First record of Goodyera xmaximo-velutina (Orchidaceae) from Kozu Island, Japan

Several individuals of an unknown taxon of Goodyera were discovered on Kozu Island, Japan. Detailed morphological investigation suggests that this taxon is considered as a natural hybrid between G. maximowicziana and G. velutina based on morphological characteristics, such as length of peduncle. Since the natural hybrid between G. maximowicziana and G. velutina was recently reported in Jeju Island, South Korea and described as G. xmaximo-velutina, here we recorded the first occurrence of G. xmaximo-velutina from Japan. Investigation on chromosome number among G. maximowicziana, G. velutina, and G. xmaximo-velutina provides the further support of hybrid status in G. xmaximo-velutina (Orchidaceae) from Kozu Island, Japan. We also discussed the utility of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the nuclear ribosomal DNA for detecting the hybrid between G. maximowicziana and G. velutina.