| Resumo: | Close examination of Dactylorhiza maculata s.l. populations in the Serra da Estrela lead to the proposal that all of them are referable to D. caramulensis and that D. ericetorum is probably absent from this area, although it is well represented in the north of the country. New hypotheses are formulated towards a possible hybrid origin of D. caramulensis between D. ericetorum and D. elata. Three localities with truly typical representatives of Epipactis helleborine are reported, two from the Bragança district and one from the Serra da Estrela. A single individual of E. phyllanthes was discovered close to Bragança; this is the first mention of an autogamous Epipactis in Portugal. Trend towards autogamy was also detected on one plant from the Serra da Estrela. A discussion is initiated on the need to further develop understanding on chromosome structure and mating systems in orchid species, especially in complex genera such as Dactylorhiza and Epipactis, to adequately fulfil conservation purposes.
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