Papilionanthe Schltr. (Vandeae, Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae) is distinguished by its terete leaves and showy flowers, with significant horticultural and medicinal values. However, its systematic position in Aeridinae has been controversial and not been paid attention to or clarified. This study is focused on the complete chloroplast (cp) genomic data of P. biswasiana and P. teres in order to provide some genomic data for its phylogenetic relationship. The cp genomes of two Papilionanthe were 148,183 bp (P. biswasiana) and 148,145 bp (P. teres) in length, with similar GC content (36.5–36.6%). Comparative cp genomes of two Papilionanthe species and the other eight related taxa revealed differences in sequence analysis and statistics. A phylogenetic analysis based on CDS from complete cp genomes supported the notion that Papilionanthe is a monophyletic clade and closer to Luisia than to Paraphalaenopsis. It was obvious that there are four well-supported clades in Aeridinae, which could hold a significant implication for the phylogenetic relationship between Papilionanthe and other alliances in Aeridinae. Furthermore, the taxonomic positions of V. flabellata and H. himalacia were also reconfirmed herein by phylogenetic analysis of the cp genomes.

Cymbidium are endangered and ornamental orchids, and the taxonomy and species identification of this genus have been debated due to some overlapping morphological features between taxa and limited data being available. The leaf morpho-anatomy of 12 Cymbidium species from China was investigated using light microscopy and paraffin sectioning. Based on a comparative analysis, some leaf morphological features that varied between species were selected and used for taxonomic differentiation as follows: (1) The shape and structure of leaves were varied and could be used for species delimitation. (2) Microscopic characteristics show that the leaves lacked trichomes and displayed polygonal to rectangular epidermal cells on both surfaces, with larger adaxial cells and more abaxial stigmata. Stomata were mostly distributed only on the abaxial side, but on both sides in Cymbidium mastersii, which exhibited a rare amphistomatic type. The stomatal complex was uniformly tetracytic in 11 species, while it was observed to be anomocytic in C. floribundum. (3) Anatomically, two distinct midrib configurations were identified, a shallow V-shape and V-shape. The mesophyll cells were homogeneous in 10 species, with the exception of a layer of parenchyma cells resembling palisade cells occurring in C. lancifolium and C. qiubeiense. The thickness of the cuticle varied between species, with the adaxial surface covered by a thicker cuticle than the abaxial surface and displaying either a smooth or corrugated surface. A fiber bundle was observed in six species, but absent in the other six. In the former group, the fiber bundle occurred adjacent to both epidermal cells in C. mastersii and C. hookerianum, while it was adjacent to the abaxial epidermis in four other species. The stegmata, with conical, spherical silica bodies, were associated with fiber bundles and mesophyll in seven species, but absent in the other five (C. kanran, C. defoliatum, C. floribundum, C. lancifolium, and C. serratum). Three kinds of crystals were identified, namely the terete bundle, the long tube bundle, and the raphide. (4) It was suggested that some of these variable features could be selected and used for the delimitation of the species and taxonomy of Cymbidium. In addition, a key to the 12 Cymbidium species based on their leaf morpho-anatomic features was proposed, which could lead to a better understanding of the taxonomy and conservation of Orchidaceae.

Research on Satyrium nepalense var. ciliatum (Lindl.) Hook. f. has primarily focused on populations in Northwestern Yunnan, with limited studies on pollination syndromes and insect behavior. In addition, it is geographically limited in its breeding system studies. Here, pollination syndromes, florivory, and breeding systems of S. nepalense var. ciliatum from Liangwang Mountain (Central Yunnan, China) were investigated through field work, microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and parafin section. It was revealed that the pollination syndrome was possessing out-crossing, such as bright color, a developed rostellum, nectar glands in the spur, and food hairs at the lip base. The color and nectar attracted flower visitors, and florivory was observed. Some flower visitors pollinated their companion species. Ants were identified as floral visitors for the first time in Satyrium, although substantial pollination was not observed. Ants might be potential pollinators. S. nepalense var. ciliatum possessed a mixed breeding system, including selfing, out-crossing, and apomixis, with apomixis being predominant in nature. It is suggested that the pollination syndrome, florivory, and pollination competition would contribute to its mixed breeding systems, particularly leading to the occurrence of apomixis.