of the Horticultural Society of London in the early nineteenth century. The type species, Govenia superba, had previously been classified as Maxillaria superba before being transferred into the newly created genus.
Distribution
Govenia species are native to the American tropics and subtropics: Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and South America (including Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina). One species, Govenia floridana, formerly occurred in Florida but is now considered extinct there.
Taxonomy Notes
Govenia belongs to the family Orchidaceae, order Asparagales (class Liliopsida). The Royal Horticultural Society uses Gov. as the official abbreviation. The genus was segregated from Maxillaria by Lindley; the type species is Govenia superba (La Llave & Lex.) Lindl. ex Lodd. (1831).
