Conservation assessment of the Drakaea livida (Orchidaceae) ecotypes and an evaluation of methods for their identification

Morphologically cryptic taxa must be accounted for when quantifying biodiversity and implementing effective conservation measures. Some orchids pollinated by sexual deception of male insects contain morphologically ecotypes, such as the warty hammer orchid Drakaea livida (Orchidaceae). This species is comprised three pollination which can distinguished based on differences in pollinator floral volatiles. The present study aims were: (a) to investigate geographic range D. enabling assessment their status; (b) test efficacy different methods identifying ecotypes. Three ecotype identification were assessed: morphometric analysis, genome size comparison, analysis chemical volatile composition labellum extracts from flowers. MaxEnt distribution models revealed that each has a predicted range, with small areas overlap at margins. One known just ten populations over limited area, majority been cleared agriculture, urban development. While there was broad between ecotypes individual morphological traits, multivariate traits provided correct assignment 87% individuals. Using flowers, screening compounds associated particular returned an even higher rate, 96.5%. As such, we advocate use volatiles recently flowers way determine unknown individuals , minimal impact flowering plant.