A new species of Telipogon (Orchidaceae, Oncidiinae) is described based on two collections found in the seasonally dry forests in Piura department, Peru. Telipogon mariae-luisae is morphologically similar to T. chachapoyensis, an allopatric species recorded in the Amazonas department, from which it differs by floral dimensions, labellum pilosity, and number of petal veins. The new species is described, and illustrations, photographs, discussion, plus a key to morphologically related species are provided.

Neltuma pallida (“Algarrobo”) is an endangered species native to seasonally dry forests. Preserving this species necessitates creating spatially explicit records of specimens with superior phenological traits, commonly referred to as “plus” trees, which serve as a foundation for reforestation programs. This dataset article describes a collection of multispectral images of Algarrobo trees classified as plus and non-plus, captured between January and September 2023 across the Lambayeque, Piura, and Tumbes departments in northern Peru. Sampling was conducted within forest management zones supervised by the Servicio Nacional Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre. Fieldwork included in-situ evaluation, classification, and georeferencing of specimens, followed by image acquisition using a multispectral drone at a flight altitude of 70 m. Subsequent processing isolated regions of interest corresponding to tree crowns, from which morpho-geometric parameters were extracted, summarized, and compared between tree classes. The dataset contains 500 images per class, geographically distributed across the study area, with plus trees predominantly located in Piura (70 %), Tumbes (20 %), and Lambayeque (10 %). Plus trees exhibit larger mean values for area, perimeter, and major and minor axes. The distributions of major and minor axes and equivalent diameter approximate normal distributions, differing in central tendency and dispersion between classes. However, no significant differences in roundness were observed. This database provides a foundational resource for developing classification models to distinguish between plus and non-plus Neltuma pallida trees, supporting conservation and reforestation efforts.

Neltuma pallida (algarrobo) is a keystone species of the Peruvian dry forest whose persistence is threatened by overexploitation and habitat degradation, making its conservation and genetic improvement a national priority. This study aimed to identify outstanding phenotypes of N. pallida through phenotypic characterization in the regions of Piura and Tumbes in northern Peru. A stratified random sampling design was applied, establishing forest plots in 13 localities and evaluating 631 adult individuals. Dendrometric and phenotypic traits were recorded together with physiographic, climatic, and edaphic variables obtained from soil analyses and geographic information systems. Phenotypic differentiation among populations was assessed using the index $P_{ST}$, which quantifies between- and within-population variance components. High morphological variability was detected across populations, with significant differences in tree height, diameter, and fruit production, largely explained by environmental heterogeneity, particularly soil fertility and organic matter. The $P_{ST}$ values, ranging from 0.83 to 0.98, revealed strong phenotypic divergence among populations, suggesting adaptive differentiation rather than neutral variation. Eight superior individuals were identified as potential candidates for inclusion in a germplasm bank to support breeding and restoration programs. This study provides a scientific basis for the sustainable management and conservation of N. pallida in the arid ecosystems.

Neltuma pallida is a multi-purpose tree species of the seasonally dry tropical forests of northern Peru, where it provides essential ecological and socioeconomic functions. However, recurrent defoliation associated with the cecidomyiid gall midge Enallodiplosis discordis may compromise early seedling establishment and the success of forest restoration programs. This study evaluated the effects of larval infestation on foliar integrity and established quantitative damage thresholds in N. pallida seedlings under dry forest conditions. Insects collected from naturally infested plants were identified using an integrative taxonomic approach that combined classical morphological diagnosis with COI-based DNA barcoding obtained by Sanger sequencing. Morphological assessment assigned the defoliating dipteran to E. discordis, while BLASTn v2.17.0. analysis of the 576-bp partial COI sequence showed 92.6% identity and 100% query coverage with Cecidomyiidae records, supporting its taxonomic placement within this family. Field bioassays conducted over a 17-week period, in which 25 individual seedlings were evaluated (N = 25), revealed a strong and significant positive correlation between larval density and foliar damage percentage (r = 0.872; p < 0.001), with moderate damage levels predominating throughout the evaluation period. Despite sustained larval presence, seedlings did not reach severe damage categories, suggesting potential relative tolerance to partial defoliation under the evaluated field conditions. Temperature and relative humidity were not significantly associated with infestation intensity or foliar damage during the study period. Overall, these findings indicate that E. discordis-associated foliar damage represents a relevant, although not necessarily lethal, biotic constraint for the early regeneration of N. pallida under the field conditions assessed. The quantitative thresholds reported here provide useful criteria for dry forest restoration programs, phytosanitary monitoring, and integrated pest management strategies in the Peruvian dry forest.

Lepanthes phuyupitika, a new lithophytic species from the high-elevation ecosystems of northern Peru, is described and illustrated. It grows on rocky substrates in the páramo and upper montane cloud forests between 3400 and 3900 m elevation. The new species is most similar to the Venezuelan L. unitrinervis but differs by its larger ovate-lanceolate dorsal sepal, larger petals, a labellum with narrowly obovate blades and a suborbicular body, a minute deltoid ciliate appendix, and a longer column. We calculated spatial metrics associated with the species’ range following Criterion B of the Red List of Threatened Species, as well as range contraction due to historical fires. The species is known from only two localities, with approximately twenty-five mature individuals, and is assessed as Endangered because of its restricted distribution and ongoing habitat degradation from recurrent burning and livestock grazing.