First record of Epipactis veratrifolia Boiss. & Hohen. (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae, Neottieae, Limodorinae) from an arid wadi in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Epipactis veratrifolia is recorded for the first time from Jebel Hafeet, a mountain in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This species had been previously recorded from the northern part of the UAE and other areas on the Arabian Peninsula. The occurrence of E. veratrifolia in Jebel Hafeet expands the eastern distribution limits of the species and underlines the importance of biodiversity in the region. The new record fills a gap in the distribution of this species on the Arabian Peninsula.