Recently, Lepanthes caritensis was described as a new species endemic to Puerto Rico. However, some believe this species to be morphologically similar to L. sanguinea, also endemic to Puerto Rico. In order to determine the taxonomic status for these species, we analyzed genetic and morphological data. Starch gel electrophoresis was used to estimate genetic divergence among these species. L. eltoroensis was used as an out-group for all analysis. Nine genetically discrete characteristics were found among the species. Allele frequencies were significantly different among species based on a chi-square. The UPGMA analysis, based on genetic distance, showed a 33.8% differentiation between L. caritensis and L. sanguinea. Morphological data consisted of nineteen parameters used in a multivariate analysis. Only twelve variables were considered for the final model. It differentiated the data in three main groups, one for each species. However, there was little separation between L. caritensis and L. sanguinea. Genetic and morphological data showed differentiation between L. caritensis and L. sanguinea. These results suggest that L. caritensis and L. sanguinea are two species.

Key words: allozyme, genetic differentiation, Lepanthes, morphological differentiation, Orchidaceae